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Bust Your Rear End

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bust your rear end" is a folksy threat of spanking or punishment. It’s a family-friendly way of warning someone they’ll get in trouble if they don’t behave.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #People&Relationships   #Southern

Pronunciation

[BUST chur REER end]

Meaning & Usage

- To spank or punish (verb phrase, figurative)

At school
Mae:
Why’s he quiet today?

Earl:
Teacher done bust his rear end yesterday.

- To scold or warn strongly (figurative)

At home
Mae:
Kids still runnin’ wild?

Earl:
Yep, and I told ’em I’d bust their rear ends if they didn’t stop.

other spellings: bust your hind end
★ "Bust your rear end" is a toned-down way of saying "bust your butt." It’s strong enough to get attention but clean enough for parents and grandparents to use around kids. ★

Origin

"Bust" has been American slang for "hit" or "break" since the 1800s. Coupled with "rear end," it became a colorful Southern and Appalachian threat for discipline.

Notes

Still common in Southern and Appalachian family talk. Recognized elsewhere in the U.S., but strongly tied to country and folksy speech. Closely related to sayings like tan your hide and wear you out.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "bust cher rear’n." "Rear end" is often slurred together: "rear’n."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does it literally mean breaking someone’s rear end?
No - it’s figurative, a threat of spanking or discipline.
Is it rude?
Not really - it’s considered a family-friendly way of warning kids.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - especially in Southern/Appalachian households.
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