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.
synonyms: getting interest, drawing attention, getting leads
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Folks that grew up around here use 'gettin’ any bites?' in this way, it's a common one. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Folks that grew up around here use 'gettin’ any bites?' in this way, it's a common one. Pronunciation
[GIT-n BITES]
/ˈɡɪt.n̩ baɪts/
/ˈɡɪt.n̩ baɪts/
Meaning & Usage
- Beginning to attract attention or results (phrase)
Ray:
Sold anything yet?
Sold anything yet?
Earl:
Not yet, but I’m gettin’ bites.
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
Related Pages
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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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...