Texas Phrases

Here is a short list of "Texasisms."
Feel free to us them to bewilder your Yankee friends.

Saying: The engine's runnin' but ain't nobody driving.
Translation: Not overly-intelligent.

Saying: Tighter than bark on a tree.
Translation: Not very generous.

Saying: All hat, no cattle
Translation: All talk and no action.

Saying: We've howdied but we ain't shook yet.
Translation: We've made a brief acquaintance, but not been formally introduced.

Saying: He thinks the sun come up just to hear him crow.
Translation: He has a pretty high opinion of himself.

Saying: As welcome as a skunk at a lawn party.
Translation: (self-explanatory)

Saying: He's got tongue enough for 10 rows of teeth.
Translation: Talks a lot.

Saying: It's so dry the trees are bribin' the dogs.
Translation: We really could use a little rain around here.

Saying: Just because a chicken has wings don't mean it can fly.
Translation: Appearances can be deceptive.

Saying: This ain't my first rodeo.
Translation: I've been around awhile.

Saying: He looks like the dog's been keepin' him under the porch.
Translation: Not the most handsome of men.

Saying: They ate supper before they said grace.
Translation: They are living in sin.

Saying: As full of wind as a corn-eating horse.
Translation: Rather prone to boasting.

Saying: You can put your boots in the oven, but that don't make 'em biscuits.
Translation: You can say whatever you want about something, but that doesn't change what it is.

Saying: Ain't no one ever starved a profit out of a cow.
Translation: You have to spend money to make money.