Struttin' Like a Rooster

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "strutting like a rooster" means "walking with pride or swagger" - acting as if you own the place. It’s especially vivid in rural talk, where roosters rule the barnyard.

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synonyms: swaggering, showing off, proud walk, parading

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I like 'struttin' like a banty rooster' myself, because those little dudes are funny.

Pronunciation

[STRUT-in like a ROOS-ter] /ˈstrʌtɪn laɪk ə ˈruːstɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- Walking Proudly / Swaggering (simile)

Mae:

He came in strutting like a rooster after winning the prize.

Earl:

Yep - thought he was king of the world.

- Showing Off / Acting Important (simile)

Hazel:

She was strutting like a banty rooster in her new dress.

Ruby:

She sure wanted everyone to notice.

variations: strut like a rooster, strutting like a banty rooster, strut like a banty rooster, acting like a rooster

★ Adding "banty rooster" intensifies the image - banty (bantam) roosters are smaller but feisty, so "strutting like a banty rooster" suggests overconfidence or extra swagger. ★

Origin

From farm life in the American South and Appalachia, where roosters literally strut to assert dominance. This simile appears in regional newspapers and oral histories throughout the 20th century and remains common today.

Notes

Still widely heard in Southern/Appalachian speech. Variants include "strut like a rooster," "strut like a banty rooster," and "strut like a little rooster." Used for men or women showing off, or even pets acting bold.

Strut like a rooster - standard form
Strut like a banty rooster - intensified version
Strutting like a rooster - present participle form

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "He’s strut’n like a banty rooster" or "strut’n like a rooster" in relaxed speech.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "strutting like a rooster" always mean negative showing off?

Not always - it can be playful admiration or a gentle tease.

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in rural areas, but it’s recognized widely thanks to its colorful imagery.

Where does "banty" come from?

"Banty" = "bantam," a small, spirited breed of chicken - common on Southern farms.

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