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Gettin’ Bites

In Southern and Appalachian talk, "gettin’ bites" means starting to get interest or attention-a figurative way of saying things are beginning to stir after a quiet spell. It comes straight from fishing, when the line finally starts to twitch before a catch.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern

synonyms: getting interest, drawing attention, getting leads

Pronunciation

[GIT-n BITES] /ˈɡɪt.n̩ baɪts/

Meaning & Usage

- Beginning to attract attention or results (phrase)

Talking about a new venture
Ray:
Sold anything yet?

Earl:
Not yet, but I’m gettin’ bites.

variations: getting a few bites, startin’ to get bites

Origin and Etymology

From fishing slang meaning a fish has begun to nibble at the bait. Rural Southerners and Appalachians, where fishing is part of everyday life, extended the image to describe any sign of interest or early success.

Usage Notes

Common in everyday conversation when something finally starts to gain traction-selling, dating, job-hunting, or creative work.

  • "I posted that listing-already gettin’ bites." → people are showing interest.
  • "Ain’t caught nothin’ yet, but gettin’ bites." → progress is starting.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "gettin’ bites" mean?
It means things are beginning to get attention or show results.
Where does it come from?
From fishing-when fish start nibbling before a catch.
Is it still used today?
Yes. It’s understood everywhere but sounds especially natural in Southern and small-town speech.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)

    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Getting Bites. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/getting-bites

  • MLA (9th edition)

    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Getting Bites." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/getting-bites.

  • Chicago (17th edition)

    The Hillbilly Dude. "Getting Bites." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/getting-bites.

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