Miss Cindy is the first person I ever heard say scat or scat there when someone sneezed. When the girls were just little bitty things she’s say it to them and sometimes she’d lengthen the phrase to: “Scat there Tom your tail’s in the gravy.”
I adored it! I assumed Miss Cindy made the phrase up until I found it in the Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English.
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
Miss Cindy had a unique talent when it came to sneezing. She sneezed every last time she bent over 🙂 It didn’t matter what time of day nor how many times she bent over—if she bent at the waist she sneezed.
She had a sweet little sneeze. I take after Pap, my brothers do too, we all sneeze very loudly.
When little Ira sneezes I find myself saying “Scat there Tom your tail’s in the gravy.” In fact I’ve said it so often that now he smiles when I say it.
I know Miss Cindy would be tickled to death over her great grandson and the one on the way. I think she’d also be glad I’m using the same sneeze phrase she used on her son and her granddaughters.
Tipper
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I think it is really wonderful how you all keep Miss Cindy’s memory alive by talking about things she said which was sweet she had a special saying like that for her granddaughters when they sneezed; another way she lives on as you pass that down. I have heard scat cat but instead scat cat your tail’s on fire but have not heard either in a really long time.
Tipper I smiled when reading today’s post. I’m sixty six years old and and grew up in Eastern Kentucky. My Great Grandmother would always say “Scat” when we children would sneeze. I hadn’t thought of it in many years until today. My “Ma Haynes” and now Miss Cindy are the only people I’ve heard use the phrase. I had completely forgotten about it over the years. Thank you for bringing back a sweet memory.
I also smiled as I read this. I am 69 and will be 70 on the 30th of this month. My dear Mom always said, “Scat Tom you’ve got your tail in the gravy”. So I’ve said this to my kids and grandchildren. Precious memories.
It absolutely breaks my heart that Miss Cindy is not alive to enjoy her great grandchildren!!! She was taken way too soon!!! I can thoroughly understand how sad this makes you guys. Trusting God is the only thing you can do to understand and tolerate your loss. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God had a reason that only He alone knows as to why he called Miss Cindy home Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers always!!!!!
You’re keeping Miss Cindy’s memory alive by using her sayings and talking about her. She would indeed be proud of her great grand son and the one on the way.
My Daddy was German, so I think that is where I picked up saying ‘Gesundheit’, meaning health. My Mama would say ‘ God bless you’, some of my Mama’s people would say ‘Scat cat get your tail out of the gravy’ .
I hadn’t heard that for so long until one day my Father-in- law said ‘Scat Tom get your tail out of the gravy’ while we were at the table getting ready to eat our Sunday dinner.
He always enjoyed telling stories, so this is what he told us.
The Preacher had been invited to have Sunday dinner with this particular family, which was customary back in the day .
The fix’ns were fried chicken and gravy, also customary.
As soon as everyone was seated at the table, the house cat ⬛ pounced on the table, as if expecting it, without hesitation,
the husband backhanded the cat off the table. lol
My farther -in -law said this was a common thing years ago for the cat to jump on the table while eating.
He believed that was where the saying ‘Scat Tom get your tail out of the gravy came from. ♀️
He loved telling that story. I can still see him laughing over it.
So I have heard all of them
I truly enjoy your channel. Prayers and Blessings for all.
God Bless You, Scat Cat, and Gesundheit were all used by family and friends in Wake County. Now that I live in Texas, I’ve added Salud to that list
I’m pretty sure my daddy used to say “scat there” to me when I’d sneeze as a child. When someone sneezes around me I always just say “bless you”
My granny use to say that, and her family all came from Ireland by way of Appalachia for a hundred years. It is so sweet, and brings back many memories!
My mother used to say when your sneezes caused you to blow and blow your nose, that you were cleaning out your parlor. I still say that especially when we get a cold or hay fever. Funny how all these phrases pass on through generations. Funny but good I think.
o yes we’ve heard that alot. gramaw would say scat there cat’s gotcha tail
I have never heard the saying ” scat cat” after someone sneezed. Here in Berks County, Pa with a lot of the germen influence, I would hear “Gesundheit, Bless you or God bless you”. My grandparents would say that when we sneezed.
I like hearing the various sayings from the different areas of the country. It’s fascinating.
When an acquantance had a baby after her grandma passed on and she wished her grandma could have seen the new baby, I remember my grandma saying that the grandma did see her while they were both in heaven, and gave her grandchild a hug and kiss before the new little soul left heaven to be sent on to the new parents. I always found that so sweet and comforting.
I have heard that alot when I was a kid but have not heard it in years—my grandma who was full blood german use to say (and not sure of spelling) ‘kachoomies’….I once for a brief period had a book of German words and phrases and I found something similar to this word in that book but unfortunately do not remember what the actual word was nor its meaning…..I absolutely adore the fact that Ira smiles to your scat phrase — that is so very precious
I heard “scat,cat” after a sneeze my whole life. I was raised in the Appalachian mountain in Alabama.
My granddaddy would say, “Scat there! You’re tails on fire!” I say it to my grandchildren too. They think it’s funny. ☺️
My mama use to just say, “scat cat!” . Its been a long time since I have heard it now.
My mom also said “scat cat” & I had plumb forgotten the phrase until reading today’s post. Thank you, Tipper, for bringing another Appalachian phrase to my mind, & taking me back to simpler times.
lol so funny! My family is from the Carolinas & Daddy always said “SCAT!” after someone sneezed. Never heard the cat part.
When my Momma sneezed it was always 3 times real fast, very soft and high, made us laff.
Glad you’re carrying on the tradition.
I don’t recall ever hearing the saying until a few years ago, maybe it was when Miss Cindy commented on the Blind Pig. My parents didn’t say anything when the children sneezed. I sneeze a lot due to allergies, which can vary in volume from soft to intense.
I‘ve always said “Scat there cat” when my kids, and now my grandkids, sneezed and I feel sure I must’ve been told that as a child, though I don’t remember.
I worked with a woman for 20 years who had the strangest little sneezes that sounded just like a kitten mewing to me.
My papaw had the biggest, loudest most startling sneezes I ever heard- like a yell!
I have always held my nose when I sneeze, despite being told my whole life that I was going to blow my brain out through my ears one of these days. So far, so good.
Cats make a little spitting noise when they are irritated, be it real or at play, who’s sound is reflective of a baby’s sneeze. I would think that is the origination of the “Scat there Tom” phrase.
My daughter had the cutest sneeze when she was just little and never lost it. She makes the ach sound without the oo at the end.
Well you can just guess what I’ll be saying the next time someone sneezes! Some things just need to be brought back, and I believe this will be one of them. Have a grand day all!
My Dad was from northwest Arkansas & the beautiful Ozarks. He would say, “Scat Tom! Your tails on fire!” I love when an old saying like that reminds me of him! Scenes of him playing the fiddle rush through my memories makes me smile & joy bubbles up! He would play & sing “Pop Goes the Weasel” & each time he sang “Pop” he put the fiddle on his head or under his leg & hop around and even behind his back & never miss a note! Thanks Tipper for the joy you stir up!
I also grew up hearing “scat, cat or Tom cat, your tail’s in the gravy” when somebody sneezed. My mother would blow the roof off with her quick, loud sneeze. My husband always sneezed three times. That’s so precious that Ira smiles at you when you say that, Tipper. I’ll bet you could “eat him up” or as my late friend affectionately said,” just pinch his little head off” in referring to cute babies.
I too enjoyed Miss Cindy’s comments and would have loved to have met her. What a nice tribute you are doing to her.
I’ve heard that term all my life. My mom and dad would say scat whenever we sneezed. Most of the sayings you and those in your area use are also used here in Texas. The same goes for the good food you raise and eat. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us.
I had never heard this, but I love it. I’m going to have to start using this with my great nieces. Thanks!
My Mammaw would say “Scat there” or “Scat there kitty cat” to me or my sister when we sneeze. I’ve never heard the part about the tail in the gravy. I wonder who first said it and how they came up with it.
I’ve never heard anyone say that but it sure is fun and I can see why it would delight a child to hear!
Morning everyone. Tipper, you also could say “scat Binks, your tail is in the gravy”. Just kidding. Anna from Arkansas.
My momma said it every time someone sneezed. Now I say it, my daughter says it and even my great granddaughter’s say it.
Makes my heart happy to hear Appalachian language repeated from this generation!
I’ve heard scat or scat cat but not in response to a sneeze. Usually to shoo an animal or person away. But I like this usage. I’ll have to try to remember to start using it when someone sneezes.
I have never heard this phrase, but starting today, TODAY, I will be saying it whenever anyone sneezes! “Scat cat, you tail’s in the gravy!” I love this, and I have two cats who sneeze all the time!!
Gesundheit, salud, God bless you, and scat all have their origins in the old and widespread belief that when a person sneezes the demons within are cast out. Those standing nearby help scatter and banish the demons by uttering the protective incantation. I am notorious for almost always sneezing five times. It used to be three, but as I got older five was the magic number. Scat. Scat. Scat. Scat. Scat! Maybe I am just very full of demons.
I never heard the tail in the gravy part before, but I always heard SCAT after a sneeze as a kid.
I remember hearing my parents say, “Scat”, or “Scat out o here” when a baby sneezed. Daddy used that phrase when my babies sneezed. I haven’t heard it in a while although Mom used the saying, too. Charolette, we used the phrases “a coon’s age” a lot. I still use it. I have a funny story. When my husband and I started dating years ago, we were 16, I was speaking about a subject and said something like, “I haven’t seen that in a coons age.” He asked, “What’s a coon age?” He is northern and of course they don’t use that phrase there. I have taught him a lot about the language and food of the south since then. He even loves the way I make my green beans, which his mother just heated up a can and put a very little amount of salt on them and served. She told me years later after I married her son that I cooked mine to death. I told her that at least they had some flavor. We loved each other and she was the best mother-in-law I could of ever had. She went to heaven December 2016. I miss her very much along with my father-in-law.
I have heard “coon age” many times. My wife like to say “seven elven” of this or that. I never did get a clear answer as to how much that was. I noticed you said you and your husband were 16 years old, we started going together when she was 16 and I was 17 and married at 19 and 20. This year would be our 50th wedding anniversary.
Tricia, I left a reply about about “coon age.” I said my wife would say “seven eleven” but I was wrong, the correct word should be “forty eleven”. When she said it, it would sound like “forty leven. She would leave the “e” off. What I would give to be able to hear her say it again, I miss her so bad.
I think Miss Cindy is probably with all of you now more so than before . . .
Forty Leven very common in my neck of the woods, It is used instead of numerous.
God bless Tipper and her family, birthdays and holidays, are tough without folks, may the good Lord be with you today and give you peace, God bless granny in Jesus mighty name, I have not forgotten about Miss Cindy, her passing troubles me, God bless you Tipper
My NC native Daddy always said “Scat, your tail’s in the fire!”. I don’t remember my Mama’s Alabama relatives ever saying anything like that.
My Mom used to say, “Ooo…scat!” and then she would giggle when we sneezed as kids. I had completely forgotten that until now. I have no idea why, I never heard my grandparents or my Dad say it…only Mom. Thanks for this great memory. ♥️Jane
My mother would say to us kids “Scat cat, your tail’s on fire.” It was a pretty common saying around Washington county TN. I never heard anything about the cat’s tail.
Delightful! Totally new to me — the only responses I have ever heard to sneezes are “God bless you!” and “Gesundheit!” or sometimes just “Bless you.”
I never heard scat cat in all my years, but apparently Appalachian dialect developed specific to tiny areas. It is interesting indeed, Tipper. Sneezing is different in each person too. Some have sneezes that are so loud they scare others, some are sweet and dainty, some have what I call SNEEZURES which start as a sneeze, there is some coughing etc in there and it lasts about 15- 30 seconds. That’s what I get…Miss Cindy sure was loved and is missed by y’all and it is a beautiful thing to be loved and honored always. What a lovely testimony to a life well lived!!! May you all find comfort in the sweet memories you have of Dear Miss Cindy…
I have just always heard and used ‘bless you’ and ‘God bless you’ for sneezes. I am like Tipper—I sneeze so loudly that it almost hurts. I sneeze every day when I am cooking because we love black pepper, and using it always makes me sneeze. It’s always fun to learn new Appalachian sayings from this blog.
never heard it before but so cute.
I made the blueberry pie yesterday, my husband loved it.♥️
Kelly-wonderful!!
I just made Miss Cindy’s blueberry pie today and hubby and I both think it is just delicious. And such an easy recipe to follow. It is definitely going in my dessert file to make again and again. Thank you for posting it again for us.
Heard this phrase many times when I was growing up and sadly, it’s one I never use. I’ll fix that now!
My grandma Flora always said, “Scat!” for a sneeze. I don’t remember if there was more to the phrase, just SCAT as far as I know. She grew up in the Ozark Mountains foothills in Arkansas. I’ve noticed a lot of similarities between Ozarks and Appalachian expressions.
When I was little, my dad would say “Scat” whenever I sneezed. I haven’t heard that in years!
I love the phrase! I’m very familiar with it as I’d heard it growing up from both of my grandmother’s and my grandfather. Hadn’t heard it in a coons age til I read your post. Thank you for keeping the Appalachian language alive, Miss Tipper! Blessings now and always!
I have never heard that phase but it sure is sweet. I sneeze so loudly and without prior warning that it startles my husband! When my husband sneezes he sneezes exactly 6 times. I always do a count down and it is always 6.
I have heard it said that if you sneeze seven times you will die.
That is so sweet. It’s like having a small piece of her around all the time.
I have heard people say to children when they sneezed “scat cat or scat cat your tails in the gravy” all my life. I heard some adults sneeze so loud they would almost scare you. My Daddy died in 1991 and never got to see his great grand children, he would have dearly loved them.