All I know is that sometimes a good ole fashioned sneeze seems to help re-align the planets.
—Ken Roper
I’m a loud sneezer. Steve and Paul are too. We learned our loud sneezing from Pap.
Miss Cindy had the sweetest little sneeze…and she could sneeze on demand.
Every last time Miss Cindy bent over she sneezed.
If you were in the vicinity of Miss Cindy when you sneezed she’d say “scat there.” When the girls were little and sneezed she’d elaborate more and say “scat there Tom your tail’s in the gravy.”
It wasn’t until I started writing this blog that I realized Miss Cindy’s unique sneeze reply wasn’t relegated to her and her family.
scat, scat cat interjection Bless you! (a response to another person’s sneeze).
1983 Broaddus Kentucky Word List 54 = said to a small child upon his sneezing. 1997 Montgomery File Some people just said, “Scat, cat!” whenever anyone sneezed. They also said “Scat there.” I’m not sure if I’m right in this perception or not but is seems that the “Scat, cat, get your tail out of my gravy!” was used more in familiar settings, as a mother to a child, etc. In my mind, men seemed to more often use the shorter version. I can still hear my grandfather saying, “Scat there!” when somebody sneezed . . . . I kind of associate the saying with the idea of a cat trying to get your food and rubbing his tail across your nose, making you sneeze. (55-year-old woman, Jefferson Co TN).
Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English
Last night’s video: Cooking for Church & Other Kitchen Chores.
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I grew up in SW Colorado and most people in my family said Salud or Gracious You…
Thanks for sharing today’s post. It brought back sweet memories. 🙂 My sister-in-law used to say, “scat there Tom your tail’s in the gravy.” I had never heard anyone say it before her and haven’t heard anyone else say it since she’s been gone. I’m glad to know it’s been said somewhere besides here in Kentucky. I believe I’ll start saying it again in memory of Sis Nancy. 🙂 ❤
My Granny just used “Scat”
Your blog reminded me of one time when everyone in our household began sneezing at the same time. It was summertime so all doors and windows were open. Here is what I heard: My husband’s sneeze could blow the roof off..HARESHA!!!!! Grandma sounded like HASHEE!!! Our son sounded like BISHOP!!! Our daughter’s was one long loud CHEWY!!!! I rounded things off with a soft WHEE!!! We all sneezed several times in a row before it finally stopped. We live in Southern California so I blame pollen with this musical interlude.
I grew up on “Scat, there” when a sneeze exploded. Probably never heard Bless You till I was in high school! But I could “crack the door or the window” without damage!
Tipper, your post started me thinking about sneezes. The A-choo-i-ness of sneezes and the phrases that often follow them are peculiar. Read here for some of what I learned today about sneezes: https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/biology-and-human-anatomy/item/does-your-heart-stop-when-you-sneeze/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20symptoms%20of,from%20an%20otherwise%20certain%20death. .
“Cat, scat! Your tail’s in the gravy” and other “cat” responses to a sneeze are charming. The response I learned to give as a child comforts me to this day: “God bless you.”
And so, sneezes or no sneezes, may God bless you, One and All, with great peace and confidence in Him. Truly, He loves us. We are safe in His kind and capable hands. And truly, He will keep every one of His promises – including His promise to return to Earth at the right time.
P.S. How is Granny today? May God continue to comfort her, and may He heal her soon.
Lesley-thank you! Granny is feeling sort of puny today. Thank you for the prayers!
Tipper, your post started me thinking about sneezes. The A-choo-i-ness of sneezes and the phrases that often follow them are peculiar. Read here for some of what I learned today about sneezes: https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/biology-and-human-anatomy/item/does-your-heart-stop-when-you-sneeze/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20symptoms%20of,from%20an%20otherwise%20certain%20death. .
“Cat, scat! Your tail’s in the gravy” and other “cat” responses to a sneeze are charming. The response I learned to give as a child comforts me to this day: “God bless you.”
And so, sneezes or no sneezes, may God bless you, One and All, with great peace and confidence in Him. Truly, He loves us. We are safe in His kind and capable hands. And truly, He will keep every one of His promises – including His promise to return to Earth at the right time.
P.S. How is Granny today? May God continue to comfort her, and may He heal her soon.
When I was growing up on Coastal NC, if someone said, “scat cat”, it meant for the cat to get out of the way. We always used “Bless you” when someone sneezed. It’s always interesting to learn terms and phrases from people in other areas or states. Thanks, Tipper!
Mom was a loud sneezer, and I guess that’s where my sister and I both got our loud sneezes.
We never used the scat cat response to a sneeze, but did say bless you or gezundheit. Sending prayers to Granny and you all.
I have a loud sneeze, I don’t think it’s as loud as my husband thinks it is because if he is driving and I feel a sneeze coming on, he will say, “let me know when you have to so I can cover my ear.” I said, ” like I know the exact time it’s happening.” 🙂 We always say, “bless you.” I love what Miss Cindy said. My mother-in-law didn’t sneeze much but when she did, she couldn’t stop. It would be so many we would lose count. By the time she did finally stop, we’d all be laughing, and she would be too.
Loved last night’s video. I remember when mama and I used to get in the kitchen and cook for homecomings for church or the annual chicken stew fund raiser our church had each year. We had such a good time. It’s so special you have the girls to keep making these wonderful memories with. Loved that you guys included Olive in your girl’s night. She’s a sweetheart. Blessings to all.
My husband has a loud sneeze. You bout have to hold your ears. We were always told when you sneeze, your heart stops in a blink of a sec. We always say Bless you! One time my youngest grandson sneezed
and I didn’t say bless you and boy did he let me know it. He said; Gigi thanks alot. hope granny is doing well with her treatments. We’re still praying for her and you all.
I was taught never to suppress a sneeze, as some do, because of possible ear damage. Makes sense to me. I try to give warning, so as not to startle folks, then let ‘er fly. As kids we heard that if you sneezed seven times in a row, you’d die.
“Scat, you crazy cat,” was said when a feline was simply where it shouldn’t have been, when I was growing up in the Midwest. When a person sneezed, it was “God bless you.” And that harkens back to when folks believed one could lose their soul with a good old fashioned sneeze.
Find myself doing that a bit more these days so I remind my daughter to check to HAVC filter.
My mother used to say “Oh, cat hair!” for any number of occasions.
We always said, “Scat there” or “Scat there, kitty cat”. I’ve never heard the part about the tail in the gravy, though.
Don’t remember ever hearing “scat, cat”. Maybe that means even common sayings could miss some houses for unknown reasons? Somewhere along the way we picked up saying, ” Bless you!” but even that was not real common.
I never heard that expression.
I have often heard my daddy say “ scat cat, your tail is on fire”, instead of in the gravy. Others would would simplify say “bless you”. As Carolyn said I have heard “pretty please with sugar on top”. I think for most kids of my generation it was not a “request” to do something, but more of a “demand” meaning do it or get your rear end warmed up.
My grandfather always said “Scat there! Your tails on fire!” I still say it to my grandkids. Such a little thing, but keeps our memories going. God bless all and to Granny…you are a warrior.
Oh my goodness, I sneeze so loud and hard. I don’t mean to, but I do. I had never heard any of the “scat cat” or other cat responses before reading about it in your blog. I love learning all kinds of new words and sayings. My family has always just said “God bless you” or “Bless you.” I loved your video last night. I enjoy cooking for others also. It brings me much joy for folks to enjoy my cooking. I am happy for you guys that you were gifted all those peppers. Have a wonderful weekend. Take care everyone.
I haven’t thought of that phrase for a long long time. “Scat cat”. My Mother and my Granny use to say that when they and others sneezed. I love your blog Tipper. It triggers so many memories that we’re stored on the back shelf somewhere. Thank you!!
My college roommate used to say ‘scat cat’ WHILE she was sneezing! We’d all laugh every time. I’d never heard it before or since. She was a NC gal. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Tipper,
I grew up with “scat there, your tails in the gravy.”. My mama and grandma used this term and I still use it today.
My grandma would also use the term, “pretty please, with brown sugar on the top.” Somehow that made her request a little sweeter for us kids.
Do hope these terms survive the next generation.
Thanks for all you do to keep them alive.
Carolyn….in southeast Tennessee
Thank you for sharing what Miss Cindy used to say!! I haven’t heard that in a hundred years. My grandmother used to say “Scat cat! Your tail’s in the gravy!” whenever one of us grandkids would sneeze. She’s the only person I ever heard say it and we would all laugh whenever she said it. I remember asking her why she said that and she said it was something her mother would say to her. My grandmother was born in 1906 so I guess that saying has been around for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing – it reminded me of lot of good memories and laughter.
My Daddy used to say, “Scat, your tail’s in the fire!”.
I never heard these until the girls were talking about Miss Cindy saying that.
I haven’t heard that saying in SO LONG! It brings back memories of my dear grandmother saying, “scat cat, your tail’s in the gravy.” I don’t remember saying it myself, but now I’m going to try to remember to say it — just to keep the saying alive and for another little reminder of my grandmother.
I’ve been familiar with “Scat there cat!” all my life. My mom said it after someone sneezed & I think my mamaw did, too.
I’ve never heard the “scat” expresion, but surely Miss Cindy’s was the best, and I’m sure I can safely say that many of us miss her, too.
Good morning friends of Jesus, Jesus is coming back someday, I’m not confident of the rapture doctrine, but I am convinced he is coming back, keep oil in your lamp, and your wicks trimmed, when Jesus comes back it’ll be too late to get ready so be ready God bless you friends , Tipper what is this cloud flare thing? Success check mark?
Your observation of the sign of the times is correct. Lift up your head. Your redemption draws near.
Cooking for Church Wednesday, 5th Sunday or ‘Dinner on the Dirt or Wire Fence’ are the BEST. As a kid I looked forward to the ones outside in the summer. Kids could eat, throw the garbage in the can and play til we were hungry again. By the the adults were usually done and dessert was layed out so to speak. There are some items you knew who made them and seeing the ‘new’ cooks. Your gals are sure a Blessing and I know they will in future years remember these sweet memories of working with you for the wonderful occasions. God Bless