   You Best Watch YourselfIn 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." 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. 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"). ★ OriginDescended 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. NotesStill 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 SouthernerSay it natural: often shortened to "Best watch yourself" without the "you." Sometimes said fast: "y’best watch y’self." | ...
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