   Let Me Tell You How the Cow Ate the CabbageIn Southern speech, let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage means to speak bluntly or tell the plain truth. It’s a folksy way of saying, "I’m about to be honest with you - no sugarcoating." synonyms: speak frankly, tell it like it is, be honest, give the plain truth Hillbilly Dude Says...  I think 'Let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage' is a good one, but I never heard it growin' up, only read it. I think it's a little more regional. Hillbilly Dude Says... I think 'Let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage' is a good one, but I never heard it growin' up, only read it. I think it's a little more regional. Pronunciation[LET meh TELL yuh how thuh COW ate thuh CAB-bidge] /lɛt mi ˈtɛl jə haʊ ðə kaʊ eɪt ðə ˈkæb.ɪdʒ/ Meaning & Usage- To speak bluntly or deliver the truth (idiom)
Mabel:
Alright, let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage - you can’t drive worth a lick.
Earl:
Well, I reckon I asked for it.variations: I’ll tell you how the cow ate the cabbage, tell them how the cow ate the cabbage ★ If somebody says they’re about to "tell you how the cow ate the cabbage," brace yourself - the truth’s comin’ next, whether you like it or not. ★ Origin and EtymologyThe saying likely arose in rural Southern farming communities in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Cows occasionally wandered into gardens and ate the cabbage, a frustrating event for farmers - a perfect metaphor for a messy truth that must be faced head-on. The phrase spread widely through Texas and neighboring states and remains a hallmark of Southern humor and direct talk. Usage NotesThis expression often signals a mix of humor and seriousness. It’s more playful than harsh and can precede a lecture, confession, or plainspoken opinion. Though less common today, it’s still instantly recognizable across the South as a warning that someone’s about to speak their mind. | ...
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... |