Every state has their own language of sorts. Kentucky is no exception and these phrases make our state that much more endearing. Of course not every Kentuckian has uttered these words, but you’ve likely heard them a time or two when you’re out in the Bluegrass State. And if you’re not from here, you’ll find this list useful and feel free to use it as your very own translation guide.
- The ‘Ville
Flickr/David Kidd It shows affection to give something a nickname, right? Well, Kentucky’s largest city has earned this shortened version of its name and it fits perfectly.
- Grab a Buggy
Flickr/Paul Swansen Nope, not for the baby. Many in Kentucky refer to a grocery cart as a buggy. It’s has a nice ring to it.
- Throw it in the warsh.
Flickr/Celeste Lindell The what? Kentuckians understand that this means to throw your clothes in the washing machine. Somewhere along the line, that “r” found its way into the word “wash.”
- I’m fixin’ to…
Flickr/Julio Martinez He probably doesn’t mean he’s actually going to fix something. Instead, when a Kentuckian says this, they mean they are about to do something. In many cases, it’s said out of anger. Such as, “I’m fixin’ to teach that guy a lesson.”
- Over Yonder…
Flickr/Matthew Paulson Otherwise translated as, “Over there.” This phrase can be heard throughout the state and may mean across the street or on the other side of the county.
- Highfalutin
Flickr/Matthew and Heather You may hear a Kentuckian use this word a little more around Derby time. “Highfalutin” is an adjective that describes fancy (okay, maybe pretentious, too) people, like those lucky enough to hang out in the Paddock at the Derby.
- That Hot Brown was delicious.
Flickr/Phil Denton A sentence you will likely not hear outside of Kentucky. The infamous Hot Brown is a tasty open-faced sandwich that originated in the Bluegrass state. It’s still a classic Kentucky favorite dish.
- Pay no mind…
Flickr/Simon Hayhurst “Don’t you pay them no mind.” A phrase you may hear a Kentuckian say when they are telling you to ignore someone and not worry about it. It’s a comforting thing to hear.
- Check out that waterfall!
Flickr/George Oates Yes, we have many stunning waterfalls in Kentucky, but sometimes we’re referring to something else. The beloved “mullet” style haircut is lovingly referred to as a waterfall, and you can see why. In Kentucky, you’ll find both of these hidden gems, in both the water and hair forms.
Alright, Kentuckians, how many of these do you say on a regular basis? What did we miss? Each county and region has its own flair, so share your favorite Kentucky phrases with us in the comments!
Flickr/David Kidd
It shows affection to give something a nickname, right? Well, Kentucky’s largest city has earned this shortened version of its name and it fits perfectly.
Flickr/Paul Swansen
Nope, not for the baby. Many in Kentucky refer to a grocery cart as a buggy. It’s has a nice ring to it.
Flickr/Celeste Lindell
The what? Kentuckians understand that this means to throw your clothes in the washing machine. Somewhere along the line, that “r” found its way into the word “wash.”
Flickr/Julio Martinez
He probably doesn’t mean he’s actually going to fix something. Instead, when a Kentuckian says this, they mean they are about to do something. In many cases, it’s said out of anger. Such as, “I’m fixin’ to teach that guy a lesson.”
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Otherwise translated as, “Over there.” This phrase can be heard throughout the state and may mean across the street or on the other side of the county.
Flickr/Matthew and Heather
You may hear a Kentuckian use this word a little more around Derby time. “Highfalutin” is an adjective that describes fancy (okay, maybe pretentious, too) people, like those lucky enough to hang out in the Paddock at the Derby.
Flickr/Phil Denton
A sentence you will likely not hear outside of Kentucky. The infamous Hot Brown is a tasty open-faced sandwich that originated in the Bluegrass state. It’s still a classic Kentucky favorite dish.
Flickr/Simon Hayhurst
“Don’t you pay them no mind.” A phrase you may hear a Kentuckian say when they are telling you to ignore someone and not worry about it. It’s a comforting thing to hear.
Flickr/George Oates
Yes, we have many stunning waterfalls in Kentucky, but sometimes we’re referring to something else. The beloved “mullet” style haircut is lovingly referred to as a waterfall, and you can see why. In Kentucky, you’ll find both of these hidden gems, in both the water and hair forms.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
