  Playin’ PossumIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "playin’ possum" means pretending to be asleep, dead, or unaware to avoid notice or responsibility. It comes from the possum’s defense trick of keelin’ over and lookin’ dead. Pronunciation[PLAY-in POSS-um] Meaning & Usage- Pretending to be asleep or unaware (verb phrase)
Mae:
 Go wake up your brother.
Earl:
He’s not sleepin’ - just playin’ possum.- Pretending to be dead (verb phrase)
Mae:
Did he knock you out?
Earl:
Nah, I was just playin’ possum till he backed off.other spellings: pretendin’, fakin’ it, actin’ asleep, ignorin’, stallin’, play dead, and act dumb ★ When used about people, "playin’ possum" almost always hints at laziness, avoidance, or slyness. It can be playful or accusatory, depending on tone. ★ OriginThe phrase comes straight from the possum’s natural defense: falling limp and lookin’ dead to fool predators. By the 1800s, "play possum" was already a common American expression, and it stuck in Appalachian and Southern speech. NotesHeard widely across the U.S., but especially strong in Appalachia and the South, where possums are a familiar critter. The saying still shows up in families, jokes, and even politics. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "play-in poss-um." The "g" in "playing" is usually dropped. | 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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