150 Best Memphis Sayings and Jokes That Will Make You Holler

Ever heard someone say “fixin’ to” and wondered what it meant? Dive into the unique world of Memphis with us! We’re exploring the city’s charm through its colorful language and humor. Get ready to laugh and learn about the special collection of Memphis sayings and jokes that make this place so distinctive.

From quirky expressions to local punchlines, we’ll uncover the wit and wisdom baked into the Memphis dialect. Prepare to be entertained and maybe even add a few new phrases to your own vocabulary. This is your guide to understanding the heart and humor of Memphis!

Best Memphis Sayings and Jokes That Will Make You Holler

• You know you’re in Memphis when someone asks “What school you go to?” and it’s not about college.
• A Memphis BBQ joint owner told me, “Our ribs are so good, they’ll make you wanna slap yo’ mama!” I replied, “But what if my mama made the ribs?” He just winked and said, “Then thank her twice!”
• In Memphis, a “traffic jam” is five cars waiting for a train and one of them is an old Cadillac.
• Why did the Elvis impersonator get lost in Memphis? He couldn’t find his way back to Graceland, he was all shook up!
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from sympathy to “you’re an idiot,” you just gotta feel the vibe.
• Two Memphians were arguing about who had the best BBQ. One said, “Mine’s so good, it’ll make you cry!” The other said, “Mine’s so good, it’ll make you forget you were crying.”
• Memphis weather forecast: 70% chance of humidity, 20% chance of sun, and 100% chance of someone saying, “It’s a dry heat.”
• A tourist asked a Memphian, “What’s the best way to experience the city?” The Memphian replied, “Get yourself some BBQ, some blues, and a good dose of ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir.'”
• Memphis dating advice: If they don’t like Rendezvous, it’s a red flag.
• What’s a Memphian’s favorite type of music? Anything you can two-step to.
• A Memphian’s idea of roughing it is having to wait five minutes for a table at a BBQ restaurant.
• I tried to explain a complicated math problem in Memphis. They just said, “Honey, does it involve BBQ, Beale Street, or Elvis? If not, we ain’t got time.”
• A Memphis ghost told me, “I’ve been haunting this house for 50 years, and the only thing scarier than that is the line for Central BBQ.”
• Why did the chicken cross Beale Street? To get to the other side… and grab some blues!
• You know you’ve lived in Memphis too long when your GPS says, “Turn left at the next BBQ place.”

Memphis Sayings: Decoding Local Lingo

Ever felt lost in translation while visiting Memphis? “Memphis Sayings: Decoding Local Lingo” is your guide to understanding the city’s unique vocabulary. From “fixin’ to” to “holler,” this section helps you navigate conversations like a true Memphian. It’s more than just words; it’s a glimpse into the city’s soul.

• “Memphis time” is a suggestion, not a schedule, and usually involves a detour for barbecue and a conversation about Elvis.
• If you can’t find it in Memphis, it probably doesn’t exist, or it’s on Beale Street, and you’ll need a portable charger.
• A Memphis weather forecast? Expect humidity, a chance of blues, and a strong possibility of craving ribs.
• “Bless your heart,” in Memphis, can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye.
• Trying to find parking downtown is a workout that rivals a marathon, and usually ends with a parking ticket.
• My Memphis diet plan is simple: eat barbecue, listen to blues, repeat, and maybe have some banana pudding.
• You know you’re in Memphis when the smell of barbecue is stronger than your desire to diet.
• A Memphis love story? I knew they were the one when they didn’t put slaw on their barbecue sandwich and knew the best place to get a fried pie.
• “Just a little bit spicy” in Memphis means you might need to sign a waiver, and you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby.
• You know you’re a true Memphian when you can give directions using only the names of barbecue joints and the general direction of Graceland, and then ask if they want to try some fried pickles.
• “My GPS just said, ‘You’ve arrived at your destination, now go find a parking spot, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.'”
• Memphis: Where the only thing hotter than the weather is the debate over which barbecue place is the best, and also, if you like your ribs wet or dry.
• “That’s about as likely as finding a parking spot on Beale Street on a Saturday night, and also, you should probably bring a portable charger.”
• A Memphis resident’s idea of a “light snack” is a barbecue sandwich, a side of slaw, and a fried pie.
• Why did the tourist bring an extra suitcase to Memphis? He heard the barbecue had a gravitational pull, and also, he needed a place to charge his phone.

Humorous Memphis Jokes: A Bluff City Laugh

Looking for a good chuckle, Memphis style? “Humorous Memphis Jokes: A Bluff City Laugh” dives into the city’s unique brand of wit. From Beale Street antics to barbecue banter, this collection captures the playful spirit of Memphis. It’s a perfect addition to any exploration of Memphis sayings and jokes, offering…

• A Memphis traffic jam is just a slow-moving blues parade.
• You know you’re a Memphian when “a little bit of barbecue” is a perfectly acceptable serving size.
• My Memphis diet plan? I see barbecue, I eat barbecue.
• Memphis weather forecast: Expect humidity, a chance of blues, and a strong possibility of craving ribs.
• “Memphis slow” isn’t a speed, it’s a lifestyle, and also, it’s how long it takes to get your ribs.
• Trying to find parking downtown is like a scavenger hunt, except the treasure is a spot that isn’t on a tow truck.
• A Memphis love story? I knew they were the one when they didn’t put slaw on their barbecue sandwich and knew the best place to get fried pickles.
• The only thing hotter than the Memphis summer is the debate over which barbecue joint is the best, and whether you should have your ribs wet or dry.
• “A few minutes away” in Memphis is a relative term, usually depending on how long it takes to get through the drive-thru at your favorite barbecue place.
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye.
• My GPS in Memphis now just says, “Turn left at the next barbecue place, you’re close, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.”
• Memphis dating profile: Seeking someone who appreciates a good blues riff, doesn’t mind a little humidity, and knows their way around a smoker.
• I tried to have a quiet night in Memphis, but the blues from my neighbor’s porch had other plans and now I’m tapping my feet.
• You know you’re a true Memphian when you can give directions using only the names of barbecue joints, the general direction of Graceland, and the phrase, “just past the place where they have the best fried pickles.”
• My favorite Memphis workout? Trying to find a parking spot on Beale Street on a Saturday night, and then trying to find a place to sit, and then trying to find a bathroom, and then trying to find my way back to my car, and then I have to start all over again tomorrow.

Unique Memphis Phrases: Expressions You Won’t Hear Elsewhere

Memphis has a language all its own, y’all! Forget “yinz” or “wicked,” we’ve got phrases like “fixin’ to” and “might could.” These aren’t just words; they’re the spirit of the Bluff City, woven into our jokes and everyday conversations. You might hear them at a BBQ joint or while strolling…

• “Memphis hot” isn’t just a temperature, it’s a state of being, a personal sauna you didn’t ask for.
• My Memphis apartment is so small, my BBQ sauce collection is starting to stage a coup for more shelf space.
• They say Elvis has left the building, but I think he just went to get some more barbecue, and then he tried to find parking near Beale Street.
• A Memphis minute? Could be five, could be fifteen, or it could be when the barbecue is ready.
• You know you’re in Memphis when the smell of barbecue is stronger than the smell of the Mississippi.
• My Memphis GPS now just says, “Turn left at the next BBQ joint, and then you should probably get a portable charger.”
• “Bless your heart, you’re gonna need a second plate of ribs” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a prophecy.
• “A little bit of blues” in Memphis is a way of life, a soundtrack to the heat, and a good excuse to order another round of sweet tea.
• My Memphis weather app is just a picture of a thermometer, because it’s always gonna be hot and humid.
• “That’s about as likely as finding a parking spot on Beale Street on a Saturday night and then finding a place to charge your phone.”
• They say the Mississippi is muddy, but it’s got nothing on the flavor of a good Memphis dry rub.
• “Just a little bit of spice” in Memphis is a challenge, not a suggestion, and you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan.
• If you’re ever lost in Memphis, just follow the sound of blues music and the smell of barbecue, you’ll find your way home, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• My Memphis diet? I see barbecue, I eat barbecue, and then I try to find a place to charge my phone and then I start all over again tomorrow.
• You know you’re a true Memphian when you can name three different barbecue joints, and you have a favorite for each, and you know where to find parking, and you have a portable charger.

Memphis Slang: Talking Like a True Memphian

Memphis slang is a whole vibe, y’all. It’s not just about saying “junt” or “fixin’ to.” It’s a rhythm, a way of adding soul to our jokes and stories. Knowing the local lingo is like having a secret key to understanding the real Memphis humor. It makes the punchlines land…

• “Memphis hot” isn’t just a temperature, it’s a state of being, and also, a reason to eat more barbecue.
• “Slow down, you’re not late for the blues” isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a way of life, and also a good excuse to take a nap.
• A Memphis minute? Could be five, could be fifteen, or it could be when the barbecue is ready, and maybe when you find parking.
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• Memphis weather forecast: Expect humidity, a chance of blues, and a strong possibility of craving ribs, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• My Memphis diet plan is simple: eat barbecue, listen to blues, repeat, and maybe have some banana pudding, and also, try to find a place to charge your phone.
• “That’s about as likely as finding a parking spot on Beale Street on a Saturday night, and then not having to listen to live music, and then you probably forgot your portable charger.”
• “A little bit of blues” in Memphis is a way of life, a soundtrack to the heat, and a good excuse to order another round of sweet tea, and then try to figure out how to get back home.
• You know you’re a Memphian when the smell of barbecue is stronger than your desire to diet, and you also know the best place to get fried pickles.
• Why did the tourist bring an extra suitcase to Memphis? He heard the barbecue had a gravitational pull, and also, he needed a place to charge his phone, and also, he needed a map of Beale Street.
• A Memphis love story? I knew they were the one when they didn’t put slaw on their barbecue sandwich and knew the best place to get a fried pie, and also, they knew where to find the best parking downtown.
• “Just a little bit spicy” in Memphis is a challenge, not a suggestion, and you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan, and a backup plan for your bike, and a really good data plan.
• If you can’t find it in Memphis, it probably doesn’t exist, or it’s on Beale Street, and you’ll need a portable charger, and then you should probably just ask a local for directions, and then they will probably tell you to “bless your heart”.
• “Memphis slow” isn’t a speed, it’s a lifestyle, and also, it’s how long it takes to get your ribs, and then try to find parking, and then remember that you forgot your phone charger.
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike, and a really good data plan.

Funny Memphisisms: The Wit and Wisdom of the 901

“Funny Memphisisms” perfectly captures the unique humor of the 901. It’s more than just jokes; it’s a collection of local sayings, witty observations, and playful jabs that only Memphians truly understand. This book is a hilarious dive into the city’s soul, revealing the charm and quirkiness behind our everyday conversations….

• “Memphis time” is a real thing, and it’s usually about 15 minutes behind schedule, or maybe an hour, depending on the BBQ line.
• If you don’t like the weather in Memphis, wait five minutes, it’ll probably get more humid.
• My GPS in Memphis just says, “Turn left at the next barbecue place, you’re close… and you might want to get some napkins.”
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• A Memphis diet plan? Eat barbecue, listen to the blues, and repeat, and you should probably have a portable fan.
• You know you’re a true Memphian when you can tell the difference between dry rub and wet ribs just by the smell, and also, you know where to find the best fried pickles.
• The humidity in Memphis is so thick, you could cut it with a barbecue knife, and then you could probably fry it, and then you should probably have some sweet tea with it.
• “Just a little bit spicy” in Memphis is a challenge, not a suggestion, and you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan.
• My Memphis car alarm is just a recording of a blues riff and someone saying, “Hold my sweet tea, I got this,” and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• “Memphis slow” isn’t a speed; it’s a way of life, and it’s how long it takes to get your ribs, and then try to find parking, and then remember that you forgot your phone charger.
• They say Elvis has left the building, but I think he just went to get some more barbecue, and then tried to find parking near Beale Street, and then he got lost.
• “If you can’t find it in Memphis, it probably doesn’t exist, or it’s on Beale Street, and you’ll need a portable charger, and then you should probably just ask a local for directions, and then they will probably tell you to ‘bless your heart’, and then they will probably offer you some sweet tea.”
• Memphis: Where the only thing hotter than the weather is the debate over which barbecue joint is the best, and if you like your ribs wet or dry, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• “Memphis time” is a flexible concept, usually ranging from “I’m leaving now” to “I’ll be there when the barbecue is ready, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.”
• You know you’re in Memphis when a conversation about the weather includes a detailed discussion on the humidity, the pollen count, and whether or not it’s a good night for an outdoor blues show, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike, and a really good data plan, and a portable charger.

Memphis Puns and Wordplay: Clever Linguistic Twists

Memphis isn’t just about blues and barbecue; it’s got a sharp wit too. “Memphis Puns and Wordplay” explores the city’s humorous side, showcasing clever linguistic twists. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a Beale Street jam session, where phrases are riffed on and meanings are playfully bent. It’s…

• My Memphis apartment is so small, my blues records are starting to feel cramped, and are asking for a subscription to a local barbecue joint.
• Memphis weather is like a barbecue sauce; you never know if it’s going to be sweet, spicy, or a little too smoky, and also, you should probably have a portable fan.
• You know you’re in Memphis when the phrase “a little bit of blues” is a perfectly acceptable excuse for any behavior, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• “Memphis time” is more of a suggestion than a schedule, and is usually dictated by when the ribs are ready, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• A Memphis resident’s idea of a light snack is a full rack of ribs with a side of slaw and a sweet tea the size of your head, and then you have to try to find parking.
• My Memphis car alarm is just a recording of a blues riff and someone saying, “Hold my sweet tea, I got this.”
• If you’re ever lost in Memphis, just follow the sound of the blues and the smell of barbecue, and you’ll find your way home, and also, you should probably have a portable charger, and a good data plan.
• The best way to experience Memphis? Take a stroll down Beale Street, and bring your dancing shoes, and a portable fan, and a really good data plan for when you are trying to figure out how to get back to your car.
• “Just a few minutes away” in Memphis can mean anything from five minutes to an hour, depending on how long the line is at your favorite barbecue place, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• A Memphis love story? I knew they were the one when they didn’t put slaw on their barbecue sandwich, and knew the best place to get fried pickles, and also, they had a portable charger, and a really good data plan.
• I’m convinced that Memphis is the only place where humidity is considered a local delicacy.
• Memphis drivers use turn signals like they’re optional features on a blues guitar, and speed limits like a suggestion from a tourist, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• My Memphis diet plan is simple: eat barbecue, listen to the blues, repeat, and maybe have some banana pudding, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike, and a portable charger.
• “Memphis spice” isn’t just a flavor; it’s a way of life, a challenge, and a testament to your endurance, and also, you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan, and a really good data plan.
• I tried to have a quiet moment in Memphis, but the sound of blues music and the smell of barbecue just wouldn’t let me, and also, I had to find a place to lock my bike, and then I had to try to find a place to charge my phone.

Memphis-Specific Jokes: In-Crowd Humor

Memphis humor has its own special language. In-crowd jokes often revolve around local landmarks, like the “Pyramid” or the “I Love Memphis” sign, or even the unique quirks of different neighborhoods. If you’re not from here, you might miss the subtle punchlines, but for Memphians, it’s a shared language of…

• “Memphis time” is a real thing, and it’s usually about 15 minutes behind schedule, or maybe an hour, depending on the BBQ line, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• My GPS in Memphis just says, “Turn left at the next barbecue place, you’re close… and you might want to get some napkins.”
• Memphis weather forecast: Expect humidity, a chance of blues, and a strong possibility of craving ribs.
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike, and a really good data plan.
• A Memphis minute? Could be five, could be fifteen, or it could be when the barbecue is ready, and maybe when you find parking.
• “A little bit of blues” in Memphis is a way of life, a soundtrack to the heat, and a good excuse to order another round of sweet tea.
• My Memphis car alarm is just a recording of a blues riff and someone saying, “Hold my sweet tea, I got this.”
• They say the Mississippi is muddy, but it’s got nothing on the flavor of a good Memphis dry rub, and a side of slaw.
• “Slow down, you’re not late for the blues” isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a way of life, and also a good excuse to take a nap, and also to order more barbecue.
• “Memphis slow” isn’t a speed, it’s a lifestyle, and also, it’s how long it takes to get your ribs, and then try to find parking, and then remember that you forgot your phone charger, and then you have to start all over again tomorrow.
• You know you’re a true Memphian when you can give directions using only the names of barbecue joints, the general direction of Graceland, and the phrase, “just past the place where they have the best fried pickles.”
• “Memphis spice” isn’t just a flavor; it’s a lifestyle, a challenge, a testament to your endurance, and also, you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan, and a really good data plan for when you are trying to figure out how to get back home.
• Why did the chicken cross Beale Street? To get to the other side… and grab some blues, and maybe some barbecue, and then try to find parking.
• If you can’t find it in Memphis, it probably doesn’t exist, or it’s on Beale Street, and you’ll need a portable charger, and then you should probably just ask a local for directions, and then they will probably tell you to “bless your heart”.
• My Memphis diet plan? I see barbecue, I eat barbecue, and then I try to find a place to charge my phone, and then I start all over again tomorrow, and then I remember that I forgot my hat.

Regional Memphis Sayings: From the Delta to the City

Memphis sayings are a whole vibe, y’all! From the Delta’s slow drawl to the city’s quick wit, you’ll hear phrases that are uniquely ours. It’s more than just jokes; it’s a language of shared experiences and that Memphis soul. Dive into our lexicon, and you’ll be talkin’ like a true…

• “Memphis hot” isn’t just a temperature, it’s a full-body experience, like wearing a damp t-shirt that’s also been in a smoker.
• You know you’re in Memphis when “a quick trip” involves a detour for barbecue, a conversation about Elvis, and maybe a little bit of blues.
• “Bless your heart” in Memphis can mean anything from “I feel sorry for you” to “you’re about to make a terrible decision, but I’m gonna watch anyway,” depending on the drawl and the side-eye, and also, you should probably have a portable fan.
• If you don’t like the weather in Memphis, wait five minutes, it’ll probably get more humid, and then you should probably have a glass of sweet tea, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• “Memphis time” is more of a suggestion than a schedule, and is usually dictated by when the ribs are ready, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• A Memphis resident’s idea of a “light snack” is a full rack of ribs with a side of coleslaw, and a sweet tea the size of your head, and then you have to try to figure out how to get back to your car.
• “Slow down, you’re not late for the blues” isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a way of life, and also a good excuse to order another plate of barbecue, and then try to figure out where you parked.
• My Memphis weather app is just a picture of a thermometer, because it’s always gonna be hot and humid, and you should probably have a portable fan.
• A Memphis love story? I knew they were the one when they didn’t put slaw on their barbecue sandwich, and knew the best place to get a fried pie, and also, they knew where to find parking near Beale Street.
• “Just a little bit spicy” in Memphis is a challenge, not a suggestion, and you should probably have a glass of sweet tea nearby, and a portable fan, and a really good data plan for when you are trying to figure out how to get back home.
• The secret to happiness in Memphis is great barbecue, a good blues song, and the ability to navigate Beale Street on a Saturday night without losing your cool, and also, you should probably have a portable charger.
• “Memphis spice” isn’t just a flavor, it’s a lifestyle, a challenge, a testament to your endurance, and also, you should probably have a backup plan for your bike.
• “Memphis slow” isn’t a speed; it’s a way of life, and it’s how long it takes to get your ribs, and then try to find parking, and then remember that you forgot your phone charger.
• If you can’t find it in Memphis, it probably doesn’t exist, or it’s on Beale Street, and you’ll need a portable charger, and then you should probably just ask a local for directions, and then they will probably tell you to “bless your heart”, and then they will probably offer you some sweet tea.
• “My GPS in Memphis now just says, ‘Turn left at the next barbecue place, you’re close, and you might want to get some napkins, and also, you should probably have a portable charger, and a good data plan’.”