It’s Fixin’ to Come Up a Cloud

Q: Can I drop “fixin’ to”?

Yes—“It’s coming up a cloud” is also heard, but adding “fixin’ to” makes it extra Southern.

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.

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.

Earl:

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.

Earl:

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

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.

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."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does it always mean thunder?

Not necessarily, but it implies more than a sprinkle-often wind, dark clouds, and a good rain.

Can I drop "fixin’ to"?

Yes-"It’s coming up a cloud" is also heard, but adding "fixin’ to" makes it extra Southern.

Is it old-fashioned?

Traditional, yes, but still alive in everyday country talk.

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