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More Grit than Gravy

More grit than gravy means someone is tough, determined, and full of backbone. It contrasts "grit," meaning strength or courage, with "gravy," meaning comfort or ease.

#Southernish  

synonyms: tough as nails, stubborn, determined, got backbone, strong-willed
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I never heard 'more grit than gravy' growin' up - I've only read it. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I never heard 'more grit than gravy' growin' up - I've only read it. 

Pronunciation

[MOHR grit thun GRAY-vee]
/mɔr ɡrɪt ðən ˈɡreɪvi/

Meaning & Usage

- Tough and determined; not easily discouraged

Hank:
Think she’ll finish that marathon?
Sue:
You bet - she’s got more grit than gravy.
variations: got more grit than gravy, has more grit than gravy

Origin

This colorful saying likely arose in the **early-to-mid 20th century** American South and West. "Grit" has long meant courage or toughness, while "gravy" symbolizes ease or luxury.

So, to have "more grit than gravy" means a person’s made of sterner stuff than comfort - more workhorse than show horse. The phrase pops up in Texas cowboy talk, Southern humor, and small-town storytelling alike.

Verdict: Southernish. It sounds right at home below the Mason-Dixon Line, but it’s more modern and scattered than the old proverbs.

Notes

  • Used as praise for someone’s toughness or work ethic.
  • May be said admiringly, teasingly, or both.
  • Common in ranch, military, or sports talk.
  • Pairs naturally with other grit idioms like "got sand" or "tougher than a boiled owl."

Related Pages

Common Questions

What does "more grit than gravy" mean?
It means someone’s tough, resilient, or hardworking - not soft or spoiled.
Is it a Southern saying?
It sounds Southern but shows up across the South and West, so it’s better called "Southernish."
Where’d it come from?
Likely 20th-century cowboy or country talk mixing grit (courage) and gravy (luxury).
Can you use it today?
Sure - usually in a humorous, admiring way about someone strong-willed or resilient.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 2). More Grit than Gravy. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/more-grit-than-gravy
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "More Grit than Gravy." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/more-grit-than-gravy.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "More Grit than Gravy." HillbillySlang.com. November 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/more-grit-than-gravy.
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