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
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only read 'cuttin’ a shine,' I didn't hear it growin' up. I think this one is a little more regional. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only read 'cuttin’ a shine,' I didn't hear it growin' up. I think this one is a little more regional. Pronunciation
[CUH-tin uh SHAHN]
/ˈkʌtɪn ə ʃaɪn/
/ˈkʌtɪn ə ʃaɪn/
Meaning & Usage
- To show off or act up (phrase / idiom)
Mama:
Quit cuttin’ a shine and sit down before you spill that tea.
Quit cuttin’ a shine and sit down before you spill that tea.
Brother:
I was just dancin’!
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
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Cutting a Shine. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Cutting a Shine." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Cutting a Shine." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cutting-a-shine.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...