Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is a Southernish saying meaning cheerful, alert, and ready to start the day. Though not Southern by origin, its friendly, country feel has made it a favorite across rural America.

#Southernish

synonyms: wide awake, chipper, lively, ready to roll

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Momma would often say in the morning that she was, 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' I always liked that one, made me think of a bunny.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Momma would often say in the morning that she was, 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' I always liked that one, made me think of a bunny.

Pronunciation

[BRYT-eyed ’n BUSH-ee-tayuld] /ˈbraɪt aɪd ænd ˈbʊʃi teɪld/

Meaning & Usage

- Energetic and alert (humorous compliment or tease)

Hazel:

You’re up early!

Roy:

Yep-bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, more or less.

variations: bright eyed and bushy tailed; bright-eyed, bushy-tailed

Origin

The phrase dates to 19th-century Britain, inspired by animals like squirrels or foxes-bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when fully awake and alert. It spread quickly through English speech worldwide, appearing in American print by the late 1800s. Rural Southerners took to it naturally, and it remains a playful way to greet someone who looks lively (or to tease someone who doesn’t).

Verdict: Southernish. Common throughout the English-speaking world, but fits perfectly in Southern and country talk.

Notes

Used both sincerely and sarcastically ("Well, don’t you look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed").
Common greeting in rural and small-town life across the U.S. and U.K.
Still popular in schools, workplaces, and morning banter.
Not region-specific, but naturally at home in Southern speech patterns.

Common Questions

What does "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" mean?

It means cheerful, lively, and ready to face the day.

Is it a Southern saying?

No-it’s originally British, but Southerners and rural Americans use it often.

Where did it come from?

From 19th-century English comparisons to lively animals like squirrels and foxes.

Do people still say it?

Yes-though often playfully or ironically when someone’s clearly *not* lively.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 20). Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed." HillbillySlang.com. October 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed.

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