Here are some hilarious and uniquely Louisiana sayings that you’ll only hear in the Pelican State, reflecting its rich Cajun, Creole, and Southern heritage:
Funny Louisiana Sayings and Expressions
- “That food was so good, it’d make you wanna slap ya mama!”
Used to express that a meal was incredibly delicious. - “If you know, you know.”
A phrase reflecting insider knowledge, often used by Southerners to express pride in their culture and sayings. - “I need you to come see when you get off.”
Means “Come here”. - “Are you gonna get down?”
Means “Are you coming in?” or “Are you coming over?”. - “Do you want some soda water?”
Simply means “Do you want some soda?”. - “I gotta use it” or “I gotta make water.”
A polite or humorous way to say “I need to go to the bathroom”. - “Save the dishes” or “save the clothes.”
Means to dry and put away the dishes or fold and put up the clothes. - “How ya mama an’ dem?”
A common greeting meaning “How is your mother and family?”. - “I’m not goin’ over there, Couyon!”
“Couyon” (from French “coyote”) means a fool or crazy person. - “You gonna pass this way?” or “I’m going to make a pass.”
Asking if someone is coming over or saying you will come over. - “My little Boo” or “Boo-Boo.”
Terms of endearment for a baby, sweetheart, or cute animal. - “Where you going Cher?” or “Ami?”
“Cher” and “Ami” mean dear friend or sweet baby. - “That’s a big sandwich, yeah?” or “I’m going to bed, yeah?”
The “yeah?” tag is used to mean “You know what I mean?”. - “Mais!”
A versatile French-derived interjection meaning “Well then!” used to express surprise, exasperation, or emphasis. - “Foo-Foo”
Means something overly fancy or pretentious. - “Pinch the tail and suck the head.”
A phrase related to eating crawfish, meaning enjoy the whole experience. - “Pass a good time.”
Means to have a good time or enjoy oneself. - “Dressed”
When ordering a po’boy sandwich, “dressed” means with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. - “Laissez les bon temps rouler.”
French for “Let the good times roll,” a famous Louisiana motto especially during Mardi Gras. - “Fais-do-do.”
A Cajun dance party; literally means “go to sleep,” referring to kids falling asleep during late-night dances. - “Throw me somethin’, Mister!”
A phrase shouted during Mardi Gras parades to catch throws like beads or trinkets. - “Geaux Tigers!”
A cheer for Louisiana State University sports teams, with “Geaux” reflecting the French heritage. - “Gris gris.”
A Voodoo term often used jokingly to mean a curse or magic charm. - “Lagniappe.”
Means a little something extra, like a bonus or freebie.
Colorful Southern Expressions About Liars (also heard in Louisiana)
- “Don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s rainin’!”
- “That dog won’t hunt.”
- “You’re lyin’ like a no-legged dog!”
- “He’s as windy as a sack full of farts.”
Additional Fun Phrases
- “Foo yeah!”
Means something is all messed up or discombobulated. - “C’est fais chaud!”
Means “It’s hot!” in Cajun French. - “Fet pi tain.”
A Cajun French curse meaning “son of a bitch”. - “Chen-a-yay.”
A humorous phrase meaning what a female dog does when in heat.
These sayings showcase the humor, warmth, and cultural uniqueness of Louisiana’s people, blending French, Creole, and Southern influences into a colorful and entertaining local dialect. If you visit Louisiana, you’re sure to hear these expressions and maybe even get invited to a fais-do-do or told to “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
Sources:
- https://mykisscountry937.com/funny-expressions-down-south/
- https://107jamz.com/11-words-or-phrases-only-people-from-louisiana-will-understand/
- https://kenwheatonwrites.com/2014/07/15/talkin-funny-louisiana-style/
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/19-words-expressions-learn-traveling-louisiana/
- https://kenwheatonwrites.com/2014/07/23/even-more-talkin-funny-louisiana-style/
