Slicker’n Snot (Slicker Than Snot)

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "slicker’n snot" is a colorful way of saying something is extremely slippery or smooth. It’s part of a whole family of vivid Southern similes.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #OldTimers #Southern #BodyandHealth

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I grew up hearin' my Dad say 'slicker’n snot' about anything that was really slick. I hear it sometimes, but not as often.

Pronunciation

[SLIK-urn SNOT]

Meaning & Usage

- Extremely slippery or smooth (folk simile)

Mae:

How bad’s that trail?

Earl:

It’s slicker’n snot - watch your step.

variations: slicker than snot, slick as owl spit, slicker than a minnow’s backside

★ Southern and Appalachian speech is rich with "slicker than"" comparisons. "Slicker’n snot" might sound crude but it’s a long-running rural way of warning about slippery ground, roads, or objects. ★

Origin

Chiefly South and South Midland, this reflects a longstanding tradition of humorous, sometimes earthy similes in rural English, brought over by Scots-Irish settlers and kept alive in everyday talk.

Notes

Still widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers and in storytelling. Outside the region it’s recognized as colorful rural speech but less common.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it quick and easy: "slicker’n snot." The "’n" contracts "than," giving it a rural, conversational flow.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "slicker’n snot" offensive?

It’s mildly crude (body reference) but not a slur - just folksy and earthy.

Is it unique to the South?

Strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech, but similar phrases occur in rural Midwest and West.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - especially in informal settings, when warning about slick conditions.

...