   Haulin’ TailIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "haulin’ tail" means moving very fast or rushing. It’s a colorful way of saying someone’s in a hurry, often used when driving or running. Hillbilly Dude Says...  Growin' up, 'haulin’ tail' was the only version I ever heard of this one. It's sometimes tweaked a tad these days. Pronunciation[HAWL-in tayl] Meaning & Usage- To move very fast (verb phrase)
Mae:
How’d you get here so quick?
Earl:
I was haulin’ tail the whole way.- To rush or hurry up (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
Y’all better haul tail or we’ll miss the first hymn.other spellings: hauling tail ★ "Haulin’ tail" is one of those country phrases that turns plain "going fast" into something lively. It’s clean enough for all ages, unlike rougher versions. ★ OriginFrom the verb "haul," meaning to pull or carry, combined with "tail" as a colorful way of saying the rear end. Grew in Southern and Appalachian English as a vivid expression for rushing. NotesStill widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially in family talk and country storytelling. Outsiders recognize it, but it carries a rural and Southern flavor. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "haul-in tail." The "g" is dropped: "haulin’." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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