What Let’s Do

What let’s do (or "here’s what let’s do," "I'll tell you what let’s do") is a Southern and Appalachian way of introducing a suggestion or plan. It’s a familiar blend of "what we should do" and "let’s do," expressing a friendly sense of leadership or inclusion.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If I have an idea, I'll often say, 'I'll tell you what let's do.' It's a common phrasing out in the country.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If I have an idea, I'll often say, 'I'll tell you what let's do.' It's a common phrasing out in the country.

Pronunciation

[WHAT let’s DOO]
/wʌt lɛts duː/

Meaning & Usage

- To Propose an Action Together (phrase)

Mamaw:

Here’s what let’s do - we’ll split the pie half and half.

Papaw:

Now that’s fair dealin’.

- To Give a Gentle Command (phrase)

Estel:

What let’s do is take the truck instead.

Elmer:

Alright - you’re drivin’.

★ Usually said by whoever’s takin’ charge - but polite about it. "Here’s what let’s do" sounds softer than "Here’s what we’ll do." ★

Origin and Etymology

Formed by blending two standard English patterns: "What we should do is"" and "Let’s do"." The shortened "what let’s do" structure became common in Southern and Appalachian speech by the early 1900s and remains a hallmark of regional grammar.

Usage Notes

Heard widely across the South, often at the start of family or work decisions. The phrase signals cooperation rather than authority, making it a polite and inclusive way to lead a plan.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "what let’s do" mean?

It means "here’s what we should do" or "let’s do this." It introduces a plan or idea in a friendly way.

Is it grammatically standard?

Not formally, but it’s perfectly natural in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Do people still use it?

Yes - very often. It’s one of those expressions most Southerners say without realizing it’s regional.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 9). What Let’s Do. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/what-lets-do
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "What Let’s Do." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/what-lets-do.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "What Let’s Do." HillbillySlang.com. October 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/what-lets-do.