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.
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synonyms: told me off, fussed at me, corrected me, chewed me out (mildly)
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If somebody starts scolding me, I'd say they 'got on to me' - and that's the common phrasing around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If somebody starts scolding me, I'd say they 'got on to me' - and that's the common phrasing around here. Pronunciation
[GAHT on tuh mee]
/ɡɑt ɒn tə mi/
/ɡɑt ɒn tə mi/
Meaning & Usage
- To be fussed at or corrected for doing something wrong
June:
Why’re you washin’ your boots?
Why’re you washin’ your boots?
Eddie:
Daddy got on to me for trackin’ mud in the house.
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.
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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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