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Cuttin' a Shine

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "cutting a shine" means showing off or acting up to draw attention. It can be playful or scolding, depending on how it’s said.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

synonyms: showing off, acting up, carrying on, showing out

Pronunciation

[CUH-tin uh SHAHN] /ˈkʌtɪn ə ʃaɪn/

Meaning & Usage

- To show off or act up (phrase / idiom)

Calling out someone’s behavior
Mama:
Quit cuttin’ a shine and sit down before you spill that tea.

Brother:
I was just dancin’!

variations: cut a shine

Origin and Etymology

Comes from older expressions like "cut a figure" or "cut a caper," meaning to put on a display. In the South, "shine" adds the idea of something bright, flashy, or attention-getting - behavior that draws the eye.

Usage Notes

Common in older Southern and Appalachian speech. Can be affectionate ("He’s cuttin’ a shine for that girl") or disapproving ("Don’t you be cuttin’ a shine in church").

  • "Cut a shine" - same meaning, less continuous action
  • "Cutting a shine" - ongoing, habitual or repeated behavior

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "cutting a shine" mean?
It means showing off or acting up to get attention, often in a playful or showy way.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)

    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 4). Cuttin' a Shine. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine

  • MLA (9th edition)

    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Cuttin' a Shine." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine.

  • Chicago (17th edition)

    The Hillbilly Dude. "Cuttin' a Shine." HillbillySlang.com. October 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine.

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