Grab a Root and Growl

In Southern and Appalachian speech, grab a root and growl means to dig in and get busy - whether that’s eating a hearty meal or tackling a tough job with determination.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Southern

synonyms: dig in, get after it, hunker down, get to work, eat hearty

Pronunciation

[GRAB uh ROOT an’ GROUL]
/ɡræb ə rut ən ɡraʊl/

Meaning & Usage

- To eat heartily (phrase)

Mamaw:

Quit talkin’ and grab a root and growl before it gets cold.

- To tackle a job with grit (phrase)

Uncle Ray:

Fence ain’t gonna fix itself. Let’s grab a root and growl.

variations: grab and growl, grab-’n-growl

★ When somebody says "grab a root and growl," it’s your cue to stop jawin’ and start doin’. Works just as well for chores as for chow time. ★

Origin and Etymology

This colorful phrase has long circulated through rural Southern and Appalachian talk. It likely began as a rustic call to effort - blending the idea of "grabbing hold" with the low growl of exertion or hunger. Over time, it came to fit both eating and hard work, each demanding a bit of grit and appetite.

Usage Notes

Used as a friendly command or bit of encouragement, "grab a root and growl" is both practical and good-humored. It fits the mountain tendency to turn everyday labor into language - short, vivid, and full of muscle. You’ll hear it in kitchens, barns, and job sites alike.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is it just about eating?

Not necessarily. It can mean "dig in" to any task - a plate of food, a pile of work, or even a new challenge.

Is it still in use?

Occasionally, yes. It’s an older country expression but still pops up in families who like their sayings hearty.

Why "root"?

Probably to suggest grabbing something solid or earthy - the kind of work or meal that makes a person growl with effort.

Can you shorten it?

Sure. Folks sometimes say "grab and growl," but the full version has more bite.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 6). Grab a Root and Growl. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grab-a-root-and-growl
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Grab a Root and Growl." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grab-a-root-and-growl.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Grab a Root and Growl." HillbillySlang.com. November 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grab-a-root-and-growl.

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