Haulin’ Tail

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "haulin’ tail" (sometimes written "hauling 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.

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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.

variations: 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. ★

Origin

From 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.

Notes

Still 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 Southerner

Said plain: "haul-in tail." The "g" is dropped: "haulin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "haulin’ tail" always mean driving?

No - it can mean running, working fast, or any kind of rushing.

Is "haulin’ tail" Southern only?

Strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech, but understood elsewhere.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - it’s still a colorful way to say "hurrying up."

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