Gettin’ Above Your Raisin’In Appalachian and Southern speech, "gettin’ above your raisin’" means acting too proud or forgetting your humble roots. It’s a way of calling out someone who thinks they’re better than where they came from. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says... Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[GET-in uh-BUHV yer RAY-zin] Meaning & Usage- To act proud or superior (verb phrase)
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- To forget humble beginnings (verb phrase, figurative)
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Earl:
variations: getting above your raising ★ This saying is a gentle but pointed reminder to stay humble. It can be used as a tease, but also as a serious reproach in close-knit communities. ★ Origin and EtymologyRooted in rural Southern and Appalachian culture, where "raisin’" means upbringing. The phrase became widely known through the Bill Monroe bluegrass song "You’re Gettin’ Above Your Raisin’" (1951), cementing its place in country talk. Usage NotesStill used in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. Younger folks may not use it daily, but it’s a recognizable cultural phrase and often shows up in music and storytelling. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "gettin’ above yer raisin’." The final "g" is usually dropped: "raisin’." | ...
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... |