  All Over CreationIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "all over creation" means scattered everywhere, or covering a wide area. It’s often said when someone or something ranges far and wide, usually making a mess along the way. Hillbilly Dude Says...  When I was little, my Momma mighta said, 'traipsin all over creation.' This one still persists. Pronunciation[all over kree-AY-shun] Meaning & Usage- Everywhere, scattered far and wide (saying)
Mae:
I looked all over creation for that hammer.
Earl:
Check the barn - you prob’ly left it there.- Running around everywhere (saying)
Mae:
They’ve been runnin’ all over creation today.
Earl:
Oughta sleep good tonight.other spellings: all over the place, scattered everywhere, all over kingdom come, all through the house, here, there, and yonder, ``all across the land``, and ``everywhere`` ★ The phrase usually carries a little exasperation - folks say it when something’s spread too far, or when someone’s been busy in every direction. ★ Origin"All over creation" goes back at least to the 1800s in American English. Farm and rural life reinforced the image, since "creation" meant the whole wide world. Appalachia and the South adopted it into everyday speech. NotesStill very common in Appalachian and Southern talk, though not unique to the region. Often used in family life and farm talk for messes, errands, or scatterbrained activity. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it steady: "all over creation." Works best with a sigh or shake of the head. | 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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