Southern charm with a sting: When politeness masks a putdown.

The South is known for its hospitality, but beneath that sweet drawl and warm smile lies an art form—insults disguised as compliments. These sugar-coated barbs can make someone blush with confusion before realizing they’ve just been roasted. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a Southern slight, you know how cleverly they deliver their sass.
Here are 14 classic Southern insults wrapped in layers of charm.