In parts of the South, according to the Dictionary of American Regional English, the word mess can denote “a witty, clever, or mischievous person.” This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “A Southern Mess”
You know, we were talking earlier about the term hot mess,
And I was saying that I was always called a mess growing up in Kentucky.
And sure enough, I’m looking at the Dictionary of American Regional English,
Which says one of the definitions, chiefly in the South Midlands,
For a mess is a witty, clever, or mischievous person.
And there’s some great references here.
Mess.
This is from Alabama.
Usually affectionate or approving, mischievous, a jokester.
That child’s a mess.
That’s exactly the way I was said.
I can imagine little Martha Ann.
Little Martha Ann.
Sassing back.
Giving everyone a hard time with their big ideas.
She’s a mess.
That’s right.
She’s a mess.
Affection, admiration, especially for a child or infant.
But clever without being wicked.
I like that part of it.
Oh, yeah.
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