Southerners have a way of life that is brimming with knowledge and sweetness. They take pride in traditions, their distinctive speech, and their way of life. While others may not understand their accent or the food, they’re fascinated by the Southern attitude and the genuine kindness they show. With our list, you’ll see facts that only true Southerners know.
Bless Your Heart
“Bless your heart” has two meanings. The first is sweet, but true Southerners know the bite behind it. More often than not, if you hear someone saying this, it’s not a compliment. In fact, the person is saying that you’re wrong, or they could be implying that they think you’re vacuous.
Chicken And Waffles
In the South, this dish is not to be ridiculed. It is a wonderful combination of salt and sweetness, whether you want it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you genuinely want a sugar high, be sure to get a nice, tall glass of sweet tea to go with it. After all, no dish is complete without it.
Church Is Important
The Southern community takes religion and church seriously. In fact, when you meet someone in the South, they’ll probably ask what church you attend, and if you don’t have one, they’ll invite you to theirs. In most Southern states, you’ll see that each town has churches on just about every street, with some being large enough to take up half a block.
Football
Football is huge in the South and has sparked many lively debates. Heaven forbid you’re not a fan of football or don’t like the local college team, because you’ll never hear the end of it. Tailgating is huge, and you’ll enjoy a wide variety of foods while watching the game. You’ll also notice that the crowds tend to dress up for the games.
BBQ Is Different
Each area has its own style of BBQ, and the South always boasts that it has the best options. The flavors explode on the tongue, and you won’t forget it when you try it. Whereas other states have spicier BBQ, the South might be a bit sweeter. Either way, if a Southerner invites you for a meal, go!
Mudding
Pronounced “muddin’”, it’s a fun activity. You go off-roading with your pickup truck, and you’re bound to get it covered in mud. You’ll see tires spinning, trucks getting stuck, and everyone having a great time. If you’ve never done it, you’ve got to try it at least once because it’s an activity that true Southerners know how to do right.
Middle Name
If your mama in the South calls you by your middle name, you’re in big trouble. It’s often shown on television and people laugh, thinking it doesn’t really happen, but it does. Those who have grown up in the South know that when your mother narrows her eyes and calls your middle name, you should recognize that you’re about to start apologizing for what you’ve done.
Coke
Don’t ever knock Coke and peanuts until you’ve tried it. Drop the peanuts in your drink and you’ll have a great snack that tastes both salty and sweet. It’s been a tradition for over a century and can be a refreshing treat on a hot day. The trick is to get the right balance of soda and peanuts.
Sweet Tea
Sweet tea in the South is on another level. When you order it, expect it to be very sweet. Making the perfect sweet tea is an art in the South, and some states insist on having a sweet tea option available at restaurants.
Meat & Three
When you go to a restaurant and order Meat & Three, you’re asking for a portion of meat and three sides. Typically, you get a handful of choices for your meat, such as meatloaf, ham, or chicken. Then, you pick your sides like macaroni, okra, spiced apples, and more, all served with cornbread or biscuits and, of course, sweet tea.
Country Music
Country music is big in the South, whether you listen to legends like Randy Travis or modern acts like Sugarland. Many know the words to hits like “Pontoon,” “Need You Now,” “Check Yes or No,” and “I Think About You.” While debates rage about the best artists, true Southerners know that country music has made a lasting impact because it’s simply great.
Weather
If you visit the South and think you’ve packed for the weather, 90% of the time, you will be wrong. The weather changes without a moment’s notice. For example, you could be hiking on a warm and sunny day and, before you know it, it could start raining with thunder in the distance. It might be spring, and all of a sudden, it’s starting to snow. It’s always a guessing game here in the South.
Cooking
Cooking in the South is on another level. Crawfish boils, huge dinners, fancy desserts, and more await you here. Southerners know that if you want to eat at a reasonable time, you’re waking up and preparing all day while the sky is still dark so you can enjoy a meal around two or three in the afternoon. It’s worth every second because the food will literally have you closing your eyes in happiness.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce goes with everything. Whether it’s a hot meal or a cold one, hot sauce will enhance the flavor. In the South, you have hundreds of options to choose from, and you must remember that the hot sauce is used in addition to spices, even those as dramatic as “crocodile tears.” But don’t worry—it won’t burn your tongue, at least not too much.
Grits
Grits are a staple in the South, and everyone has their own way of making them. If you don’t like them, be prepared for someone to look at you like you’re an oddball. They are that popular. Over time, families have added twists like cheese, butter, or sugar to enhance the flavor, with recipes that date back to childhood.
Come To The South
When you come to the South, you’ll experience a completely different way of living. Tradition reigns supreme, and family is essential. True Southerners know that there are facts about the area that others don’t know, and now we’ve revealed some of the most interesting ones about the food and lifestyle that Southerners love. Which one of these are you most interested in trying?
