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Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the Gravy

In 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. It's a mountain cousin to "Bless you!" or "Gesundheit!"

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #BodyandHealth

synonyms: bless you, gesundheit
Hillbilly Dude Says...
When I was growin' up I heard either, 'scat there, Tom,' or 'scat there, tom, your tail's in the gravy.' To the 'gravy' one, I would respond (as a tiny young'un) - 'don't say that, Momma!' It was because I was imagin' Chester's tail in the gravy. But I say it all the time to my own bunch now - especially if there are multiple sneezes. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
When I was growin' up I heard either, 'scat there, Tom,' or 'scat there, tom, your tail's in the gravy.' To the 'gravy' one, I would respond (as a tiny young'un) - 'don't say that, Momma!' It was because I was imagin' Chester's tail in the gravy. But I say it all the time to my own bunch now - especially if there are multiple sneezes. 

Pronunciation

[skat th-air tahm, yer tay-ulz in thuh gray-vee]
/skæt ðɛɹ, tɑm, jɚ teɪlz ɪn ðə ˈɡɹeɪvi/

Meaning & Usage

- Playful Sneeze Response (interjection)

Estel:
ACHOO!
Elmer:
Scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy!
variations: scat there, scat there, tom
★ 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. ★

Origin and Etymology

The "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.

Usage Notes

This phrase is rare today and mostly remembered fondly among those who grew up hearing it. Perfect for lightening the mood after a sneeze in a friendly gathering.

  • "Scat there!" → some remember only this shortened version.
  • "Scat there, Tom!" → remembered as well.
  • "Scat there, Tom - your tails' in the gravy!" → rare to remember.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does it have a literal meaning?
Not really - it’s a joke phrase, not meant to be taken seriously.
Where did the gravy part come from?
Probably from the Southern love of food and the humor of imagining a tail in the gravy boat.
Is it still in use?
Extremely rarely - mostly among older folks or in storytelling.
Is it ever said without "Tom"?
Occasionally, but the full phrase with "Tom" is the most recognized form.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 8). Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the Gravy. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/scat-there-tom-your-tails-in-the-gravy
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the Gravy." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/scat-there-tom-your-tails-in-the-gravy.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the Gravy." HillbillySlang.com. October 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/scat-there-tom-your-tails-in-the-gravy.
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