Notifications
Clear all
"Whistling Dixie" Origin
March 18, 2013 8:51 am
(@grantbarrett)
Member
Joined: 18 years ago
You ain't just whistling Dixie, and that's the truth! Whistling Dixie, which refers to a studied carelessness, comes from the song that originated in minstrel shows and from which the South takes its nickname. But if you say someone ain't just whistling Dixie, it means they're not kidding around. This is part of a complete episode.
Topic Tags
1 Reply
April 13, 2013 3:15 pm
(@allison924)
Member
Joined: 12 years ago
Grant mentions how a woman whistling Dixie might somehow not be a good thing (according to people back in the day). I grew up in Texas and heard the phrase "Whistlin' women and crowin' hens, will never come to no good end." Of course my mom (the only one I heard this from) has a penchant for these great old sayings and only used it jokingly, never with actual disapproval!
Reply