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. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #Southern #BodyandHealth Hillbilly Dude Says... Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[AIN’T NEH-ver hurt NO-body] Meaning & Usage- Harmless, not a problem (phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
- Not worth worryin’ about (phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
variations: it never hurt nobody, ain’t hurt nobody, don’t hurt nobody, never done no harm, won’t hurt a thing, 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. ★ Origin and EtymologyComes 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. Usage 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. | ...
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