Top 10 Mobile Expressions

1st Place: “I’m going over the Dolly Parton.”

Mobile natives know exactly what you are talking about when you say the “Dolly Parton” bridge, but some visitors may be a little confused. The bridge is formally known as the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge, in honor of the Chief of Engineers with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, but was nicknamed the “Dolly Parton” bridge because of the red warning lights atop the parallel support arches combined with the shape of the supporting arches, when approached from certain directions. 

2nd Place: “There is another hurricane in the Gulf.”

Mobilians are all too familiar with this phrase, especially this year. After Hurricane Sally hit the gulf, Hurricane Zeta immediately formed in Sally’s place. Then there was Tropical Storm Eta, which, thankfully, did not come through our part of the Gulf. This has been one of the most active hurricane seasons Mobilians have ever seen and they have sure been a pain to clean up after! 

3rd Place: “Everyone who saw the Leprechaun, say yeah!”

All Mobilian’s know the phrase, “Everyone who saw the Leprechaun, say yeah!” If you aren’t, well, where have you been the last 15 years? A video shot in Crichton shows local reporter Brian Johnson investigating leprechaun sightings. Several people were interviewed and one person created the phrase. The next morning, the broadcast went viral online. 

4th Place: “Take the causeway.”

All Mobile natives know when it is time to cross the Mobile Bay you take the causeway. The bridges connecting Mobile and Spanish Fort often become backed up, especially over the weekend. So, when in a hurry, everyone knows to take the causeway for a quicker, easier trip. 

5th Place: “It’s pronounced Mo-Beel.”

We are always tired of people pronouncing Mobile wrong. It is not a phone, okay? Here, there are two things we will correct you when saying: Mobile and Pecan. Mobilians are very sensitive when it comes to these two pronunciations, so it is always impressive when visitors get it right on their visit.

6th Place: “Y’all go to the boom boom?”

I always feel bad for visitors who hear this phrase and don’t know what we are saying. Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras and we love to represent, but we are also known for having nicknames that are barazar. When a Mobilian asks you this question, they are asking if you are going to a Mardi Gras parade. It is a weird phrase, but all visitors need to know it because of how often it is used. 

7th Place: “Where y’all get y’all’s meat?”

Mobilians are obsessed with barbecue and knowing where the host got their selections of meat. This has always been an expression we have grown up with, but to visitors it is very strange because half the time they have no idea what it  means. 

8th Place: “Born under the azalea bush.”

Mobile is known as the Azalea City and is the home to the Azalea Trail Maids, so the phrase “born under the azalea bush” really pays homage to that. We use the phrase on anything that really represents Mobile, or anything that is very Mobilian, but, again, visitors find this expression very strange. 

9th Place: “It’s the biggest small town you’ll ever be in.”

There has never been a truer statement about Mobile than this one! Mobile seems big in the fact that the city is very spread out, but everyone is so connected that it feels like such a small town. I’ve been to so many places and this something truly unique about Mobile. You never know how many people you are connected to! 

10th Place: “Who’s on arrested in Mobile’s Facebook page today?”

I highly encourage anyone who does not know the Arrested in Mobile’s Facebook page to look it up. It doesn’t matter whether you are from Mobile or not, you will find it very interesting. Some of the mugshots are hilarious and what makes it funnier is what they are charged with. It is well worth your time! 

These expressions are just some of the things that make Mobile so interesting and unique. I never thought these were weird until visitors asked me what some of them meant, but they provide even more charm to the city!