Bustin’ at the Seams
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bustin’ at the seams" (sometimes written "busting at the seams") means something is so full, crowded, or overflowing that it can hardly hold any more. It can describe food, clothes, crowds, or even feelings.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
We use 'bustin’ at the seams' mainly when talkin' about somebody bein' proud of an accomplishment. Hillbilly Dude Says...
We use 'bustin’ at the seams' mainly when talkin' about somebody bein' proud of an accomplishment. Pronunciation
[BUHS-tin at thuh SEEMS]
Meaning & Usage
- Overfilled or overcrowded (figurative)
Mae:
Want more cornbread?
Want more cornbread?
Earl:
Nope, I’m already bustin’ at the seams.
Nope, I’m already bustin’ at the seams.- Overflowing with pride, emotion, or energy (figurative)
Mae:
How’d she react?
How’d she react?
Earl:
She was bustin’ at the seams with joy.
She was bustin’ at the seams with joy.variations: bursting at the seams
★ "Bustin’ at the seams" often paints a funny picture - pants too tight, barns stuffed with hay, or bellies after Sunday dinner. But it also works for emotions like pride or excitement. ★
Origin and Etymology
From sewing and clothing: when fabric is too tight, the seams may literally burst. The figurative sense has been in American English since the 1800s and grew popular in Southern/Appalachian speech for food, crowds, and feelings.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially in kitchens and family talk. Outsiders understand it too, but the dropped "g" gives it a country sound. Related to sayings like fit to burst.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "bust-in at thuh seems." The "g" is dropped: "bustin’."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Busting at the Seams. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/busting-at-the-seams
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Busting at the Seams." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/busting-at-the-seams.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Busting at the Seams." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/busting-at-the-seams.
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