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.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Southern

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.

Pronunciation

[BERNS mah BIS-kits] /bɜrnz ma ˈbɪs.kɪts/

Meaning & Usage

- Makes me mad / aggravates me (idiom)

Clara:

The co-op raised prices again.

Elmer:

Well, that just burns my biscuits.

variations: burns my biscuit

Origin

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.

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

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Common Questions

What does "burns my biscuits" mean?

It means "that makes me mad" or "that aggravates me."

Is it really Southern?

Yes. It’s a mid-20th century Southernism that became popular in folksy humor, especially in the South and Appalachia.

Why biscuits?

In the South, biscuits are everyday fare. Burning them is wasteful and disappointing - a fitting image for being irritated.

Is "burns my biscuit" the same thing?

Yes, it’s just a newer singular variation. The plural form is older and more traditional.

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