It’s Fixin’ to Come Up a Cloud
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud" means a storm is about to form-dark clouds are building and rain (often wind and thunder) is imminent.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #WeatherandSeasons #OldTimers #Southern
synonyms: storm’s brewing, about to rain, coming up a storm
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I bleeve I've only heard 'it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud' from old timers, but it's a cool one. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I bleeve I've only heard 'it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud' from old timers, but it's a cool one. Pronunciation
[FIK-sin tuh kum up uh KLOUD] /ˈfɪksɪn tə kʌm ʌp ə klaʊd/
Meaning & Usage
- Impending storm (idiomatic weather warning)
Mae:
Sky’s turnin’ black over the ridge.
Sky’s turnin’ black over the ridge.
Earl:
Yep-it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud.
Yep-it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud.- Time-to-act cue (move fast before the rain)
Mae:
Clothes are still on the line.
Clothes are still on the line.
Earl:
Fetch ’em now-it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud any minute.
Fetch ’em now-it’s fixin’ to come up a cloud any minute.★ Two classic South/Appalachia pieces combine here: "fixin’ to" (about to) + "come up a cloud" (a storm building). Use it when threatening clouds roll in fast. ★
Origin and Etymology
Rural weather-talk from the American South and South Midland; "fixin’ to" is a longstanding regional future marker, and "come up a cloud" is an older colloquial way to say a storm is forming.
Usage Notes
Feels folksy and homey; common in older and rural speakers. Outside the region it reads as distinctly Southern but is easily understood in context.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "fixing to" → "fixin’ to" (drop the g); "to" reduces to "tuh." "Cloud" takes a broad diphthong-"klowd."
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