Ain’t Got a Lick of SenseIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "ain’t got a lick of sense" means someone is foolish, lacking in judgment, or acting without any common sense at all. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #People&Relationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[AYNT got uh LIK uh SENTS] Meaning & Usage- To be foolish or lack judgment (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
Earl:
★ Adding "lick" makes the insult sharper than just saying "no sense." It’s a staple of Southern scolding and storytelling. ★ OriginBuilt on the Southern/Appalachian use of "lick" as a tiny measurement. Saying someone "ain’t got a lick" means they don’t have even the smallest trace - of sense, work ethic, or smarts. NotesStill very common in the South and Appalachia. Sometimes said playfully, other times as a stinging criticism. Related to other "lick" phrases like lick and not a lick of work. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "ain’t got a lick ’a sense." The "of" is often slurred to "a." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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