  Scared Half to DeathIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "scared me half to death" is a vivid way of saying something startled or frightened you very badly. It’s more dramatic than just saying "scared me." Hillbilly Dude Says...  Ruby laughed, "That black snake dropped from the rafter and scared me half to death!" Pronunciation[skaird mee haf tuh DETH] Meaning & Usage- Frightened Badly (expression)
Earl:
Why’d you holler?
Mae:
That dog come barrelin’ in and scared me half to death!
Estel:
Thunder near cracked the roof off.
Ruby:
I know it - scared me half to death.other spellings: scare me half to death, scared half to death, and scare half to death ★ Nobody ever actually dies from this saying - it’s just mountain talk for being startled real bad. ★ OriginThe phrase goes back at least to the 1700s in English. It became especially common in Appalachian and Southern speech, where exaggeration and humor color everyday talk. NotesOften used with a chuckle after the scare passes. You’ll hear it for snakes, critters, loud noises, and practical jokes. It’s exaggeration, but folks mean they were mighty startled. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it quick and breathless, like you’re still recovering: "scared me half t’death." The "to" almost always shortens to "tuh." | 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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