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You Best Get to It

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "You best get to it" means "You’d better get started" - an authentic form built on the older-English use of "best" for "had better."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #ScoldingandTeasing

synonyms: get started, get going, start working

Pronunciation

[YOO BEST GET TO IT] /juː bɛst ɡɛt tə ɪt/

Meaning & Usage

- Imperative / Encouragement (imperative phrase)

Encouraging work
Papaw:
Rain’s comin’, best get to it if you want that hay in.

Toby:
Yes, sir.

variations: you’d better get started, best git to it
★ Variants like "best be gettin’ to it" or "best git to it" are also authentic and can be noted as examples inside the page. ★

Origin

From older English "had best get to it" that persisted in Southern/Appalachian English. Common in rural and work-related contexts, especially chores and farm tasks.

Notes

Still common in the South/Appalachia. Outside the region it’s easily understood but carries a colloquial, rustic flavor.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "Best get to it" or "You best get to it," sometimes with "git" for "get."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "Best get to it" mean the same as "You’d better get started"?
Yes - it’s the authentic Southern/Appalachian form.
Can you say "Best git to it"?
Absolutely - "git" is a natural variant of "get."
Is it still used today?
Yes - especially in rural or work-related speech.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
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