   Hotter Than Blue BlazesIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "hotter than blue blazes" means extremely hot. It’s a vivid way of describing oppressive heat, whether the weather, a stove, or even tempers running high. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I never heard 'hotter'n blue blazes' growin' up, but I hear it a couple counties over. So it may be slightly regional. Pronunciation[HOT-ur than bloo BLAY-ziz] Meaning & Usage- Extremely hot temperature (adjective phrase)
Mae:
How’s it outside?
Earl:
It’s hotter than blue blazes - don’t plan on mowin’ yet.- Intensely heated or fired up (figurative)
Mae:
Why’s he stompin’ around?
Earl:
He’s hotter than blue blazes over that bill.other spellings: hotter'n blue blazes, and hotter than blazes ★ "Hotter than blue blazes" is colorful but family-friendly. It exaggerates the heat for comic effect, making it perfect for small talk and storytelling. ★ OriginThe phrase likely ties to the imagery of "blue blazes," a term once used for hellfire or intense flames. Blue fire burns hotter than red, making it a natural exaggeration for extreme heat. It has been recorded in American speech since at least the 1800s. NotesStill widely used across the South and Appalachia, especially in summer talk. Outsiders may recognize it, but it carries a distinctly rural and old-fashioned flavor. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "hot-er than blue blay-ziz." The "blue blazes" part is drawn out for emphasis. | 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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