   Ain’t Worth a Hill of BeansIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "ain’t worth a hill of beans" means worthless, of little value, or not important. It’s a folksy way of dismissing something as not amounting to much. Hillbilly Dude Says...  People out in the country still say 'ain’t worth a hill of beans' Pronunciation[AYNT wurth uh HILL uh BEENZ] Meaning & Usage- Worthless or of little value (idiom)
Mae:
Think it’s a fair trade?
Earl:
Nope, it ain’t worth a hill of beans.- Unimportant, doesn’t matter (figurative)
Mae:
Will it rain tonight?
Earl:
Don’t make no difference - it ain’t worth a hill of beans either way.★ Country folks often measure value by crops. A "hill of beans" is such a small, common thing that it became a figure for something trivial. ★ OriginThe phrase dates back to the 1800s in American English. Beans were a cheap, everyday food - a "hill of beans" was easy to come by, so saying something wasn’t worth even that meant it had no value at all. It took deep root in Southern and Appalachian speech. NotesStill widely used in the South and Appalachia, though understood everywhere. Outside the region, it may sound quaint or old-fashioned, but it’s easily recognized. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "ain’t worth a hill-uh beans." The "of" often drops to "uh." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home