150 Best Tennessee Sayings and Jokes Your Guide to Southern Humor

Ever wondered what folks in the Volunteer State are chuckling about? Get ready to dive into a world of Southern charm and wit with our collection of hilarious Tennessee sayings and jokes. From quirky expressions to knee-slapping one-liners, we’ve gathered the best of the bunch.

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Tennessean or just curious about the local humor, this post is your ticket to understanding the lighthearted side of the state. Prepare to laugh, learn, and maybe even pick up a few new Tennessee sayings to use yourself!

Best Tennessee Sayings and Jokes Your Guide to Southern Humor

• Bless your heart, you’re about as sharp as a marble in a sandbox.
• I’m so hungry I could eat the south end of a northbound mule.
• If brains were dynamite, you wouldn’t have enough to blow your nose.
• Why did the scarecrow win an award in Tennessee? Because he was outstanding in his field!
• My grandma’s so old, she remembers when the Volunteer State was just a small suggestion.
• Heard about the Tennessee couple who eloped? They just couldn’t bear the thought of a prolonged family potluck.
• You’re not from around here, are ya? Your accent’s thicker than a bowl of grits.
• A Tennessee man walks into a library and asks for books about paranoia. The librarian whispers, “They’re right behind you!”
• I went to a Tennessee beauty pageant. It was a real pick-up truck of talent.
• The only thing slower than a Tennessee summer is my internet speed.
• What do you call a lazy kangaroo in Tennessee? Pouch potato.
• Why did the biscuit cross the road in Tennessee? To get to the other side of the gravy!
• I’m not saying Tennessee summers are hot, but I saw a squirrel using an oven mitt to climb a tree.
• A Tennessee farmer said he was good at predicting the weather. Turns out, he was just holding his rooster up really high.
• My doctor told me to cut back on my Tennessee sweet tea. I’m now on a strict diet of slightly less sweet tea.

Tennessee Sayings: A Glimpse into Southern Vernacular

Dive into the heart of Tennessee with “Tennessee Sayings,” a charming peek at local lingo. From “bless your heart” to “fixin’ to,” these phrases offer more than just words; they’re windows into Southern culture. Explore the wit and wisdom behind these colorful expressions, alongside the jokes that make them even…

• My GPS in Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a honky-tonk. Good luck finding parking.”
• That fella’s got a mind like a plate of biscuits, warm and comforting, but not a whole lot going on.
• They say everything is slower in Tennessee, but have you seen a bluegrass banjo player? Their fingers move faster than a hummingbird’s wings.
• I tried to make sweet tea with stevia. My grandma just stared at me like I’d put ketchup on a biscuit.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the biggest traffic jam is caused by a group of musicians having a jam session in the middle of the street.
• That fella’s got a smile like a summer day on the Cumberland River, warm but a little bit murky, and you’re not sure what’s lurking underneath.
• They say the only thing that grows faster than kudzu in Tennessee is the number of roadside barbecue joints, and they’re all amazing, and mostly in the way of traffic.
• Heard about the Tennessee possum that tried to learn to play the guitar? He got all tangled up in the strings and just gave up and went back to the trash can.
• My therapist told me to find my happy place, so I went to Dollywood… turns out, it was just a really big theme park with a lot of screaming and fried food, and I was happy.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a plate of barbecue? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little bit messy, but worth it.
• They say patience is a virtue, especially when you’re trying to merge onto I-24 during rush hour, and then you have to wait for the slow-moving pickup truck, and then you get stuck behind a tourist.
• Tennessee summers are so long, I’m pretty sure my car has started to grow its own set of AC vents and a cup holder for sweet tea.
• My brain is running on caffeine and the sheer willpower to not start singing a country song in public.
• My Tennessee friend says they don’t need a map, they just follow the scent of barbecue and the sound of a steel guitar, and maybe the occasional banjo, and they always end up somewhere interesting, or at least with a good view, and some good food.
• They come to Tennessee for the “music,” and end up spending most of their time in long lines at a honky-tonk, and then complaining about it, but still buying cowboy boots.

Tennessee Jokes: Laughing Our Way Through the Volunteer State

“Tennessee Jokes: Laughing Our Way Through the Volunteer State” offers a delightful glimpse into the state’s humor. It’s more than just jokes; it’s a cultural snapshot, reflecting our down-to-earth spirit and love for storytelling. This book perfectly complements “Tennessee Sayings and Jokes,” showing how wit and wisdom intertwine in our…

• That fella’s got a smile like a freshly picked cotton boll, white and bright, and you’re not sure if it’s hiding a secret.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a plate of barbecue ribs? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little bit messy, but worth it.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks and RVs headed to Dollywood, and everyone’s being polite about it, mostly.
• Heard about the Tennessee squirrel that tried to learn to play the banjo? He got all tangled up in the strings and just gave up and went back to the bird feeder, and then complained about the tourists.
• My GPS in Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a honky-tonk, and probably some barbecue. Now, what’s the plan?”
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the local gas station sells more moonshine than actual gasoline, and nobody bats an eye, and they all know how to play a good steel guitar.
• My therapist told me to find my happy place, so I went to Graceland… turns out, it was just a really big house with a lot of velvet, and a lot of Elvis, and I was happy.
• That fella’s got a mind like a Tennessee back road, full of twists, turns, and a few scenic overlooks, and you’re never quite sure where you’ll end up, but you’ll probably hear some good bluegrass along the way.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a plate of fried chicken? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little bit too much gravy, but worth it.
• A Tennessee weather forecast is just a suggestion, it might be sunny, it might be raining, it might be hot, or it might be cold, but it’s probably going to change in five minutes, so you might as well just grab a glass of sweet tea and relax a spell.
• A Tennessee couple’s idea of a romantic evening is a night at the Grand Ole Opry followed by some late-night barbecue, and then a debate about which is the best, and then maybe another trip to the Opry.
• “Bless your heart,” said the Tennessee grandma, “you’re sweating like a glass of sweet tea in July, and maybe you should go inside and sit a spell, and I’ll make you a biscuit, and then maybe some pie, too.”
• They say a watched pot never boils, but a watched pot of Tennessee pulled pork will make you hungrier than a hound dog at a barbecue competition, and then you’ll probably go get a whole plate of it, and then start thinking about the next plate.
• They say patience is a virtue, especially when you’re waiting in line for a table at a good barbecue joint, and then you get a seat and have to decide which kind of ribs to get, and then you have to wait for them to be cooked just right.
• My favorite thing about Tennessee? The sunsets, the barbecue, and the fact that everyone knows the words to at least one Hank Williams song, and they’re probably going to sing it.

Exploring the Roots of Tennessee Sayings and Their Meanings

Ever wondered why folks in Tennessee say “madder than a wet hen” or “knee-high to a grasshopper”? Delving into these colorful sayings reveals a rich history, often tied to rural life and the state’s unique culture. Understanding their origins adds a whole new layer to enjoying Tennessee jokes and conversations.

• That fella’s got a mind like a plate of biscuits, warm and comforting, but not much to it.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but try getting a reservation at a good BBQ joint on a Friday night, and you’ll see fast and furious.
• My grandma’s so good at baking, she can make a biscuit talk, and then ask for some gravy.
• A Tennessee summer is like a long, slow dance with a humid ghost, and it just never quite lets go, and you might need a glass of sweet tea to cope.
• Heard a fella say he was “fixin’ to” start a band, that means he’ll be ready sometime next year, maybe.
• That’s about as likely as a squirrel learning to play the fiddle, and then actually getting a record deal.
• My Tennessee weather app just suggested I learn how to play the banjo, “just in case,” and maybe learn to do a little flatfooting, too.
• If you’re not sweating while eating this, you’re probably a Yankee, and maybe you should add some hot sauce, bless your heart.
• That fella’s got a smile like a hound dog when he spots a squirrel, a little goofy but mostly hopeful.
• My uncle’s got a fishing story for every day of the week, and none of them involve actually catching a fish, just near misses.
• “Well, I’ll be a hound dog’s uncle,” she said, “that’s the dangdest thing I’ve seen all week, and I’ve seen a firefly try to steal a banjo.”
• “Our idea of a speed chase is a pickup truck trying to catch up to a rogue tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they’ll all get some barbecue, and then they’ll start again.”
• They say a watched pot never boils, but a watched pot of pulled pork will make you hungrier than a hound dog at a barbecue competition, and you should probably just go get a sandwich.
• “You haven’t truly experienced Tennessee until you’ve had a full-blown argument with a stranger about the best way to cook ribs, and then shared a plate with them afterward, and then started the argument all over again.”
• Why did the chicken cross the road in Nashville? To get to the other side, where they play a better country song, and they have a better plate of fried chicken and maybe a biscuit.

Tennessee Humor: From Tall Tales to Lighthearted Banter

Tennessee humor is as warm and inviting as a summer porch swing. It ranges from outlandish tall tales, spun with a wink, to the gentle ribbing found in everyday banter. These sayings and jokes, passed down through generations, reflect a love of storytelling and a knack for finding the funny…

• That fella’s got a mind like a worn-out banjo string, mostly twang and a little bit out of tune.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the biggest traffic jam is caused by a group of folks trying to get to the same roadside barbecue stand, and everyone is being polite about it, but the tension is thicker than the gravy.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a plate of pulled pork? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little too much barbecue sauce, but worth it.
• Bless your heart, you’re about as likely to win the lottery as you are to find a parking spot downtown on a Saturday night, and then probably get a parking ticket anyway.
• My GPS in East Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a mountain, and probably some bluegrass. Good luck finding your way, and maybe bring a banjo.”
• That’s about as likely as a possum winning a beauty pageant, or a squirrel learning to moonwalk, and then actually getting a record deal, and then going on tour with a possum.
• Tennessee weather is like a game of musical chairs, you never know when the music will stop and you’ll get stuck in a downpour or a heatwave, and then you should probably just grab a sweet tea.
• My grandma’s so good at cooking, she can make a turnip taste like a peach cobbler, and then ask for some gravy, and then tell you a story about the time she made a cake for Elvis.
• They say a watched pot never boils, but a watched pot of barbecue will make you hungrier than a hound dog at a bluegrass festival, and you should probably just go ahead and get a plate of ribs.
• What’s a Tennessee couple’s favorite song? “Rocky Top”…mostly because it’s the only one they both know, and they can sing it in harmony, and then debate which version is better.
• They say everything is bigger in Texas, but they haven’t seen the size of a plate of barbecue at a Tennessee cookout, it’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little bit of sweet tea, and maybe some coleslaw, and maybe a biscuit, and maybe some pie.
• That fella’s got a voice as smooth as a glass of bourbon, and a story to go with it, but you might need a few hours to hear the whole thing, and you should probably grab a rocking chair.
• My therapist told me to find my happy place, so I went to Dollywood… turns out, it was just a really big theme park with a lot of screaming and fried food, and I was happy, and then I wanted to go again.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks, and everyone’s being polite about it, unless you cut in line at the drive-through for some fried chicken, and then all bets are off.
• If you’re lost in Tennessee, just follow the sound of a banjo and the smell of barbecue, you’ll either find your way, or a really good time, and probably some sweet tea.

Regional Variations in Tennessee Jokes and Sayings

Tennessee’s humor isn’t one-size-fits-all! From the mountains to the Mississippi, jokes and sayings shift. East Tennessee might love a good “holler” story, while West Tennessee leans into bluesy wit. Even middle Tennessee has its own flavor of down-home humor. It’s a patchwork of funny, reflecting the state’s diverse regions.

• That fella’s got a smile like a hound dog that just found a bone, all goofy and happy, and you know he’s about to tell you a story.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but that’s mostly because we’re too busy enjoying a glass of sweet tea and listening to a good story to notice.
• My GPS in East Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a mountain, and probably some bluegrass. Good luck finding your way, and maybe bring a banjo.”
• That’s about as likely as a squirrel learning to play the fiddle, and then actually getting a record deal, and then playing at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Heard about the Tennessee couple who eloped? They just couldn’t bear the thought of a prolonged family potluck, and all the arguing about which barbecue is better.
• My grandma’s so good at making biscuits, she can make them talk, and then ask for some gravy, and then probably tell you a long story about how she learned to make them.
• A Tennessee minute is like a regular minute, but it takes a little longer, and probably involves a conversation about the weather, and some college football scores, and then a story about that time the river flooded.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the local gas station sells more chewing tobacco than actual gas, and nobody bats an eye, and they all know how to make a proper barbecue sauce, and they’re all happy to tell you about it.
• “Bless your heart,” said the Tennessee grandma, “you’re sweating like a glass of sweet tea in July, and maybe you should go inside and sit a spell, and then I’ll make you a biscuit.”
• They say the only thing that grows faster than kudzu in Tennessee is the number of roadside barbecue joints, and they’re all amazing, and mostly in the way of traffic.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks, and everyone’s waving, and probably on their way to a barbecue.
• My therapist told me to find my happy place, so I went to Dollywood… turns out, it was just a really big theme park with a lot of screaming and fried food, and I was happy, and then I wanted to go again.
• My favorite thing about Tennessee? The sunsets, the barbecue, and the fact that everyone knows the words to at least one Hank Williams song, and they’re probably going to sing it to you.
• They say patience is a virtue, especially when you’re waiting for your pulled pork to be cooked just right, and for the coleslaw to be perfectly creamy, but not too sweet, and not too tangy.
• That fella’s got a voice as smooth as a glass of bourbon, and a story to go with it, but you might need a few hours to hear the whole thing, and you should probably grab a rocking chair.

The Enduring Charm of Tennessee Sayings in Modern Life

Tennessee sayings, like “bless your heart,” still sprinkle charm into our modern conversations. They’re more than just old-fashioned phrases; they’re a window into the state’s warm culture and humor. These sayings, often found in Tennessee jokes, connect us to a simpler time, offering a touch of Southern grace and wit…

• That fella’s got a mind like a squirrel trying to bury a nut in a concrete driveway, persistent but not very productive.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but try getting in line at the Cracker Barrel on a Sunday morning.
• My GPS in Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a barbecue joint, and maybe some bluegrass music, now, what’s the plan?”
• That’s about as likely as a catfish learning to play the banjo, and then actually getting a gig at the Grand Ole Opry, and then becoming a country music star, and then winning a Grammy.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks, and everyone’s waving, even if they’re secretly late for the potluck.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a barbecue plate? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little bit too much sauce, but worth it.
• A Tennessee summer is like a long, slow waltz with a humid ghost, and it just never quite lets go, and you should probably grab a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a rocking chair.
• That fella’s got a smile like a sunrise over the Smoky Mountains, beautiful but a little bit hazy, and you know he’s about to tell you a story that will probably take all day.
• My Tennessee weather app just suggested I learn how to play a good steel guitar, “just in case”, and maybe learn to do a little flatfooting, too, because you never know when a jam session will break out.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the local gas station sells more chewing tobacco than actual gas, and nobody bats an eye, and they all know how to make a proper barbecue sauce, and they’re all happy to tell you about it, and they all have a different opinion.
• They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but in Tennessee, it’s through the football team’s winning record, and a plate of barbecue, and a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a little bit of moonshine, and a good story, and a little bit of gossip.
• What do you call a fashionable chicken in Nashville? A cluck-star.
• My neighbor’s dog is so Tennessee, he chases after banjos instead of squirrels, and then looks disappointed when they don’t bark back.
• That’s about as likely as a vegetarian ordering a whole hog at a barbecue competition, or a gator ordering a salad, and then asking for a side of tofu.
• Heard about the Tennessee couple who eloped? They just couldn’t bear the thought of a prolonged family potluck, and all the arguing about which barbecue is better, and who makes the best sweet tea, and who has the best recipe for banana pudding.

Funny Tennessee Jokes: Puns and Wordplay

Looking for a good chuckle, Tennessee style? “Funny Tennessee Jokes: Puns and Wordplay” dives deep into the state’s humor, beyond just the usual sayings. Expect clever wordplay and silly puns that capture the spirit of Tennessee, proving that Southern wit is alive and kicking, perfect for sharing with friends.

• That fella’s got a mind like a plate of biscuits, warm and comforting, but not a whole lot to it, and probably needs some gravy.
• A Tennessee summer is like a slow cooker, just simmering all day long, and the humidity is the lid, and you probably need a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a rocking chair to wait it out.
• My GPS in Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a barbecue joint, and maybe some bluegrass. Good luck finding your way, and did you bring some sweet tea?”
• Heard about the Tennessee squirrel that tried to learn to play the banjo? He got all tangled up in the strings and just gave up and went back to the bird feeder and then complained about the tourists.
• That’s about as likely as a possum learning to play the fiddle, and then actually getting a gig at the Grand Ole Opry, and then becoming a country music star.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but try getting a seat at a good barbecue joint on a Friday night, and then you’ll see fast and furious, and probably some elbows.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks and RVs headed to Dollywood, and everyone is being polite about it, mostly.
• My Tennessee weather app just suggested I learn how to play a good steel guitar, “just in case,” and maybe learn to do a little flatfooting, too, because you never know when a jam session will break out on the porch.
• A Tennessee couple’s idea of a romantic evening is a night at the Grand Ole Opry followed by some late-night barbecue, and then a debate about which is the best, and then maybe another trip to the Opry.
• A Tennessee minute is like a regular minute, but it takes a little longer, and probably involves a conversation about the weather, and some college football scores, and then a story about that time the river flooded.
• They say everything is historic in Tennessee, but have you seen the size of a plate of barbecue? It’s practically a monument to deliciousness, and maybe a little too much sauce, but worth it, and you should probably grab a glass of sweet tea.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the local gas station sells more chewing tobacco than actual gas, and nobody bats an eye, and they all know how to make a proper barbecue sauce, and they’re all happy to tell you about it, and they probably have a different opinion about it.
• That fella’s got a smile like a summer day on the Cumberland River, warm but a little bit murky, and you’re not sure what’s lurking underneath, and maybe you should just go get a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a rocking chair.
• They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but in Tennessee, it’s through the football team’s winning record, and a plate of barbecue, and a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a little bit of moonshine, and a good story, and a little bit of gossip.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but that’s mostly because we’re too busy enjoying a glass of sweet tea and listening to a good story to notice the clock ticking, and maybe you should just sit a spell.

Preserving the Wit and Wisdom of Tennessee Sayings

Tennessee’s wit is as rich as its soil, and its sayings are a treasure. Let’s not let these colorful expressions fade away! From folksy wisdom to playful jabs, these phrases paint a picture of our heritage. Sharing these jokes and sayings keeps the spirit of Tennessee alive for generations to…

• That fella’s got a smile like a hound dog that just found a hidden stash of barbecue ribs, all goofy and happy, but you know he’s probably about to ask you for a favor.
• A Tennessee summer is like a long, slow waltz with a humid ghost, and it just never quite lets go, and you should probably grab a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a rocking chair, and maybe a fan, and maybe just move to Canada.
• They say the early bird gets the worm, but in Tennessee, the early bird just gets eaten by a bigger bird.
• My GPS in Tennessee just keeps saying, “You’re near a mountain, and probably some bluegrass music. Good luck finding your way, and maybe bring a banjo, and some sweet tea, and a biscuit.”
• That’s about as likely as a possum learning to play the banjo, and then actually getting a record deal, and then playing at the Grand Ole Opry, and then winning a Grammy, and then running for Governor.
• You know you’re in Tennessee when the local gas station sells more chewing tobacco than actual gas, and nobody bats an eye, and they all know how to make a proper barbecue sauce, and they’re all happy to tell you about it, and they probably all have a different opinion about it.
• Heard about the Tennessee squirrel that tried to learn to play the banjo? He got all tangled up in the strings and just gave up and went back to the bird feeder and then complained about the tourists.
• My therapist told me to find my happy place, so I went to Dollywood… turns out, it was just a really big theme park with a lot of screaming and fried food, and I was happy, and then I wanted to go again, and then I needed a nap.
• A Tennessee traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of pickup trucks and RVs headed to Dollywood, and everyone is being polite about it, mostly.
• That fella’s got a voice as smooth as a glass of bourbon, and a story to go with it, but you might need a few hours to hear the whole thing, and you should probably grab a rocking chair, and maybe some sweet tea, and maybe a biscuit, and maybe some pie.
• A Tennessee summer is like a long, slow cooker, just simmering all day long, and the humidity is the lid, and you should probably grab a glass of sweet tea, and maybe a rocking chair to wait it out, and maybe just take a nap.
• My grandma says, “If the mosquitos are bad, it’s a good day for a nap… and maybe some sweet tea, and a biscuit, and then a long story about the time she caught a fish as big as a small dog.”
• My neighbor’s dog is so Tennessee, he chases after banjos instead of squirrels, and then looks disappointed when they don’t bark back, and then he just goes and takes a nap in the shade, and then expects a biscuit for his efforts.
• They say everything is slow in Tennessee, but that’s mostly because we’re too busy enjoying a glass of sweet tea and listening to a good story to notice the clock ticking, and maybe you should just sit a spell, and maybe grab a biscuit, and maybe some pie.
• That fella’s got a smile like a sunrise over the Smoky Mountains, beautiful but a little bit hazy, and you know he’s about to tell you a story that will probably take all day, and you should probably just grab a rocking chair and some sweet tea.