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.

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.

- To show off or try to impress others (verb phrase)

Earl:

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

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.

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

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "showin’ out" the same as "showing off"?

Close - "showin’ out" usually carries a scolding tone, while "showing off" can be neutral or even positive.

Do people outside Appalachia use it?

Rarely. It’s mostly Appalachian, with some Southern overlap.

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in family and church talk in Appalachian communities.

...