In the Bayou State, just like in every state, there are some Louisiana words and phrases that are so natural to utter they’ve become second nature. Local dialect can speak volumes in regards to a state’s culture, unique history, and traditions. Louisiana is rich in Cajun and Creole influences and many sayings have thus evolved out of those influences. Here are just a handful of sayings you’re sure to hear all the time in this Southern state.
- “Put Up”
flickr/louish As in: the kids better “put up” their toys so Dad doesn’t trip on them.
- “Do-do”
flickr/gerq A sweet phrase often used in putting children to bed, the word “do-do” is believed to have been formed from the French verb “Dormir” or to sleep. Nighty night!
- “Couillon”
flickr/chris Your little sister who borrowed your favorite dress without asking? Yes, she would be a “couillon” or a loving little fool.
- “Save”
Theresa O’Connor/Flickr Save the dishes! What do they need saving for? No worries, to save simply means to put away.
- “Making Groceries”
flickr/gufoblu Making groceries is the only way to put food on the table, which is just what this phrase means! This is Louisiana’s sister to putting bread on the table.
- “Make a Pass”
R. Miller/Flickr Don’t be fooled into thinking someone is hitting on you, to “make a pass” means to stop by and hang out.
- “Ya Mama and dem”
woodleywonderworks/Flickr “Dem” is the brood and “ya mama” is, well, ya mama. In other words, this phrase means the family.
- “Rodier”
flickr/ambroo People don’t just wander around Louisiana; they rodier. Fahncyyy
- “I gotta use it!”
flickr/rogersmith Any child will utter that phrase when they have to use the bathroom REALLY bad. You better let them and not stand in their way!
- “Come See”
Alan Levine/Flickr Come see, Come see! Right beside me! In Louisiana, folks ask to “come see” rather than “come here” although it means the same thing.
- “Are you gonna get down?”
flickr/mysza Let’s say a friend drives you home and you want to invite him inside for tea. You would not ask him to come in, but rather to get down. That is way more fun if you ask me.
- “Mais!”
Tetsumo/Flickr Literally translated from the French word “But”, in Louisiana one would say this when surprised or shocked.
- “Sha”
flickr/spacecowgirl Born from the French word “Cher” which means dear one, “Sha” is the sound of Cher in Cajun French and means exactly the same thing. It’s used interchangeably with: dear, honey, babe, sweetheart, the list goes on!
- “Ya’ll”
flickr/photolist This phrase refers to a group of people.
- “Tenny Shoe”
m01229/Flickr Folks up north call them sneakers or tennis shoes. Either way down south, they’re just “Tenny shoes”!
Are there any other Louisiana words or phrases that you hear around the Bayou State that aren’t on this list? Tell us about them in the comments below!We hav
flickr/louish
As in: the kids better “put up” their toys so Dad doesn’t trip on them.
flickr/gerq
A sweet phrase often used in putting children to bed, the word “do-do” is believed to have been formed from the French verb “Dormir” or to sleep. Nighty night!
flickr/chris
Your little sister who borrowed your favorite dress without asking? Yes, she would be a “couillon” or a loving little fool.
Theresa O’Connor/Flickr
Save the dishes! What do they need saving for? No worries, to save simply means to put away.
flickr/gufoblu
Making groceries is the only way to put food on the table, which is just what this phrase means! This is Louisiana’s sister to putting bread on the table.
R. Miller/Flickr
Don’t be fooled into thinking someone is hitting on you, to “make a pass” means to stop by and hang out.
woodleywonderworks/Flickr
“Dem” is the brood and “ya mama” is, well, ya mama. In other words, this phrase means the family.
flickr/ambroo
People don’t just wander around Louisiana; they rodier. Fahncyyy
flickr/rogersmith
Any child will utter that phrase when they have to use the bathroom REALLY bad. You better let them and not stand in their way!
Alan Levine/Flickr
Come see, Come see! Right beside me! In Louisiana, folks ask to “come see” rather than “come here” although it means the same thing.
flickr/mysza
Let’s say a friend drives you home and you want to invite him inside for tea. You would not ask him to come in, but rather to get down. That is way more fun if you ask me.
Tetsumo/Flickr
Literally translated from the French word “But”, in Louisiana one would say this when surprised or shocked.
flickr/spacecowgirl
Born from the French word “Cher” which means dear one, “Sha” is the sound of Cher in Cajun French and means exactly the same thing. It’s used interchangeably with: dear, honey, babe, sweetheart, the list goes on!
flickr/photolist
This phrase refers to a group of people.
m01229/Flickr
Folks up north call them sneakers or tennis shoes. Either way down south, they’re just “Tenny shoes”!
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Louisiana Words May 22, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other Louisiana words and sayings? We have our own language here in Louisiana, and we’re quite proud of it! In addition to Louisiana words and phrases like “save the dishes” and “fixin’ to,” sometimes we like to get a little fancy with some French and Creole, saying things like Laissez les bon temps rouler or Lagniappe. If you’re scratching your head and wondering what in the world those phrases mean, you’ll want to consult this list of Louisiana words and sayings. During Mardi Gras season, we’ve been known to shout “throw me somethin’, mister” when we’re wanting some beads and swag, but if someone in Louisiana utters Gris Gris in your presence, look out! This is an old Voodoo curse that no good can come from. Does Louisiana have its own language? It’s not incorrect to say that Louisiana has its own language, and here’s why: Louisiana has a deep history with both Native Americans and the French, and you’ll see those influences everywhere – especially with regard to language. If you’re from the Bayou State, then these words will be a piece of cake for you to pronounce, but tourists and newbies may stumble over a word or two. Words like Tchoupitoulas, Natchitoches, Tchefuncte, Tangipahoa, Opelousas, Atchafalaya, and Pontchartrain always cause a bit of a tongue tie, and even long-time Louisianians sometimes have trouble pronouncing them! But here’s one everyone should know and nail: New Orleans. nYou’d think this one out be a no-brainer, but there are actually two different pronunciations, depending on what you’re referring to. If you’re talking about the parish, then its pronounced “New Or-LEENS” (rhymes with jeans). If you’re talking about the city, then go with “New or-LINDZ.” Get it right, and we’ll love you forever! Get it wrong, and you’ll most definitely stick out as a tourist.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Louisiana Words
May 22, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other Louisiana words and sayings? We have our own language here in Louisiana, and we’re quite proud of it! In addition to Louisiana words and phrases like “save the dishes” and “fixin’ to,” sometimes we like to get a little fancy with some French and Creole, saying things like Laissez les bon temps rouler or Lagniappe. If you’re scratching your head and wondering what in the world those phrases mean, you’ll want to consult this list of Louisiana words and sayings. During Mardi Gras season, we’ve been known to shout “throw me somethin’, mister” when we’re wanting some beads and swag, but if someone in Louisiana utters Gris Gris in your presence, look out! This is an old Voodoo curse that no good can come from. Does Louisiana have its own language? It’s not incorrect to say that Louisiana has its own language, and here’s why: Louisiana has a deep history with both Native Americans and the French, and you’ll see those influences everywhere – especially with regard to language. If you’re from the Bayou State, then these words will be a piece of cake for you to pronounce, but tourists and newbies may stumble over a word or two. Words like Tchoupitoulas, Natchitoches, Tchefuncte, Tangipahoa, Opelousas, Atchafalaya, and Pontchartrain always cause a bit of a tongue tie, and even long-time Louisianians sometimes have trouble pronouncing them! But here’s one everyone should know and nail: New Orleans. nYou’d think this one out be a no-brainer, but there are actually two different pronunciations, depending on what you’re referring to. If you’re talking about the parish, then its pronounced “New Or-LEENS” (rhymes with jeans). If you’re talking about the city, then go with “New or-LINDZ.” Get it right, and we’ll love you forever! Get it wrong, and you’ll most definitely stick out as a tourist.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We have our own language here in Louisiana, and we’re quite proud of it! In addition to Louisiana words and phrases like “save the dishes” and “fixin’ to,” sometimes we like to get a little fancy with some French and Creole, saying things like Laissez les bon temps rouler or Lagniappe. If you’re scratching your head and wondering what in the world those phrases mean, you’ll want to consult this list of Louisiana words and sayings. During Mardi Gras season, we’ve been known to shout “throw me somethin’, mister” when we’re wanting some beads and swag, but if someone in Louisiana utters Gris Gris in your presence, look out! This is an old Voodoo curse that no good can come from.
Does Louisiana have its own language?
It’s not incorrect to say that Louisiana has its own language, and here’s why: Louisiana has a deep history with both Native Americans and the French, and you’ll see those influences everywhere – especially with regard to language. If you’re from the Bayou State, then these words will be a piece of cake for you to pronounce, but tourists and newbies may stumble over a word or two. Words like Tchoupitoulas, Natchitoches, Tchefuncte, Tangipahoa, Opelousas, Atchafalaya, and Pontchartrain always cause a bit of a tongue tie, and even long-time Louisianians sometimes have trouble pronouncing them! But here’s one everyone should know and nail: New Orleans. nYou’d think this one out be a no-brainer, but there are actually two different pronunciations, depending on what you’re referring to. If you’re talking about the parish, then its pronounced “New Or-LEENS” (rhymes with jeans). If you’re talking about the city, then go with “New or-LINDZ.” Get it right, and we’ll love you forever! Get it wrong, and you’ll most definitely stick out as a tourist.
