Just a few items of Southern Linguistics, mostly from north Georgia:
Oh! That's a Gracious Plenty:
This is when someone is giving you something from their garden, or if someone has gotten more of something than they needed, and is sharing with you. If they offered or included 1 more item, you would have to resist and say: "Oh, no, that's a gracious plenty, keep them or give them to someone else"
Way Too Much:
One more item than a Gracious Plenty.
Do us Just Fine:
This is the right amount of anything, whether you're being given things as above, or out in the grocery store, getting a number of things. Your shopping partner might ask if you don't need a 2nd pack of party cups, and if you had the right amount you'd say:
"No, I think this will do us just fine"
Right Much:
This is actually from lowland Virginia, and Earl Fitchett has used it here for 20 years, so it's Georgian, now! It reflects less measurable or tangible things, and is more about respect, appreciation, gratitude, personal admiration. Can also be an indicator of enjoyment of an event.
"He was tough on us, and some folks didn't like him, but I always thought right much of him"
"The movie was a bit long, but we all seemed to enjoy it right much.
Don't Cotton To That:
A reflection of someone's dislike for a procedure, a person's activity, dress, conduct; or perhaps a disdain for a new law or imposed rule. It is not just a personal preference...it relates to a sincere belief that the "new thing" is not right, and should be corrected.
"That dress she wore might be okay at the beach, but not at Sunday church! Your grandma and me don't cotton to that"
"She told us first it was okay, and then the next girl said they'd never done it, we'd have to rewrite the whole thing; I just don't cotton to that type treatment!"
Hill of Beans:
(Beans in a garden are sometimes planted inside small raised mounds (like some melons), but most of us planted the seeds in a row, down in the ground, and covered them) This saying reflects a measure of something that has little or no value. It generally relects a slight disdain for someone or something from the past, either recent, or distant.
"Everything he promised before the campaign didn't amount to a hill of beans."
"We followed all the instructions that fellow gave us, and what we got out of it wasn't worth a hill of beans"
He's a Snake in the Grass:
This is a pretty negative statement about someone, who once was favored. Unfortunately for the animal kingdom, and reptiles in general, many Southerners feel that snakes of any length or color are dangerous, and most likely deadly; thus, they should be dispatched to their reward as quickly as possible, with whatever garden implement is handy. Obviously, the comparision of an individual to a snake carries similar sentiments.
"He promised all along that he was for our proposal, and then by the time the committee voted on it, he'd talked 1/2 of them into voting 'no'; he's just a snake in the grass!!"
When All's Said and Done:
This is a reference to some generally unknown date or event in which all things men are currently doing will be evaluated, rated, and seen for what they really are. It can refer to the final rewards by the Lord, or it may be used regarding a current election, political debate, public issue, or personal conduct.
"Well, I know that hurt you, honey, but when all's said and done, he'll get what's coming to him."
What's Coming to Him:
The reward and individual will receive for their actions and attitude at the time "when all's said and done"!!
He's Harmless:
This is not a compliment! Most likely to be heard regarding people in positions of influence, or even elected power, when they might be speaking out against something, or complaining. Generally conveys a lack of respect for the individual and for the impact of what is being said. It basically means they are considered to have no positive or negative influence with anyone.
"Yes, I read his letter to the editor, and some might see it; but when all's said and done, basically, he's harmless"
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