| 2004 Tom Knotts sent the Herald a list of "Mountain Talk," along with a note...
"Below is a list of "phrases," I have been adding to sporadically over the years, when I happen to think of one of these phrases. Thought I would pass it along, after seeing Dianne Weaver's listing. (See: CALHOUN MOUNTAIN TALK.
"I had lots of different sources for these sayings, but many came from my days at the Calhoun County Bank, talking with what were my favorite customers, senior citizens.
Regrettably, many have now passed on. But I guess that I keep a little bit of them alive whenever I use one of these sayings." ... Tom Knotts
Dumber in the head than a hog is in the ass. (not smart)
Haven't seen you in a 'coon's age. (long time)
So lazy he wouldn't strike a lick at a snake if it was striking at him.
Sweating like a pig. (profusely)
Like a hog going to war. (a decidedly aggressive walk)
If brains were dynamite, he wouldn't have enough to blow his nose.
Tear up an anvil with a rubber hammer.
So full of sh__, that you could unscrew his head and dip it out.
So hungry my stomach is gnawing on my backbone.
Tighter than the bark on a hickory tree.
Talk is cheap, it takes money to drink whiskey.
Were it that if and buts were candy and nuts, all the kids would be
happy at Christmas.
Swedge Head
When addressed as Mr. Knotts, "Just Tom, Mr. Knotts was my father."
(Credit this one to Francis Cain)
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while. (After having
accomplished something normally beyond your capabilities)
Just as happy as if he had good sense.
Got my clock cleaned. (To lose, as in a fight, card game, etc.)
One "worker" to one row. (Don't expect any help)
Get your teat caught in a wringer. (encounter unexpected difficulty)
When a person's shoes squeak as they walk, "they aren't paid for yet." Strangely enough, this was a phrase that was familiar to my boss, a native of Wales, in the United Kingdom.
All over you like a wet shirt.
Squall like a mashed cat.
Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Handy as a pocket on a shirt.
No bigger than the running gears out of a Katydid. Very small, or thin.
No Fools, no fun.
Regarding a person who travels a lot, "Born when the sign was in the
feet."
Lick your calf over. Redo a task because it wasn't done right the first time.
Charge it to the dust, and let the rain settle it.
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