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Ah, Arkansas—where the rivers run deep, the mountains are tall, and the folks are as friendly as they come. But if you want to truly fit in, you’ve got to understand the sayings. From the Ozarks to Little Rock, here’s a list of 17 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Arkansas—get ready to chuckle, because some of these will have you scratching your head.
“He’s as lost as a ball in high weeds.”
Translation: This guy has no idea what’s going on, and he’s not going to find out anytime soon.
“Colder than a well digger’s butt in January.”
Translation: When it’s so cold, even the toughest folks are bundling up for warmth.
“That’s about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
Translation: When something is completely useless, you know you’ve got an example right there.
“He couldn’t pour water out of a boot if the instructions were on the heel.”
Translation: This person is so confused, they’d struggle to follow even the simplest directions.
“You’re as pretty as a new penny.”
Translation: Complimenting someone with a bit of Southern charm—simple, sweet, and sincere.
“If the creek don’t rise.”
Translation: A classic Arkansas saying, meaning if everything goes according to plan.
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Translation: A friendly, cheeky way of wishing someone a good night. (But let’s hope those bed bugs stay away!)
“As nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
Translation: When someone is super jittery or anxious—literally in danger of getting hurt.
“That dog won’t hunt.”
Translation: When an idea or plan is clearly not going to work—no matter how many times you try.
“Like a chicken on a June bug.”
Translation: When something happens fast and without hesitation, kind of like a chicken pouncing on its dinner.
“He’s as handy as a pocket on a shirt.”
Translation: A person who is super useful—always in the right place at the right time.
“Hotter than a two-dollar pistol.”
Translation: When the heat’s so unbearable, it feels like you’re walking through an oven.
“She’s got a mind like a steel trap—rusty and illegal in 37 states.”
Translation: Not exactly a compliment, but it gets the point across.
“Like a frog in a frying pan.”
Translation: A situation where you feel completely out of place or uncomfortable.
“That’s about as smooth as a gravel road.”
Translation: When something’s rough, bumpy, and totally lacking in grace.
“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
Translation: Classic Arkansas—weather’s unpredictable, and it’s always changing on you.
“Like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”
Translation: When you’re dealing with a task that feels next to impossible.
Well, there you have it—Arkansas in a nutshell. From quick wits to dry humor, these sayings make the Razorback state one of the quirkiest, most charming places around. So the next time you’re in Arkansas, toss a few of these out, and you’ll fit right in with the locals—just be sure not to get lost in the weeds!
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