   Mean as a SnakeIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "mean as a snake" is a vivid simile for someone who’s vicious, ornery, or ill-tempered. It draws on the real-life danger of snakes in rural life. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Nature #Southern #FarmTalk Hillbilly Dude Says...  Oh this is a goto when somebody truly is mean - they 'mean as a snake.' Pronunciation[MEEN az uh SNAYK] Meaning & Usage- Describing someone as vicious or ill-tempered (simile)
Mae:
Is he friendly?
Earl:
No ma’am, he’s mean as a snake.- Figurative warning about temperament (simile)
Mae:
The boss was in a mood today.
Earl:
Yep, mean as a snake.other spellings: ornery as a snake ★ This saying reflects rural life where venomous snakes pose real danger. It’s a quick way to paint a mental picture of someone’s bad temper without getting fancy. ★ OriginDocumented in 19th- and early 20th-century Southern/Appalachian speech. Snakes like copperheads, rattlers, and moccasins were common hazards, making "mean as a snake" a natural simile for anger and danger. NotesStill common in Southern and Appalachian talk, especially among older generations. Recognized elsewhere but feels distinctly country and old-timey in delivery. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "mean as a snake." Often drawn out for emphasis: "meeean as a snaaake." | Latest Sayings 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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