  I Got Half a Mind ToIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "I got half a mind to" is a way of saying you’re tempted to do something, often as a warning, scolding, or idle threat. Hillbilly Dude Says...  If somebody says, 'I got half a mind to...' then it's really under consideration. Still in use down here. Pronunciation[ahv got HAFF uh mind to] Meaning & Usage- Warning or scolding threat (saying)
Mae:
I got half a mind to march you right back outside.
Earl:
Yes ma’am, I’ll take my boots off.- Playful or exaggerated temptation (saying)
Mae:
I got half a mind to buy every pie in this case.
Earl:
Wouldn’t shock me none if you did.other spellings: I’m fixin’ to, I oughta, tempted to, I feel like, I could just", and I swear I’ll" ★ When somebody says they’ve got "half a mind," it doesn’t mean they’ll surely do it - it’s often just a way to show they’re serious or fed up. ★ OriginThe phrase comes from older English speech, meaning "I have some inclination." In Appalachia and the South, it took on a stronger tone, often tied to scolding or joking threats. NotesStill common across Southern and Appalachian speech. Often used by parents and grandparents toward kids, but also playfully in everyday talk. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid with emphasis on "half." Drawn out slow if it’s a warning, quicker if it’s playful. | 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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