Southerners are known for having their quirks and these can often make people think that they’re weird. Whether it’s the food they eat, their greetings, or their hospitality, here are 17 weird things southerners do and why.
The “Ma’am” and “Sir” Phenomenon
In the South, anyone older should be addressed as “ma’am” or “sir.” The Homestead Kings tells us this is because a person who’s older will be more knowledgeable, experienced, educated, and versed in life. It’s a sign of respect in the South and isn’t something that should ever be skipped.
Hot Sauce as a Staple
You’ll find hot sauce on a table just as frequently as you’ll find salt and pepper. It’s a beloved condiment in the South and goes with many southern dishes, such as fried chicken, which is why it’s everywhere. It’s not always as spicy as many people think and you can get different variations.
Buggies Over Shopping Carts
Southerners will always refer to a shopping cart as a buggy. This is because the South has its own unique vocabulary, helping to make it stand out from the rest of the country. It can, however, become confusing for anyone who isn’t from the South.
Mirrors on Porches
The South is known for being superstitious, so it isn’t uncommon to find mirrors on porches. This is supposed to ward off any evil spirits and give the home spiritual protection. It also makes a great décor item and reflects just how aesthetics and superstition can combine.
The Charm of Haint Blue
Another superstition that the South has is that haint blue will keep spirits away. You shouldn’t be surprised to find southern homes painted in this color, especially on the outside. It comes from the Gullah culture, which is rooted in farming, fishing, and folklore.
Coke Means Any Soda
Southern Living writes, “Ever since we popped the first top on that refreshing Georgia sipper, we’ve been loyal to the Coke brand, even slapping it on other drinks like Sprite and Dr. Pepper.” It shows just how rooted the Coca-Cola brand is in the South; they’re very proud that it originated in this region.
The Clicker Revolution
If you hear a southerner refer to the “clicker,” they’re meaning the TV remote. Once again, this comes from the South, which has a different vocabulary compared to the rest of the country. Business Insider says, “In some parts of the South, they don’t ‘press’ the buttons in an elevator or on their remote control — they ‘mash’ them.”
Swimming Through the Storm
Southerners won’t let a thunderstorm ruin their fun, especially when they’re outside enjoying their swim. This is because southern weather is known for being unpredictable, which means any bad weather will no doubt pass as quickly as it came. After they’ve waited out the storm, they can get back to having fun.
Pears and Mayo in Salad
People from the South like to put their own twist on foods, which means strange concoctions such as pears and mayo in salad. It creates a unique flavor that will also feel extra refreshing in the hot summer months, and this can be very welcoming in the humid South.
Sweaters in Summer
Southerners love their air conditioning in the summer months; it becomes incredibly hot and this is a way to escape it. They’ll put the air conditioning on a high level, which means it can become quite chilly indoors, so they put on a sweater. Then the sweater will have to be pulled straight off when they step outside.
Formal Dress Is the Norm
Southern attire often nods its head towards the more formal way of dressing. It’s common to find people dressed up, even in more casual settings. This is down to southern etiquette, showing how important it is to have a smart appearance. You won’t find southerners wearing pajamas outside.
Bradford Pear Trees
According to Greenville News, Bradford pear trees are considered invasive species that smell and are a threat to other native species in the South. However, southerners still love how beautiful they are, creating a love-hate relationship. Non-southerners will find it weird that people can love something that’s so problematic.
Gameday Traditions
Sports such as football are a great way for southerners to be sociable. They’ll often throw tailgate parties before the game starts, as it’s a way for people to grab something to eat and hype themselves up before a game. It reflects southern hospitality and their communal spirit.
Southern Hospitality
If there’s one thing people from the South are known for, it’s their friendly character. Southerners have warm personalities and a strong sense of community, and they’ll show this through their hospitality. They do this because it’s part of their identity and reflects the charm of the region.
Love for College Sports
College sports are an integral part of southern culture, and people love to support their local college team. If you head to a game, you can expect tailgate parties, pep rallies, and a strong sense of school spirit. They’re loved so much because they represent the strong community feel that comes from the South.
Monograms
Fairly Southern writes, “In the South, we monogram everything. Plates, napkins, hand towels, bags, sweaters, baby bibs, boots, socks, sandals.” Monogramming is seen as a tradition among southerners, and personalizing their possessions shows pride in their identity and the area they’re from. People will often be taught the importance of family legacy from a young age.
The Ritual of Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is a southerner’s go-to drink. It isn’t seen as just a drink; it’s also a staple of their cultural identity. It’s served at every meal and is seen as a way to represent the hospitality and comfort of the South. Recipes will often be passed down to different generations.
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