  I’ve Had About As Much Fun As I Can Stand"I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand" is an Appalachian and Southern saying, borrowed from a 1960s country song, used as a tongue-in-cheek farewell or wrap-up line. Hillbilly Dude Says...  My Momma and Grannie would both say, 'Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand.' I’m not sure how widespread it was, but it stuck with me - and I still use it myself. Pronunciation[ahv HAD uh-bout as much FUN as ah kin STAND] Meaning & Usage- Polite or humorous farewell (saying)
Mae:
Well, I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand.
Earl:
Guess that means it’s time to head on home.- Dry, sarcastic comment (saying)
Mae:
These folding chairs are about to wear me out.
Earl:
Yep - I’ve had about as much fun as I can stand.other spellings: I’ve enjoyed as much of this as I can stand, That’s about all the fun I can take, I’ve had all the fun I can handle, fun’s over, and time to go ★ This saying doesn’t mean the speaker disliked the experience. It’s usually playful, a way of politely declaring "that’s enough for me." ★ OriginThe phrase traces to the 1960s country song "I’ve Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand," written by Bill Anderson and recorded by Porter Wagoner. Fans and performers carried it into everyday talk, where it stuck as a humorous farewell line across Appalachia and the South. NotesStill heard among Appalachian and Southern families, especially older generations. It works both sincerely and jokingly, depending on tone.
Say It Like a SouthernerSaid slow and deliberate for comic effect. Deadpan. | 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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