Grinnin’ Like a Possum Eatin’ a Sweet Tater
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "grinnin’ like a possum" means smiling widely, often with pride, mischief, or slyness. The image comes from opossums baring their teeth, which looks like a big grin.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk #BodyandHealth
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We still say 'grinnin’ like a possum' - and some will add 'eatin’ a sweet tater.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
We still say 'grinnin’ like a possum' - and some will add 'eatin’ a sweet tater.' Pronunciation
[GRIN-in like uh POSS-um]
Meaning & Usage
- Smiling widely, sometimes slyly (saying)
Mae:
Why you grinnin’ like a possum?
Why you grinnin’ like a possum?
Earl:
Won the raffle, that’s why!
Won the raffle, that’s why!variations: grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater, smilin’ wide, cheesin’, toothy grin, smilin’ proud, smirkin’
★ The phrase can be affectionate ("he’s happy as can be") or teasing ("look at him grinnin’ like a possum, up to somethin’"). ★
Origin and Etymology
From the opossum, a nocturnal animal common in the South and Appalachia. When startled or feeding, they often bare their teeth, which looks like a big grin. By the 1800s, "grinnin’ like a possum" was a popular rural simile.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachian and Southern speech. The longer form "grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater" adds humor and is still heard today.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it quick: "grinnin’ like a possum." Drop the "g" in "grinning."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Grinning Like a Possum Eating a Sweet Tater. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grinning-like-a-possum
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Grinning Like a Possum Eating a Sweet Tater." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grinning-like-a-possum.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Grinning Like a Possum Eating a Sweet Tater." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/grinning-like-a-possum.
advertisement...
Most Popular
About
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...Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home