Nan McCann
@nanmccann.bsky.social
Texan, retired university professor, writer of literary mystery novels. Avid traveler, voracious reader, and lover of linguistics, languages, & a little dog.
If you hear someone exclaim, “Heavens to Betsy!” they’re expressing shock, surprise, or disbelief. So, who exactly was Betsy and what did she do?
As far as we know, there was never a real Betsy. Some theories suggest “Betsy” was simply a playful euphemism for “God” or “Heavens.”
As far as we know, there was never a real Betsy. Some theories suggest “Betsy” was simply a playful euphemism for “God” or “Heavens.”
October 2, 2026 at 8:02 PM
If you hear someone exclaim, “Heavens to Betsy!” they’re expressing shock, surprise, or disbelief. So, who exactly was Betsy and what did she do?
As far as we know, there was never a real Betsy. Some theories suggest “Betsy” was simply a playful euphemism for “God” or “Heavens.”
As far as we know, there was never a real Betsy. Some theories suggest “Betsy” was simply a playful euphemism for “God” or “Heavens.”
Over the years, several women have been proposed as the inspiration, making the Yellow Rose part history, part folklore, and part enduring Texas legend. The most likely of the women proposed is Emily West. Emily helped Texas win its independence by creating a distraction for Sam Houston's attack.
September 29, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Over the years, several women have been proposed as the inspiration, making the Yellow Rose part history, part folklore, and part enduring Texas legend. The most likely of the women proposed is Emily West. Emily helped Texas win its independence by creating a distraction for Sam Houston's attack.
Swing on by my Facebook or Instagram pages for the full recipe! You won't want to miss this one! Find me @authornanmccann.
September 26, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Swing on by my Facebook or Instagram pages for the full recipe! You won't want to miss this one! Find me @authornanmccann.
🤠 Ever hear someone say a person was “funny as all get out?"
In Texas, that means they were really, really funny—the kind of funny that keeps everybody laughing until their sides hurt. 😂
The phrase “all get out” is an old-fashioned way of adding emphasis and saying some is to the highest degree.
In Texas, that means they were really, really funny—the kind of funny that keeps everybody laughing until their sides hurt. 😂
The phrase “all get out” is an old-fashioned way of adding emphasis and saying some is to the highest degree.
September 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🤠 Ever hear someone say a person was “funny as all get out?"
In Texas, that means they were really, really funny—the kind of funny that keeps everybody laughing until their sides hurt. 😂
The phrase “all get out” is an old-fashioned way of adding emphasis and saying some is to the highest degree.
In Texas, that means they were really, really funny—the kind of funny that keeps everybody laughing until their sides hurt. 😂
The phrase “all get out” is an old-fashioned way of adding emphasis and saying some is to the highest degree.
Phil Collins! Collins began collecting Alamo and Texas Revolution artifacts decades ago, after becoming fascinated with the Alamo as a child. In 2014, he donated his remarkable collection to the State of Texas. The state legislature then declared him an honorary Texan in 2015.🤠
#Texas #TexasHistory
#Texas #TexasHistory
September 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Phil Collins! Collins began collecting Alamo and Texas Revolution artifacts decades ago, after becoming fascinated with the Alamo as a child. In 2014, he donated his remarkable collection to the State of Texas. The state legislature then declared him an honorary Texan in 2015.🤠
#Texas #TexasHistory
#Texas #TexasHistory
This is a great way to tell someone to slow down or relax. For example, if someone says, “Are you done yet? Hurry up!” you can answer, “Hold your horses.”
The phrase originated around the1800s, when horses were part of everyday life. 🐎
#Texas #Texaslife #Texanisms
The phrase originated around the1800s, when horses were part of everyday life. 🐎
#Texas #Texaslife #Texanisms
September 18, 2026 at 9:30 PM
This is a great way to tell someone to slow down or relax. For example, if someone says, “Are you done yet? Hurry up!” you can answer, “Hold your horses.”
The phrase originated around the1800s, when horses were part of everyday life. 🐎
#Texas #Texaslife #Texanisms
The phrase originated around the1800s, when horses were part of everyday life. 🐎
#Texas #Texaslife #Texanisms
Believe it or not, this was an anti-litter campaign in 1986. The campaign was launched when in the 1980’s, Texas spent around $20 million dollars a year cleaning up trash along the highways. The ad aired during the Cotton Bowl and the phrase quickly caught on. 🤠
#Texashistory #Texaslife #Texas
#Texashistory #Texaslife #Texas
September 15, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Believe it or not, this was an anti-litter campaign in 1986. The campaign was launched when in the 1980’s, Texas spent around $20 million dollars a year cleaning up trash along the highways. The ad aired during the Cotton Bowl and the phrase quickly caught on. 🤠
#Texashistory #Texaslife #Texas
#Texashistory #Texaslife #Texas
Ready for a night out on the town? Then you might need to get “gussied up.” Of course, in the South, gussied up might be a compliment. Or there could be a hint of “you overdid it” in there too, but with a playful tone. So, the next time you head out for the evening, go on ahead and get gussied up.
September 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Ready for a night out on the town? Then you might need to get “gussied up.” Of course, in the South, gussied up might be a compliment. Or there could be a hint of “you overdid it” in there too, but with a playful tone. So, the next time you head out for the evening, go on ahead and get gussied up.
Camels! 🐪During the 1850’s the U.S. Army did a “camel experiment” to see if the animals could help them with packing supplies and transportation. But the “camel experiment” hit a few bumps, (or maybe humps?) due to the Civil War along with the camels not adjusting to the environment.
September 8, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Camels! 🐪During the 1850’s the U.S. Army did a “camel experiment” to see if the animals could help them with packing supplies and transportation. But the “camel experiment” hit a few bumps, (or maybe humps?) due to the Civil War along with the camels not adjusting to the environment.
If your grandmother says, “Gimme some sugar,” she doesn’t want candy. What does she want? Kindness and love. This affectionate phrase isn’t just for grandparents or parents; it’s often used between couples too.
Now, how’s that for sweet?
#Texaslife #Texanisms #Texasliving
Now, how’s that for sweet?
#Texaslife #Texanisms #Texasliving
September 4, 2026 at 9:30 PM
If your grandmother says, “Gimme some sugar,” she doesn’t want candy. What does she want? Kindness and love. This affectionate phrase isn’t just for grandparents or parents; it’s often used between couples too.
Now, how’s that for sweet?
#Texaslife #Texanisms #Texasliving
Now, how’s that for sweet?
#Texaslife #Texanisms #Texasliving
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson were both born in Texas.
Eisenhower, born in 1890, was the 34th President. His family moved to Kansas, but after graduating West Point, he was stationed in Texas where he met his wife, Mamie Geneva Doud.
Eisenhower, born in 1890, was the 34th President. His family moved to Kansas, but after graduating West Point, he was stationed in Texas where he met his wife, Mamie Geneva Doud.
September 1, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson were both born in Texas.
Eisenhower, born in 1890, was the 34th President. His family moved to Kansas, but after graduating West Point, he was stationed in Texas where he met his wife, Mamie Geneva Doud.
Eisenhower, born in 1890, was the 34th President. His family moved to Kansas, but after graduating West Point, he was stationed in Texas where he met his wife, Mamie Geneva Doud.
Need a fun intensifier? Then “plumb” is the word for you!
You could be plumb tickled, plumb proud or plumb out of luck.
No matter what plumb you are, it adds to the adjective in a plumb good way! 🤠
#Texas #Texanism #TexasLife
You could be plumb tickled, plumb proud or plumb out of luck.
No matter what plumb you are, it adds to the adjective in a plumb good way! 🤠
#Texas #Texanism #TexasLife
August 28, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Need a fun intensifier? Then “plumb” is the word for you!
You could be plumb tickled, plumb proud or plumb out of luck.
No matter what plumb you are, it adds to the adjective in a plumb good way! 🤠
#Texas #Texanism #TexasLife
You could be plumb tickled, plumb proud or plumb out of luck.
No matter what plumb you are, it adds to the adjective in a plumb good way! 🤠
#Texas #Texanism #TexasLife
Everything is bigger in Texas and the state dinosaur is no exception. The Sauroposeidon is the tallest dinosaur and while there have been few fossil finds, there are footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The Sauroposeidon weighed around 60 tons. Now there’s a tall Texas tale (or tail) for you!
August 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Everything is bigger in Texas and the state dinosaur is no exception. The Sauroposeidon is the tallest dinosaur and while there have been few fossil finds, there are footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The Sauroposeidon weighed around 60 tons. Now there’s a tall Texas tale (or tail) for you!
Ever stay busy without getting much done? Then you’ve been piddlin’. Piddlin’ is puttering around with unimportant tasks, wasting time and not being in a hurry. Piddlin’ can also mean small and insignificant.
Have you ever been caught piddlin’?
🤠
#Texas #Texastalk
Have you ever been caught piddlin’?
🤠
#Texas #Texastalk
August 21, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Ever stay busy without getting much done? Then you’ve been piddlin’. Piddlin’ is puttering around with unimportant tasks, wasting time and not being in a hurry. Piddlin’ can also mean small and insignificant.
Have you ever been caught piddlin’?
🤠
#Texas #Texastalk
Have you ever been caught piddlin’?
🤠
#Texas #Texastalk
The Texas Longhorn’s roots go back to cattle brought to North America by Spanish explorers and settlers in the 1500s. Over generations, they adapted to the Texas landscape and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Lone Star State.🤠 So yes—the Longhorn’s story started with Spain!
August 18, 2026 at 9:30 PM
The Texas Longhorn’s roots go back to cattle brought to North America by Spanish explorers and settlers in the 1500s. Over generations, they adapted to the Texas landscape and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Lone Star State.🤠 So yes—the Longhorn’s story started with Spain!
“More than Carter’s got little pills” means you’ve got a whole lot of something—more than you know what to do with! The saying refers to Carter’s Little Liver Pills, a popular patent medicine sold in huge quantities in the late 1800s/early 1900s.
August 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
“More than Carter’s got little pills” means you’ve got a whole lot of something—more than you know what to do with! The saying refers to Carter’s Little Liver Pills, a popular patent medicine sold in huge quantities in the late 1800s/early 1900s.
🤠 Texas has given Hollywood plenty of stars! Here are five iconic actors with Texas roots:
⭐ Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde)
⭐ Tommy Lee Jones (San Saba)
⭐ Renée Zellweger (Katy)
⭐ Woody Harrelson (Midland)
⭐ Sissy Spacek (Quitman)
Who's your favorite Texas actor? 🎬
#Hollywood #Texas #Texasactors
⭐ Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde)
⭐ Tommy Lee Jones (San Saba)
⭐ Renée Zellweger (Katy)
⭐ Woody Harrelson (Midland)
⭐ Sissy Spacek (Quitman)
Who's your favorite Texas actor? 🎬
#Hollywood #Texas #Texasactors
August 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🤠 Texas has given Hollywood plenty of stars! Here are five iconic actors with Texas roots:
⭐ Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde)
⭐ Tommy Lee Jones (San Saba)
⭐ Renée Zellweger (Katy)
⭐ Woody Harrelson (Midland)
⭐ Sissy Spacek (Quitman)
Who's your favorite Texas actor? 🎬
#Hollywood #Texas #Texasactors
⭐ Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde)
⭐ Tommy Lee Jones (San Saba)
⭐ Renée Zellweger (Katy)
⭐ Woody Harrelson (Midland)
⭐ Sissy Spacek (Quitman)
Who's your favorite Texas actor? 🎬
#Hollywood #Texas #Texasactors
Texas has given country music some of its greatest voices. 🤠🎶
Five of the most iconic country western singers from the Lone Star State are:
⭐ George Strait
⭐ Waylon Jennings
⭐ Willie Nelson
⭐ Kenny Rogers
⭐ Miranda Lambert
Who's your favorite, and what other Texas artist would you add to the list?
Five of the most iconic country western singers from the Lone Star State are:
⭐ George Strait
⭐ Waylon Jennings
⭐ Willie Nelson
⭐ Kenny Rogers
⭐ Miranda Lambert
Who's your favorite, and what other Texas artist would you add to the list?
August 4, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Texas has given country music some of its greatest voices. 🤠🎶
Five of the most iconic country western singers from the Lone Star State are:
⭐ George Strait
⭐ Waylon Jennings
⭐ Willie Nelson
⭐ Kenny Rogers
⭐ Miranda Lambert
Who's your favorite, and what other Texas artist would you add to the list?
Five of the most iconic country western singers from the Lone Star State are:
⭐ George Strait
⭐ Waylon Jennings
⭐ Willie Nelson
⭐ Kenny Rogers
⭐ Miranda Lambert
Who's your favorite, and what other Texas artist would you add to the list?
If a Texan says, "I've been doing that since I was knee high to a grasshopper," they simply mean since they were a very young child.
It's one of those wonderfully exaggerated Southern sayings and a colorful way of saying, "I've been doing this for as long as I can remember."
#Texanisms #TexasTalk
It's one of those wonderfully exaggerated Southern sayings and a colorful way of saying, "I've been doing this for as long as I can remember."
#Texanisms #TexasTalk
July 31, 2026 at 9:30 PM
If a Texan says, "I've been doing that since I was knee high to a grasshopper," they simply mean since they were a very young child.
It's one of those wonderfully exaggerated Southern sayings and a colorful way of saying, "I've been doing this for as long as I can remember."
#Texanisms #TexasTalk
It's one of those wonderfully exaggerated Southern sayings and a colorful way of saying, "I've been doing this for as long as I can remember."
#Texanisms #TexasTalk
Dr. Pepper! The soft drink was created in Waco, Texas, in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton at a neighborhood drugstore soda fountain. What started as a local favorite became one of America's most iconic soft drinks—and it all began in the Lone Star State. That's a tasty piece of Texas history!
July 28, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Dr. Pepper! The soft drink was created in Waco, Texas, in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton at a neighborhood drugstore soda fountain. What started as a local favorite became one of America's most iconic soft drinks—and it all began in the Lone Star State. That's a tasty piece of Texas history!
Gerald (Melba’s Husband) Snack-time Crackers
1 1-pound box saltine crackers
2 C vegetable oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T dill (dried)
2 envelopes of dry Italian dressing mix
1 T red pepper flakes
1 1-pound box saltine crackers
2 C vegetable oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T dill (dried)
2 envelopes of dry Italian dressing mix
1 T red pepper flakes
July 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Gerald (Melba’s Husband) Snack-time Crackers
1 1-pound box saltine crackers
2 C vegetable oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T dill (dried)
2 envelopes of dry Italian dressing mix
1 T red pepper flakes
1 1-pound box saltine crackers
2 C vegetable oil
2 T lemon juice
1 T dill (dried)
2 envelopes of dry Italian dressing mix
1 T red pepper flakes
🤠 "A month of Sundays" means a very long time—not literally!
Example:
"I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays."
It's one of those classic Texas expressions that adds a little extra flavor to everyday conversation.
#Texas #Texanisms #SouthernSayings
Example:
"I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays."
It's one of those classic Texas expressions that adds a little extra flavor to everyday conversation.
#Texas #Texanisms #SouthernSayings
July 24, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🤠 "A month of Sundays" means a very long time—not literally!
Example:
"I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays."
It's one of those classic Texas expressions that adds a little extra flavor to everyday conversation.
#Texas #Texanisms #SouthernSayings
Example:
"I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays."
It's one of those classic Texas expressions that adds a little extra flavor to everyday conversation.
#Texas #Texanisms #SouthernSayings
🐰 "What's up, Doc?" wasn't just a Bugs Bunny line—it was a common Texas greeting!
Creator Tex Avery grew up in Dalla hearing the phrase and gave it to Bugs in A Wild Hare (1940). One Texas saying became one of the most famous catchphrases ever. 🤠🥕
#Texas #LooneyTunes #FunFact
Creator Tex Avery grew up in Dalla hearing the phrase and gave it to Bugs in A Wild Hare (1940). One Texas saying became one of the most famous catchphrases ever. 🤠🥕
#Texas #LooneyTunes #FunFact
July 21, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🐰 "What's up, Doc?" wasn't just a Bugs Bunny line—it was a common Texas greeting!
Creator Tex Avery grew up in Dalla hearing the phrase and gave it to Bugs in A Wild Hare (1940). One Texas saying became one of the most famous catchphrases ever. 🤠🥕
#Texas #LooneyTunes #FunFact
Creator Tex Avery grew up in Dalla hearing the phrase and gave it to Bugs in A Wild Hare (1940). One Texas saying became one of the most famous catchphrases ever. 🤠🥕
#Texas #LooneyTunes #FunFact
🤠 Texas Talk!
"'Til the cows come home" means for a very long time. 🐄
It comes from the days when cattle would eventually wander back to the ranch... just not on anybody's schedule.
Translation: "Don't expect it anytime soon!" 😂
#Texas #TexasTalk #FunFact
"'Til the cows come home" means for a very long time. 🐄
It comes from the days when cattle would eventually wander back to the ranch... just not on anybody's schedule.
Translation: "Don't expect it anytime soon!" 😂
#Texas #TexasTalk #FunFact
July 17, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🤠 Texas Talk!
"'Til the cows come home" means for a very long time. 🐄
It comes from the days when cattle would eventually wander back to the ranch... just not on anybody's schedule.
Translation: "Don't expect it anytime soon!" 😂
#Texas #TexasTalk #FunFact
"'Til the cows come home" means for a very long time. 🐄
It comes from the days when cattle would eventually wander back to the ranch... just not on anybody's schedule.
Translation: "Don't expect it anytime soon!" 😂
#Texas #TexasTalk #FunFact