You Best Watch Yourself

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "You best watch yourself" means "You’d better be careful" - a warning or strong advice drawn from the older-English use of "best" for "had better."

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #ScoldingandTeasing #Euphemisms

synonyms: watch out, be careful, look out

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If you grew up, you probably say, 'you best watch yourself' to your young'uns if they sass you.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If you grew up, you probably say, 'you best watch yourself' to your young'uns if they sass you.

Pronunciation

[YOO BEST WAHCH YUR-self] /juː bɛst ˈwɑːtʃ jɚˌsɛlf/

Meaning & Usage

- Warning / Advice (imperative phrase)

Mama:

Boy, you best watch yourself ‘round that old fence - it’s electric.

Boy:

Yes, ma’am.

variations: you’d better watch yourself, better watch out

★ This phrase is built on the authentic Southern "best" = "had better" construction. Dropping the "you" makes it even more colloquial ("Best watch yourself"). ★

Origin and Etymology

Descended from older English "it were best" or "you had best," which survived as "you best" in Southern/Appalachian speech. The warning form appears in rural transcripts throughout the 20th century.

Usage Notes

Still widely heard in the South, South Midland, and Appalachian regions. Outside these regions it may sound quaint but is easily understood as a warning.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often shortened to "Best watch yourself" without the "you." Sometimes said fast: "y’best watch y’self."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "you best watch yourself" the same as "watch out"?

Yes - but with a stronger, more old-timey Southern tone.

Can you drop the "you"?

Absolutely - "Best watch yourself" is very common.

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in rural or small-town speech, and younger Southerners still know it.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). You Best Watch Yourself. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-watch-yourself
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "You Best Watch Yourself." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-watch-yourself.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "You Best Watch Yourself." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-watch-yourself.

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