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That’ll Learn You

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "That’ll Learn You" means "That’ll teach you" - a joking or scolding expression used after someone learns a lesson the hard way.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
'That’ll learn you' is another one you'll hear, probly more out in the country. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'That’ll learn you' is another one you'll hear, probly more out in the country. 

Pronunciation

[THA-dl LURN ya] /ˈðæɾl ˈlɜːrn jə/

Meaning & Usage

- Used after someone experiences consequences ("that will teach you") (expression)

Mae:
He stuck his hand in the wasp nest.
Earl:
Well that’ll learn you not to mess with it!
variations: That’ll Teach You, Serves You Right, That’ll Show You, Reckon You Learned Now
★ "That’ll learn you" is a humorous reversal of "That’ll teach you." It’s especially associated with rural Southern/Appalachian and Ozark speech, used jokingly by parents, grandparents, or friends after someone makes a mistake. ★

Origin and Etymology

Documented in rural Southern and Midwestern newspapers from the early 20th century. Likely developed as a playful twist on "teach" vs. "learn," a long-standing source of dialect humor in English.

Usage Notes

Still widely heard in Southern/Appalachian speech, often as "That’ll learn ya." Outside the region it’s recognized as a folksy or humorous expression.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "That’ll learn ya" - with "you" often softened to "ya" and "that’ll" shortened to "thadl."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "That’ll learn you" wrong?
In standard English yes, but in dialect it’s authentic with deep historical roots.
Does it always mean something negative happened?
Usually - it’s said after someone learns a lesson the hard way.
Is it still used today?
Yes - especially among older speakers, or humorously by younger Southerners imitating the dialect.

How to Cite This Page

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). That’ll Learn You. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/thatll-learn-you
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    "The Hillbilly Dude." "That’ll Learn You." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/thatll-learn-you.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "That’ll Learn You." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/thatll-learn-you.
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