Smack Dab
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "smack dab" means directly or exactly - most famously in the phrase "smack dab in the middle." It’s a folksy intensifier that adds color to everyday talk.
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Oh 'smack dab' is a part of everday speech down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh 'smack dab' is a part of everday speech down here. Pronunciation
[SMACK dab]
Meaning & Usage
- Directly or exactly (adverbial phrase)
Mae:
Where’s the old courthouse?
Where’s the old courthouse?
Earl:
Smack dab in the middle of the square.
Smack dab in the middle of the square.- Exactly, squarely, or straight on (emphasis)
Mae:
Where’d the ball hit?
Where’d the ball hit?
Earl:
Smack dab on the mark.
Smack dab on the mark.variations: right in the middle, dead center, directly, squarely
★ "Smack dab" combines two older intensifiers - "smack" (straight, exactly) and "dab" (directly, precisely) - to double up the emphasis. It’s pure Southern/Appalachian flavor for saying "right there." ★
Origin and Etymology
Recorded in American English since the late 19th century, "smack dab" is chiefly South and South Midland and spread widely through oral storytelling and humor columns.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia today. Outside the region it’s recognized but often heard as quaint or playful. Works especially well in storytelling and location descriptions.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it crisp: "smack dab." "Smack" hits hard, "dab" lands it precisely.
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