southernism

[ suhth-er-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. a pronunciation, expression, or behavioral trait characteristic of the U.S. South.

Word History and Origins

Origin of southernism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; Southern + -ism

Example Sentences

Backstage in the green room Ferrell’s band, whose members have taken to calling her “sissy” — the Southernism for “sister” — mugged for the camera, taking selfies to send back home to Nashville.

From Los Angeles Times

She created a hashtag of her own, #YourSlipIsShowing, a Southernism that seemed particularly useful, about calling out someone who thinks they are presenting themselves flawlessly.

From New York Times

An article on exactly this topic, published in the Journal of English Linguistics in 2000, was titled "The Nationalization of a Southernism"; based on scientific polling, the authors suggested that "y'all" will soon be seen as an American, rather than Southern, word.

From Salon

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell uses a favorite Southernism when he explains why shutting down the federal government is bad politics.

From Los Angeles Times

As Joe put it, they were all “geehawing,” an old Southernism that meant they were aligned.

From Washington Post