Good Ole' Southern Sayin'

We're in the dog days of summer in the South. The temperature is high. The humidity is high. The wind doesn’t blow and the air is heavy. If you’ve lived in the South, you’re familiar with these dog days. And you’re also probably familiar with Southernisms—those uniquely Southern phrases that make their way into almost every conversation with a true Southerner.

These Southernisms have made their way into judicial opinions as well. Surprisingly, though, most of these Southern phrases have come from judges in non-Southern states. I’ve listed some of my favorites below:

-You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, People v. Crawford, California

-Grown too big for his britches, Carrasquillo v. Sindicato De Empleados de Equipo Pesado, Construcciony Ramas Anexas de P.R., Inc., Puerto Rico

-That dog won’t hunt, U.S. v. Pineda-Mendoza, California

-Playing possum, Fattah v. Beard, Third Circuit

-Can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, Jawad v. Holder, Seventh Circuit

My favorite Southern phrase, “bless his heart,” didn’t make any opinions. I’ll keep looking for it, though—“after all, tomorrow is another day.”

Happy Friday!