Showin’ Out
In Appalachian speech, "showin’ out" (commonly written "showing out") means acting up for attention - showing off, clowning, or misbehaving in front of others. It’s strongest in Appalachia, though sometimes heard in the wider South.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #ScoldingandTeasing
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We never used 'showin’ out' growin' up - but the same neighbor from across the mountain that made the best bread you ever tasted? She said it to her little'un all the time. I'm assuming it's more regional. Hillbilly Dude Says...
We never used 'showin’ out' growin' up - but the same neighbor from across the mountain that made the best bread you ever tasted? She said it to her little'un all the time. I'm assuming it's more regional. Pronunciation
[SHOW-in OUT]
Meaning & Usage
- To act up or misbehave for attention (verb phrase)
Mae:
Them boys was showin’ out all through the service.
Them boys was showin’ out all through the service.- To show off or try to impress others (verb phrase)
Earl:
He was showin’ out tryin’ to make the girls laugh.
He was showin’ out tryin’ to make the girls laugh.★ "Showin’ out" is usually a scolding - parents, teachers, and preachers use it when kids are cutting up in front of others. It can also mean grown folks showing off too much. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the standard English "showing out" (to display). In Appalachia, the phrase took on a stronger meaning of acting up or showing off in public.
Usage Notes
Most common in Appalachian speech, especially in family and church settings. Occasionally heard in the wider South, but rare outside the region.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "show-in out." The "g" in "-ing" is dropped: "showin’."
Kin Topics
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Showing Out. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/showing-out
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Showing Out." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/showing-out.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Showing Out." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/showing-out.
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