If you’re visiting the South, you’ll quickly notice there’s a strong culture based on traditions dating back generations, giving it a cozy and warm atmosphere. But, some strange foods, traditions, and sayings might make you shake your head in confusion. Here are 15 to spot.
1. Their tea is sweet tea.
If you’re in the South, don’t be disappointed when you ask for tea and get sweet, iced tea. This is the norm in the region, and it’s thought to date back to previous times when sugar was commonly used as a preservative.
2. They monogram everything.
It’s common for many Southerners to monogram their belongings, down to their napkins. You might wonder why, but it stems from the ideas of family and tradition which are big priorities for people in the region.
3. They diss people by saying “Bless your heart.”
Southerners might say “Bless your heart” and tourists will assume this is kind. While it can be, it’s usually a bit of an insult because it’s meant to be condescending. But, what makes it confusing is that it can be used in so many ways, such as to express surprise, empathy, or disbelief.
4. Chicken and waffles are a dream combo.
While it might sound weird to put some chicken on your waffles, this is a delicious staple many people enjoy. It’s thought to be a creative dish with African American roots, dating back to the 1700s when waffle irons became mainstream.
5. They say “ma’am” and “sir.”
Good manners rule in the South, so don’t be surprised when you see people of all ages referring to others as “ma’am” and “sir.” While it’s great to have such an atmosphere of politeness, it’s kinda strange to hear someone older than you calling you a formal term.
6. Hot sauce goes on everything.
Hot sauce is considered as important to have on the table as salt. But, despite its name, this condiment isn’t always super-spicy, which increases its versatility.
7. They’re “buggies,” not “shopping carts.”
If you go grocery shopping in the South, you might find it weird to hear people saying “buggy” instead of “shopping carts.” This is just one of the many Southern words that might confuse tourists and cause them to wonder, “Where’s the golf course?”
8. They decorate their porches with mirrors.
It’s common to see mirrors hanging on Southerners’ porches, but this is more than just trendy decor. It has its roots in superstition, with people thinking that mirrors protect them and their homes from evil spirits.
9. They paint their home “haint blue.”
Another common superstition in the South is that people paint their entryways blue. This originates from the Gullah community where descendants of slaves lived. Without having water surrounding their homes to ward off spirits, they painted their homes a blue-green color that’s still used today and gained the name “haint blue.”
10. They say “Coke” when they mean any soda.
In the South, you might say you want to drink a “Coke” but this isn’t a brand name like it is elsewhere. Instead, the term is used to refer to any soda or soft drink, so you’ve got to be more specific about what you’re craving.
11. They say “clicker” when watching TV.
If you’re watching TV with a Southerner, you might be confused as heck when they ask you to pass the “clicker.” They’re actually asking you to hand them the remote control!
12. They swim when there’s a storm.
At the first sound of thunder, you might exit a pool and dry off. But in the South, a little thunder and rain isn’t going to end a fun pool party. People know the weather changes on a dime, so they wait it out for a bit until the sunshine returns.
13. They add pears and mayo to their salad.
There are tons of creative foods to try in the South, even salads are more interesting than what you’ll find in other places. Fancy a salad containing canned pears with cherries and mayonnaise? It might sound weird, but it’s worth trying.
14. They always have a sweater with them, even in summer.
When the summer is hot and sticky, many Southerners will pump up their air conditioning to full blast. Ditto for stores and other venues. It can get pretty chilly, which is why they carry warm sweaters with them everywhere they go… instead of putting down the AC. Interesting move.
15. Their default dress code is “formal.”
It’s common for Southerners to dress up, even when they’re not attending fancy occasions like weddings. Men will don bow ties and women will wear dresses. Everyone makes sure their hair and skin are flawless, too. There’s even a common saying that goes, “In the South, bare feet and pearls go with any outfit.”
16. Find love with the power of your mind — our sister site, Sweetn, shows you how.
Take their fun quiz and try their research-powered tools to transform your love life in weeks. They’ll help you change your perspective on love and relationships and restore your belief that your ideal partner is out there. Click here to start.
