   Best Not Go ThereIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Best not go there" means "You’d better not do that or go there." It’s the negative form of the authentic "best = had better" construction. synonyms: don’t go there, you’d better not, stay away Hillbilly Dude Says...  Out in the country you'll hear 'best not go there' and the like. Pronunciation[BEST NOT GO THAIR] /bɛst nɑːt ɡoʊ ðɛr/ Meaning & Usage- Warning / Prohibition (imperative phrase)
Granny:
Best not go there after dark - the dogs’ll be out.
Jake:
Yes, ma’am.variations: you’d better not, better not go there ★ This phrase is the negative twin of "You best watch yourself." In Southern speech, "best" works with "not" to warn or forbid. ★ OriginDescended from older English "had best not"" which remained alive in Southern/Appalachian English as "best not"" or "you best not"." Common in rural transcripts and oral histories. NotesStill widely heard in Southern/Appalachian regions. Outside the region it’s easily understood but sounds more like a colloquialism or a pop-culture warning. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: often "Best not go there" or "You best not go there" with a drawl on "there." | ...
Latest Accents About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. 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 not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home