Phrases and Expressions from the South (also "Texas Speak")

-- I don't have time to cuss a cat

-- The rich folks trade there [shop there]

-- He was just a gittin' it [he was speeding]

-- I tore that road wide open [drove real fast] 

-- There's things I've done that wasn't lily 
   white either [who am I to criticize?]

-- That tore me up [made me nervous, or made me laugh]

-- That's ridiculous for anyone to do their parents 
   that way [treat them that way]

-- I can't call the name of it [remember the name of it]

-- It would have been slam dark by the time we got 
   there [real dark]

-- Them 'maters look kind of weasly [small tomatoes]

-- She bit the stew out of me

-- She scared the gizzard (or bejesus) out of me

-- She's taking her exercises [doing her exercises]

-- She said she had a good mind not to go [it's hard 
   to translate this one -- in this case it would have 
   served him right if she didn't go, and she was 
   justified in considering it]

-- She's right pretty [rather pretty]

-- Everytime he stood up to speak he got knocked 
   down [criticized]

-- Putting on the dog [as in bringing out the best 
   China or "strutting your stuff"]

-- I like to died! [I just about died!]

-- I'm sick-a-bad [also I'm-a-comin', I'm-a-goin', 
   I ain't-a-goin']

-- Did you set that down? [write that down] 

-- An expression known to be said only by grandmother 
   but understood by all: 
   That would give me the "all-overs" 

-- I'll carry you to town.  [drive you to town.]