   Don’t Get Your Drawers in a KnotIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "don’t get your drawers in a knot" means "don’t get upset," "don’t overreact," or "settle down." It’s a folksy way of saying "relax" rooted in the older Southern word "drawers" for underwear. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #OldTimers #Southern #Scoldin’andTeasin’ Hillbilly Dude Says...  Saying 'get your drawers in a knot' is more of a country thing. Pronunciation[DRAW-urz in a NOT] /ˈdrɔɚz ɪn ə nɒt/ Meaning & Usage- Don’t get upset or overreact (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
You double-booked the hall!
Earl:
Easy now-don’t get your drawers in a knot, we’ll sort it out.variations: drawers in a wad ★ "Drawers" is an older Southern word for underpants. Adding "in a knot" or "in a wad" creates a vivid image of discomfort-perfect for telling someone to calm down. ★ OriginDocumented in the Dictionary of American Regional English and mid-20th century Southern newspapers. The expression blends the Southern/Appalachian term "drawers" with a humorous image of bunched-up clothing to mean "getting agitated." NotesStill heard today in rural and humorous speech. Outside the South people may use "panties in a twist" or "shorts in a bunch," but "drawers" makes this version distinctively Southern/Appalachian. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "drawers" often sounds like "drars" or "drawrz"; "in a knot" can clip to "’n a knot." | ...
About 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... |
 |