During leisurely conversations, we giggle when certain words or phrases from our mothers suddenly pop out of our mouths.

We laugh together because our moms grew up just south of San Antonio, Texas for most of their lives.

The city limits eventually expanded more south. As children, Dodie and I spent most of our school days within the city.

Today, one of us will say something that seems to come straight out of our mothers’ mouths and we spontaneously laugh.

Here are some examples:

Bless Your Heart

Although this may be a backhanded comment, it can also be a genuine expression of sympathy. If “bless his/her heart” is spoken in a whisper, it’s often conspiratorial. But “bless your heart” spoken directly with a kind smile is an expression of empathy or concern. 

God Love ‘Em

This phrase seems innocent enough at surface level, so much so that many people wouldn’t see any problem. However, we immediately realize that it gets used in a kind way by mistake. It’s meant to be as sassy as “bless your heart.”

The implication is that we can call on the Almighty to love someone. This is true despite the many errors of their ways and shortcomings. For example, “that boy’s porch light is on, but no one’s home, God love ‘em.” 

“I’m full as a tick,” is usually after a huge meal.

• Many hands make light work. 
• A stitch in time saves nine. 
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 
• Never look a gift horse in the mouth. 
• People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. 
• Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. 
• Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise. 
• Any job worth doing is worth doing well. 

Fixin’ To

It is a far cry from proper grammar. Many folks’ issue with this phrase is with those who assume that if you’re “fixin’ to” do something, it will be done straight away.

The tone of voice when it is said helps us know it might simply be stating that it’s on the to-do list, and that to-do list might not be getting done anytime soon.

• The squeaky wheel gets the grease. 
• Can’t never could.
• You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. 
• The early bird catches the worm. 
• A rising tide lifts all boats. 
• Make hay while the sun shines. 
• You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. 
• Fortune favors the brave. 
• Strike while the iron is hot. 
• Every dog has its day. 
• Hurry up, we’re burning daylight. 
• Don’t cry over spilled milk.

“But it’ll eat.”

“Go ahead and fix yourself a plate.”

Puttin’ On The Dog

In short, “putting on the dog” has a very specific, yet flexible gist. At the core, it means to put on a flashy display, or “gussy it up.”

• A rolling stone gathers no moss. 
• It was like herding cats. 
• One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. 
• You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. 
• Beggars can’t be choosers. 
• This isn’t my first rodeo. 
• You’re barking up the wrong tree. 
• The apple never falls far from the tree. 
• You’re a day late and a dollar short.
• It’ll all come out in the wash.

“You’ve got a good scald on that.”

No this phrase doesn’t mean the chicken’s burned. When our moms or grandmothers said this after taking the first bite of a home-cooked meal, it means their kitchen efforts certainly paid off.

“It’s too hot to turn on the oven.”

“We have a whole mess of greens.”

When a Southern cook says there’s a mess of something, it doesn’t mean there’s chaos on the countertops. This phrase is usually translation for garden bounty that’s made its way into the kitchen. If there’s a mess of collards, that means there will be enough to feed the aunts, cousins, and maybe even the preacher, too.

• Don’t put the cart before the horse. 
• Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched. 
• A watched pot never boils. 
• Don’t be ugly.
• Too many cooks spoil the gravy. 
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 
• Don’t take any wooden nickels. 
• Don’t buy a pig in a poke. 
• You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. 

“Mama would roll over if she knew you used the boxed stuff.”

While we may never be too proud to make the most of a boxed mix in a pinch, most of our mom’s dishes were best made from scratch or not at all.

“Don’t you dare throw out the bacon grease.”

“Stay close and stay clean.”

Since meals often included extended family or neighbors, getting the guests to the table was a task itself. This became especially challenging when the weather was beautiful and everyone wanted to be outside. When we heard our mothers say that it’s almost time to eat, that was our cue to wash our hands and see if the table is set.

“Measure with your heart.”

We learned that there’s a time to count out individual measurements, and there’s a time to toss in and taste as you go. 

• An apple a day keeps the doctor away. 
• There’s more than one way to skin a cat. 
• If it had been a snake, it would have bitten you. 
• You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. 
• It doesn’t cut the mustard. 
• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 
• Don’t judge a book by its cover. 

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