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Sop It Up

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "sop it up" is a familiar command or suggestion meaning "soak up the liquid" - especially gravy, pot likker, or syrup - with bread, biscuits, or cornbread.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #FoodandDrink   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you're eatin' supper in the south, somebody's bound to recommend, 'sop it up' if you have any liquid and bread. 

Pronunciation

[SAHP it UP] /sɒp ɪt ʌp/

Meaning & Usage

- Imperative to soak up liquid with bread or food (command phrase)

Mae:
Don’t waste that pot likker.
Earl:
Go on and sop it up.
variations: mop it up, dab it up, get every drop, bread dunk
★ "Sop it up" is more than just eating - it’s a Southern ritual of savoring every drop of gravy or pot likker with a biscuit or cornbread. The phrase also works figuratively ("sop up the applause"). ★

Origin

From Old English "sopp" meaning bread soaked in liquid. "Sop it up" emerged naturally in Southern/Appalachian kitchens as the go-to command to soak up gravy or pot likker with bread.

Notes

Still a beloved part of Southern talk around the dinner table. Outside the region, people may say "mop it up" but "sop it up" signals authentic Southern foodways.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "soppit up" or "sop ’er up" in quick Southern speech. Cross-link to Sop for the verb itself.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "sop it up" only for food?
Mostly - but it can also be used figuratively ("sop up the attention") or for spills ("sop up the mess").
Do you need bread to "sop it up"?
Traditionally yes - biscuits, cornbread, or other bread are used to sop.
Is it polite to "sop" at the table?
In Southern homes, absolutely - it’s a sign you’re enjoying the meal!
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