   Hush Your Mouth!In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Hush your mouth" means be quiet, stop talking, or quit saying something. It can be playful, affectionate, or even a scolding, depending on tone. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #Exclamations #BodyandHealth #Euphemisms Hillbilly Dude Says...  Usually 'hush your mouth' is like saying, 'oh, stop that!' Hillbilly Dude Says... Usually 'hush your mouth' is like saying, 'oh, stop that!' Pronunciation[HUHSH yer MOWTH] Meaning & Usage- To stop talking (imperative phrase)
Mae:
I don’t like beans.
Earl:
Hush your mouth and be thankful.- Playful disbelief or affection (figurative)
Mae:
That pie’s better than Granny’s.
Earl:
Hush your mouth!★ "Hush your mouth" can be sharp if spoken in anger, but in many families it’s gentle or playful. The same words can mean scolding or affection depending on how they’re said. ★ Origin and Etymology"Hush" has been part of English since the 14th century, meaning "be silent." In the South and Appalachia, it merged into the full phrase "hush your mouth," which became a familiar way to quiet someone or express playful disbelief. Usage NotesStill very common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Often used with children, or as a light-hearted way of showing surprise or teasing. Outside the region, it may sound quaint or theatrical. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "hush yer mouth." The "your" often shortens to "yer." | ...
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... |