You Best Hush
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "You best hush" means "You’d better be quiet." It’s an authentic imperative formed from the older-English use of "best" = "had better."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #ScoldingandTeasing #Euphemisms
synonyms: be quiet, hush up, pipe down
Hillbilly Dude Says...
My neighbor from across the mountain would tell my friend growin' up, 'you best hush. You can still hear it out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
My neighbor from across the mountain would tell my friend growin' up, 'you best hush. You can still hear it out in the country. Pronunciation
[YOO BEST HUSH] /juː bɛst hʌʃ/
Meaning & Usage
- Warning / Admonition (imperative phrase)
Gran:
Y’all best hush at the table.
Y’all best hush at the table.
Kids:
Yes, ma’am.
Yes, ma’am.variations: you’d better be quiet, hush up
★ Dropping the "you" ("Best hush") makes it more colloquial. Variants like "hush up" or "hush now" keep the same "had better" force. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English phrasing ("had best hush") that persisted in Southern/Appalachian speech as "you best"". "Hush" itself is longstanding in Southern usage for "be quiet."
Usage Notes
Still common in homes, churches, and schools across the South/Appalachia. Outside the region, it’s easily understood but sounds quaint or old-timey.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "Best hush," "You best hush up," or "Best hush now," often with gentle but firm emphasis on "hush."
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). You Best Hush. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-hush
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "You Best Hush." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-hush.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "You Best Hush." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-hush.
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