   Don’t Get the Big HeadIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Don’t get the big head" means don’t become arrogant or overly proud after a success. It’s a folksy way of telling someone to stay humble. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #Proverbs Hillbilly Dude Says...  Oh you'll heard 'now don’t be gettin' the big head' all over down here, it's common. Pronunciation[DONT git thuh BIG HED] Meaning & Usage- To warn someone not to become conceited (verb phrase/dialect)
Mae:
You’re pretty good at that banjo.
Earl:
Thanks - but don’t worry, I won’t get the big head.- To caution humility in the community (verb phrase/dialect)
Mae:
They’re cheerin’ for you now, but don’t get the big head.other spellings: don’t git the big head ★ "Get the big head" is a classic mountain expression - the "big head" is a metaphor for swollen pride. It’s still common in rural Southern speech and high school sports pep talks. ★ OriginFrom Southern/Appalachian folk speech. The "big head" image of swelling with pride dates back to at least the 19th century and appears in regional newspapers, sermons, and folk tales. NotesStill widely used in the South, especially among older generations, coaches, and parents. It’s far less common in northern states, where "get a big head" exists but without the folksy ring of "don’t get the big head." Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "don’t get the big head." Sometimes "don’t git a big head." | 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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