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Got On to Me

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "got on to me" means to be scolded or corrected-usually for doing something you knew better than to do. It’s gentler than "yelled at" and often carries humor or affection.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

synonyms: told me off, fussed at me, corrected me, chewed me out (mildly)

Pronunciation

[GAHT on tuh mee] /ɡɑt ɒn tə mi/

Meaning & Usage

- To be fussed at or corrected for doing something wrong

At the kitchen sink
June:
Why’re you washin’ your boots?

Eddie:
Daddy got on to me for trackin’ mud in the house.

variations: got onto me, got on at me, got after me

Origin and Etymology

Likely evolved from the literal phrase "get onto," meaning "to catch on" or "to notice wrongdoing." In Southern and Appalachian English, it came to mean "to correct" or "to scold," often softened by tone and familiarity.

Usage Notes

Used for mild reprimands between family or friends, rarely for serious trouble. Tone is usually affectionate or teasing, not harsh.

  • "Mama got on to me for not callin’ her back." → light scolding.
  • "Boss got on to us for bein’ late again." → mild correction.
  • "Don’t let her get on to you." → friendly warning.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "got on to me" mean?
It means someone scolded or corrected you, often in a familiar or gentle way.
Is it Southern?
Yes-common throughout the South and Appalachia, especially in family talk.
Does it mean angry?
Not necessarily-it’s usually mild, like being fussed at by someone who cares.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 7). Got On to Me. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-on-to-me
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Got On to Me." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-on-to-me.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Got On to Me." HillbillySlang.com. October 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-on-to-me.
...
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