Fair to Middlin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "fair to middlin’" (sometimes written "fair to middling") means so-so, average, or doing all right. It’s often used in casual greetings when folks don’t want to claim they’re doing great, but they’re not doing all that bad either.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I grew up with my Momma sayin' 'fair to middlin’.' I don't hear it usually unless I say it. Probably more an old timers thing these days.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I grew up with my Momma sayin' 'fair to middlin’.' I don't hear it usually unless I say it. Probably more an old timers thing these days.

Pronunciation

[FAIR tuh MID-lin]

Meaning & Usage

- So-so, average, doing all right (saying)

Mae:

How you feelin’?

Earl:

Oh, fair to middlin’.

★ This phrase usually comes with a shrug or a smile - it’s a modest, friendly way to answer without complaining or bragging. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase goes back to farming and cotton grading, where "middling" meant an average grade. Saying you’re "fair to middling" meant not poor quality, but not the best either. Appalachian and Southern speakers carried it into everyday talk for how someone’s doing.

Usage Notes

Still common in the South and Appalachia, especially among older generations. It’s almost always used as a greeting response rather than a standalone description.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it quick: "fair-tuh-middlin’." Drop the "g" at the end.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "fair to middling" mean good or bad?

It means in-between - doing okay, not great, not terrible.

Do people still say it today?

Yes, though more common with older speakers. It’s still instantly recognizable in the South and Appalachia.

Where does "middling" come from?

From cotton and farming grades, where "middling" was a middle-quality crop.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Fair to Middling. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fair-to-middling
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fair to Middling." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fair-to-middling.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Fair to Middling." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fair-to-middling.

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