Southernisms that were new to me

Before I moved to the South I thought I had a fairly good grasp of Southern culture. I'd traveled a lot with my family, eaten at plenty of Cracker Barrels, and had seen many movies and TV shows that took place in the South. Much of my family tree can trace its roots back to the South, even Alabama, and I considered myself a well-traveled and well-educated person. I knew about "Bless your heart," (an insult), and, "Y'all," and, "Ain't." I had eaten grits and fried okra, so obviously I knew everything about the south...

So I wasn't expecting too much of a culture shock. Obviously I knew things would be different. I just didn't realize how much there was that I didn't know about the South! Here are a few "Southernisms" that took me by surprise.

Using "done" and "seen" incorrectly, even by well-educated people!

Example: "I done it already," or, "I seen that show last week!"

"Whatchu got ta say?" actually means, "How are you doing?"

This one freaked me out the most. Some random man who maintains our coffee machines at work looked at me and said, "Whatchu got ta say?" I had no idea how to respond! I just looked at him and said, "I have no idea what that means." Then HE thought I was crazy.

"I bled more'n a stuck hawg." 

I think you can figure out what that one means. 

"Like putting lipstick on a pig."

Meaning trying to make something that is inherently ugly, beautiful.

"Make" for any random thing. 

"Get your picture made," or, "The class didn't make - not enough people signed up."

What do you think about these phrases? Did any of them surprise or confuse you, too?

In other news, after 3 years in Alabama, we will be moving this summer! I can't give any more details at this time, but once our plans are fully set, I'll be updating here! We're also going to Ukraine and Europe this summer, so I will definitely blogging about those trips.
Thanks for reading!
XO,
Julie