Quicker’n Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail

In rural American speech, especially in the South and Appalachia, "quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail" (usually written "quicker than two shakes of a lamb’s tail") means "very quickly." It’s an old farm-country way of saying something will happen in almost no time.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail,' but I'd say it's mostly old timers these days.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail,' but I'd say it's mostly old timers these days.

Pronunciation

[KWIK-er’n too shayks uh vuh LAMBZ tayl]

Meaning & Usage

- Very quickly or promptly (adverbial phrase)

Mae:

How soon you comin’ back?

Earl:

I’ll be home quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

variations: quicker than two shakes of a lamb’s tail

★ This saying works because a lamb flicks its tail rapidly. Rural Americans, especially in the South and Appalachia, used it for generations to mean "in a flash." ★

Origin and Etymology

Traced back to 19th-century rural English and American speech. The image of a lamb’s tail was a natural farm simile. It became common in U.S. frontier and farm regions, including the South.

Usage Notes

Heard across farm country, not just the South. Today it’s a folksy or humorous way of promising speed, more common among older generations and in rural storytelling.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "quicker-n two shakes of a lamb’s tail." The "than" is dropped to "’n" in many rural accents.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it mean exactly two shakes?

No - it’s figurative for "very fast."

Is it Southern only?

Strongly rural and Southern-sounding but also used in the Midwest, West, and older British English.

Still in use today?

Yes, though now it’s mostly a nostalgic or colorful expression.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Quicker Than Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail . HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/quicker-than-two-shakes-of-a-lambs-tail
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Quicker Than Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail ." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/quicker-than-two-shakes-of-a-lambs-tail.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Quicker Than Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail ." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/quicker-than-two-shakes-of-a-lambs-tail.

advertisement...