Burns My Biscuits
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "burns my biscuits" means "makes me mad" or "gets on my nerves." It’s a colorful food-based saying that came into wide use in the mid-20th century and has stuck around ever since.
synonyms: annoys me, ticks me off, makes me mad, aggravates me
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only read 'burns my biscuits,' it wasn't something' we said in our family grwoin' up. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only read 'burns my biscuits,' it wasn't something' we said in our family grwoin' up. Pronunciation
[BERNS mah BIS-kits]
/bɜrnz ma ˈbɪs.kɪts/
/bɜrnz ma ˈbɪs.kɪts/
Meaning & Usage
- Makes me mad / aggravates me (idiom)
Clara:
The co-op raised prices again.
The co-op raised prices again.
Elmer:
Well, that just burns my biscuits.
Well, that just burns my biscuits.variations: burns my biscuit
Origin and Etymology
A playful Southern expression dating back to the mid-20th century, drawing on the everyday importance of biscuits in Southern life. Burned biscuits = disappointment, waste, or frustration, making it a natural metaphor for being upset.
Usage Notes
- Burns my biscuits is the most common and older form, appearing in print by the mid-1900s.
- Burns my biscuit (singular) is a later variation, sometimes heard in casual speech and writing.
- Often used light-heartedly rather than in moments of deep anger.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 2). Burns My Biscuits. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/burns-my-biscuits
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Burns My Biscuits." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/burns-my-biscuits.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Burns My Biscuits." HillbillySlang.com. October 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/burns-my-biscuits.
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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...