Gettin’ Down to Short Rows

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "gettin’ down to short rows" means "nearing the end" or "finishing up." It comes from farm life, where the end rows of a field are shorter and quicker to plow or pick.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern #FarmTalk

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't hear 'gettin’ down to short rows’ growin' up, so I'm thinkin' it may be regional.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't hear 'gettin’ down to short rows’ growin' up, so I'm thinkin' it may be regional.

Pronunciation

[GET-in DOWN tuh SHORT ROWS]

Meaning & Usage

- Near the end of a task; wrapping up (idiom / figurative)

Mae:

We’ve been at this all day.

Earl:

Hang on - we’re gettin’ down to short rows now.

variations: down to the short rows, almost finished

★ This expression draws directly from farm life. Fields were planted in long rows; the short rows at the edge meant you were almost finished. Today it’s used for sermons, meetings, or any project nearing completion. ★

Origin and Etymology

Documented in Southern and South Midland speech and in agricultural writings. Authentic to Appalachian and Southern farm life where row-cropping was standard.

Usage Notes

Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region it’s rare and may need explaining. Often used humorously to signal "I’m almost done talking."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "gettin’ down tuh short rows." The "g" is dropped in "gettin’," and "to" often sounds like "tuh."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it literally refer to farming?

Originally yes, but now it’s figurative for "wrapping up" any task.

Is it uniquely Southern?

Strongest in Southern/Appalachian speech, though recognizable in other rural areas.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially in churches, meetings, and family talk.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Getting Down to Short Rows. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-down-to-short-rows
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Getting Down to Short Rows." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-down-to-short-rows.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Getting Down to Short Rows." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-down-to-short-rows.