GRITS Expressions Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Pee" and "raining"

While all of these could be used with good application, only the one referring to stormy weather is the true Southern Expression. Since the 1960s, when many Southern Women made inroads into the professions in significant numbers, we Southern Women have put this expression to real good use. Examples:
I know you did something really stupid; but just don't try to lie about it.
I know I'm the only one who knows how to do this; but don't try to tell me it's 'cause you're too damned busy.
Later in the 90s: I know you have to cut my staff; but don't tell me it's "right sizing".
The expression may actually predate the 60s, because Southern Women have made their own living in business and professions for many more years than generally thought. This expression was particularly useful when "professional" men were still sufficiently foolish about things to try to put deceptive spins on work-related issues, and smart women were somewhat cynical, and maybe a little jaded. We knew they would do dumb things, but then to try to lie about it--Well, it was just too much! Sometimes, we were advised not to "...worry our pretty little heads..." about things only men understood. Other times they would say, "I don't know who put that into your head." What WAS this obsession with our heads? Naturally, Southern Women were too savvy to fall for these tactics. By the way, men have picked this expression up; but, you know a Southern Women just had to have coined it.) And, if you think I have gone on and on about this-Yeah! I got issues, aka experience!

Answer: She is peculiar.

To my knowledge, there is no particular correct spelling of this word, which is Southern Woman Code for "peculiar". We use it when we don't want Boyfriend to know what we're saying about Girlfriend. And, you know, Boyfriend is far too genteel to ask. (Or, maybe afraid.)

Answer: That's just plain tacky!

This other way of saying, "That's a Real Bow-Wow!" is usually applied to a dress, décor, or any other person, place or thing Girlfriend finds tacky.

Answer: Don't date men with whom you work.

A couple of these could be good advice. However, we always caution Girlfriend against becoming romantically involved with men at work. Men sometimes let their emotions get the better of them, especially if they are going through The Change. This can be awkward in the workplace.

Answer: Her neckline is low, and much too revealing.

That stove may well be hot; but that's not her most serious problem. We are concerned that Girlfriend's ample and perky bosoms are somewhat overly exposed.

Answer: Hades

The correct answer is Hades, a reference to the fiery place. Southern Women were once too refined to use the word "Hell". This expression means Girlfriend has been going through a particularly rough time. You know that the answer would never be Birmingham! We love Alabama; and Birmingham is a great place!

Answer: He was not raised right.

His upbringing was lacking. He did not grow up in a properly supervised home. His breeding, education, manners and other social advantages are obviously deficient.

Answer: He must possess prowess and skills in the romance department.

Though all sound like good applications, romance is the key to the answer. I first heard this expression from Girlfriend in Mississippi when I questioned why another girlfriend would bother with an unprepossessing looking boy.

Answer: He stated an obvious truth in a condescending pompous way, as though it was so obscure that she could not possibly figure it out herself.

The answer is that he is stating an obvious truth. My cousin, Mary Ellen, used to say this to the sometimes arrogant, but usually very sweet, boy she married.

Answer: He is justifiably proud of his body.

This expression refers to the once popular pastime of "skinny-dipping" in a secluded swimming hole. Most of the boys were a little ashamed of themselves, and jumped right into the water to hide any discrepancies. Bank-walkers were willing to strut their stuff by strolling along the bank in full view.