Can’t Never Could
This is another inspiring Southern double modal that refers to a negative attitude. What does “can’t never could” mean? Basically, if someone had to say, “I can’t study for this test anymore, I’m too tired!”, a motivating response might be, “Can’t never could”, meaning that those that say they cannot do something will never accomplish anything. It is a way of reminding someone that their negative attitude is derailing their efforts, and in this example, the student will fail the test if they continue thinking this way.
Cant Never Could
Well, I S’Wanee
This next expression might be a bit difficult to guess the meaning of. “Well, I S’Wanee” is what “I swear” evolved into in the south. The related lore regards a tiny town named Sewanee, Tennessee or the Southern Suwannee River. Other Southerners will say “I s’wan ye” or “I s’wan”. Both expressions stem from Northern England’s dialect and translate to “I shall warrant (you).” These all sound like quite serious affirmations, and are not to be used lightly.
Well I SWanee
