Shoot Far!
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "shoot far" is an exclamation showing surprise, disbelief, or mild astonishment - similar to saying "well I’ll be" or "you don’t say."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Exclamations #Euphemisms
Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Express Surprise or Disbelief (exclamation)
Clyde finally fixed that fence.Shoot far - I didn’t think he’d ever get around to it.That calf weighed 95 pounds at birth.Shoot far! That’s a big one.Origin and Etymology
Likely a softened euphemism for stronger exclamations, "shoot" being a common stand-in for "sh-" and "far" possibly evolving from "fire" or simply added for rhythm. It’s been recorded in rural American speech for generations.
Usage Notes
Tone is everything - said with a smile, it’s pure good-natured surprise; said slowly, it can hint at skepticism. It’s a safe, all-ages phrase, so you’ll hear it from kids to grandparents.
Say It Like a Southerner
Start with "shoot" as one quick syllable, almost like "shooot" with a short, relaxed vowel. Follow with "far," giving it a little drawl so it sounds closer to "fahr." Keep your tone rising slightly at the end, like you’re reacting to unexpected news - friendly surprise, not anger.
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