Hello may be the default way to answer the phone in most places. But perhaps not surprisingly, the South has its own way of dong things. Here, a few of our favorite (uniquely) Southern telephone greetings:
1. Let’s start with the old-guy classic: Yello.
From Tampa to Tuscaloosa, an astonishing number of folks can recall their grandfathers dramatically brandishing the cordless extension before bellowing an exaggerated and colorful greeting into the mouthpiece.
While the phrase has fallen out of favor with younger Southerners, many of us have our fingers crossed for a comeback.
2. From the mountain South, we get the homey Hey ya durrin? The Appalachian version of “how are you doing?” is sung more than spoken, a four-note tune of friendliness that dances across the line.
3. A newcomer to the oeuvre of Southern phone salutations, Well, hey, [insert name here]! owes its existence to the advent of Caller ID.
Now that you know who’s on the other end of the line, why not greet this lovely person by name?
4. Then there’s the Southern business default—as in, Mayhepyou?
Versatile and entirely appropriate, we’ve heard this from county clerks, bakers, and receptionists near all our lives. Linguists agree this was at one point a complete, four-word sentence, but over the years, it has been truncated to a very helpful, very slurred greeting that indicates courtesy, respect, and a hearty welcome.
5. The sleepy-sounding mumbled Mmmmmhello? is our preferred phone greeting.
With its twin mmmmmbye it bookmarks a good (if unexpected) catch-up call you’re reticent to end.
We’re always sad to see (or hear) a good friend go, so trailing off seems like the conversational equivalent of leaving your sweater in a date’s car with the hope he’ll call you again soon.
(P.S. Calling all shoppers: Our Dixie Windowpane Sweater Dress and Parker Printed Puffer Vest are the perfect conversation starters.)
