Here are 17 sayings, expressions, and phrases you’re most likely to hear in Virginia or its local communities, many with a touch of humor or unique regional flavor:
1. “If the Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise”
- Used when saying goodbye or making plans, meaning “if all goes well”.
2. “Fair to middlin’”
- A response to “How are you?” meaning “just okay” or “average,” originally referring to grain quality.
3. “You’re fishing in the wrong stream”
- Telling someone they’re looking in the wrong place or talking to the wrong person.
4. “He’s his mother’s boy”
- Refers to someone taking after their mother, especially in looks or traits.
5. “Katy, bar the door”
- Said when trouble is coming or someone unwanted is approaching.
6. “Onliest”
- Used instead of “only,” as in “There’s onliest one person here”.
7. “Outlanders”
- Refers to strangers or outsiders in a community.
8. “Up with the chickens”
- Waking up very early, like a rooster.
9. “Snake-bit”
- Someone who always seems to have bad luck.
10. “Come-here’s”
- Newcomers to an area; people who have recently moved in.
11. “He’s been to Winchester and Alexandria”
- Someone who’s worldly or experienced beyond the local area.
12. “There’s a little fire between them”
- Two people who don’t get along.
13. “Another day, another dollar”
- Reflecting on the daily grind of work.
14. “Annie off the pickle boat”
- Describes a disheveled or messy woman.
15. “Waiting on”
- Used instead of “waiting for,” as in “I’m waiting on the rain”.
16. “Please don’t confuse us with West Virginia”
- A humorous plea to outsiders, highlighting the common mix-up between the two states.
17. “Potomac fever”
- Refers to government officials or military officers who get caught up in the high life or affairs in Washington, D.C.
These sayings capture the wit, history, and unique character of Virginia’s communities.
Sources:
- https://www.movoto.com/guide/va/virginia-words/
- https://slogan.company/us-state/virginia-slogans/
- https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/virginia.html
- https://www.phrases.org.uk/phrase-thesaurus/virginia