  Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the GravyIn Appalachian and Southern humor, "scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy" is a long, comical variation of the sneeze response "scat there," mixing blessing, superstition, and pure nonsense. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I heard this one growin' up all the time, and I use this one with my family - especially if there are multiple sneezes. Pronunciation[skat th-air tahm, yer tay-ulz in thuh gray-vee] Meaning & Usage- Playful Sneeze Response (interjection)
Earl:
ACHOO!
Lila:
Scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy!other spellings: scat there, tom - your tail’s in the gravy, scat there, tom - tail in the gravy, and scat there tail in the gravy ★ The longer the phrase, the more likely it’s meant to get a laugh. Nobody’s worried about gravy or tails - it’s just Appalachian wordplay at its finest. ★ OriginThe "scat there" part comes from older sneeze responses meant to shoo away bad luck. "Tom" is a playful name tag, and "your tail’s in the gravy" is pure comedic nonsense, likely added for its rhythm, surprise, and down-home imagery. NotesThis phrase is rare today and mostly remembered as a novelty or a joke among those who grew up hearing it. Perfect for lightening the mood after a sneeze in a friendly gathering. | 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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