  Ain’t Never Hurt Nobody"Ain’t never hurt nobody" is a Southern and Appalachian way of saying something is harmless or not worth worrying over. Built with ain’t and a double negative, it’s part of the region’s natural rhythm of speech. Hillbilly Dude Says...  If I'm making refried donuts - and I will make refried donuts - I may say, 'ain’t never hurt nobody.' Pronunciation[AIN’T NEH-ver hurt NO-body] Meaning & Usage- Harmless, not a problem (phrase)
Mae:
You’re havin’ another slice of pie?
Earl:
Sure - ain’t never hurt nobody.- Not worth worryin’ about (phrase)
Mae:
You left your boots by the door again.
Earl:
Aw, that ain’t never hurt nobody.other spellings: it never hurt nobody, ain’t hurt nobody, don’t hurt nobody, never done no harm, won’t hurt a thing, and ain’t no harm in it ★ This saying softens judgment - it’s not that something’s *good,* just that it’s harmless enough not to fret over. ★ OriginComes from the widespread Southern/Appalachian use of "ain’t" with double negatives. The pattern goes back to older English forms where double negatives were emphatic, not incorrect. NotesStill common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Outsiders may see it as "bad grammar," but within the dialect it’s natural and expressive. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "ain’t nev’r hurt nobuddy." Quick and casual, often with a shrug. | 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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