Playin’ Possum

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "playin’ possum" (commonly written "playing 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.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk #BodyandHealth

synonyms: playing dead

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've seen many-a-possum 'playin’ possum.' When a feller does the same thang, we gonna call him out.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've seen many-a-possum 'playin’ possum.' When a feller does the same thang, we gonna call him out.

Pronunciation

[PLAY-in POSS-um]
/ˈpleən ˈpɑsəm/

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.

variations: playing possum, playing opossum

★ When used about people, "playin’ possum" almost always hints at laziness, avoidance, or slyness. It can be playful or accusatory, depending on tone. ★

Origin and Etymology

The 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.

Usage Notes

Heard 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 Southerner

Said plain: "play-in poss-um." The "g" in "playing" is usually dropped.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "playin’ possum" only mean pretending to be dead?

No - it also means pretending to be asleep or ignoring something.

Is it just Southern?

It’s understood everywhere in the U.S., but the phrase thrives most in Appalachian and Southern speech.

Do folks still say it today?

Yes - it’s still a lively expression, especially in casual or humorous settings.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Playing Possum. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/playing-possum
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Playing Possum." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/playing-possum.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Playing Possum." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/playing-possum.

advertisement...