Carryin’ On

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "carrying on" means acting up, fussing, or making a scene. It can describe rowdy behavior, loud complaining, or dramatic carrying. Tone decides whether it’s playful or critical.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

It's kindly like 'carryin’ on' is about the same as saying "over and over", but not quite. This one's in use all over around here.

Pronunciation

[KARE-in ON]

Meaning & Usage

- To act rowdy or misbehave (verb phrase)

Mae:

What’s all that racket?

Earl:

Just the crowd carryin’ on.

- To fuss, complain, or act dramatic (verb phrase)

Mae:

She was carryin’ on about the price of eggs.

- To keep talking or carrying about something (verb phrase)

Earl:

He just kept carryin’ on like he knew it all.

variations: acting up, fussin’, complainin’, making a scene

★ "Carrying on" is one of those flexible sayings - it can mean fun, foolishness, or fussing. Context and tone tell you which. ★

Origin

From the older English sense of "carry on" meaning to continue an action. In Appalachian and Southern speech, it shifted into a colorful way to describe rowdy or dramatic behavior.

Notes

Still common in Appalachia and the South, especially in family talk, schools, and churches. Outside the region, it’s understood but less commonly used in everyday speech.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "care-in on." The "g" in "carrying" is dropped: "carryin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "carrying on" mean the same as "cuttin’ up"?

Sometimes - both mean acting up, but "carrying on" can also mean fussing or complaining.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - it’s alive and well, though strongest in the South and Appalachia.

Is it negative or playful?

Both - it can be affectionate, humorous, or a scolding, depending on tone.

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