   Don’t Be Throwin’ StonesIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Don’t be throwin’ stones" is a Bible-rooted saying meaning don’t judge or criticize others harshly. It’s the local, shortened version of the older proverb "People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones," echoing the biblical "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #Proverbs Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Don’t be throwin’ stones' is one I've heard and said all my life. Pronunciation[DONT bee THROW-in STONES] Meaning & Usage- To warn against judging others (verb phrase/proverb)
Mae:
She’s always talkin’ about other folks’ kids.
Earl:
She oughta know better - don’t be throwin’ stones.- To caution humility before criticism (verb phrase/proverb)
Mae:
That preacher sure went long today.
Earl:
Don’t be throwin’ stones - you were late yourself.other spellings: don’t cast stones ★ This expression comes straight from the Bible but in Southern mouths it became a casual warning. "Don’t be throwin’ stones" blends folk speech with church teaching, making it a distinct regional way to say "don’t judge." ★ OriginFrom John 8:7: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." While "People who live in glass houses"" is an old English proverb, the Southern version took the biblical imagery and shortened it to "don’t be throwin’ stones," especially in rural church communities. NotesStill heard in Southern/Appalachian speech as an admonition about gossip and judgment. Outside the South people usually say "don’t throw stones" or quote the proverb about glass houses. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "don’t be throwin’ stones." Sometimes "don’t cast stones." | Latest Accents About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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