Growing up in the South is truly a unique experience, and there are several signs that give away whether or not someone spent their childhood here. From the way you speak to the quirky customs you follow, it’s easy to tell who’s had a southern upbringing. In this article, we’re sharing 17 of the most obvious signs!
“Y’all” Is Your Go-to Pronoun
Do you refer to just about everyone you meet as “y’all,” whether it’s one person or a group of people? Well, this makes it pretty clear you’re from the South. “Y’all” is a warm, comfortable, inclusive way to address people—a staple in everyday southern speech.
Sweet Tea Is Just “Tea”
Typically brewed very sweet and served iced, what’s known as “sweet tea” to other Americans is simply known as “tea” to southerners. In fact, it’s considered a quintessential southern beverage, often homemade and served at almost every meal, especially in the summer.
College Football Is Practically a Religion
As shared by the New York Times, “The South is heavily represented among states with the highest levels of college football fandom.” They certainly do take their football seriously, with an intense loyalty to local college teams. As you may well know, rivalries with other teams can even break up friendships!
Barbecue Is a Serious Affair
If you grew up in the South, you’d know that there are deep, ongoing debates about the best barbecue styles and techniques. You’d also know the regional loyalty to specific types of barbecue, such as Texas brisket or Carolina pulled pork. Barbecue events are big social occasions and a source of pride, of course.
Fried Foods Are a Culinary Staple
Those from the South know that absolutely everything can be fried, from chicken to Oreos. Fried food is a common sight at fairs and family gatherings, and often a topic of both pride and playful health debates. We don’t think you’ll see any southerners giving it up soon, though!
Lightning Bugs Signal Summer
Was catching lightning bugs one of your favorite childhood pastimes? This tradition might seem odd to those from elsewhere (who know these critters as fireflies), but catching lightning bugs and placing them in jars is seen as a real hallmark of southern summers.
Going to Church Is a Regular Part of Life
“The South is still the most-churched region of the country,” as per the Washington Post. This is something that southerners are very proud of, seeing Sunday service as a family tradition in most cases. If you grew up here, you’d know that churches are seen as central to community and family life.
Saying “Ma’am” and “Sir” Is Non-negotiable
If there’s one thing southerners have, it’s respect for their elders. Calling people “ma’am” and “sir” is taught to kids from a young age as a sign of respect, and when older, it’s used universally across age groups. It’s seen as a critical element of good manners!
Stories Are Best Told on a Porch
We bet that many of your favorite childhood memories involve sitting on the porch, chatting with friends, and listening to stories told by your parents and grandparents. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that porches are the spot where history is passed down through generations!
Everyone Knows Everyone
There’s definitely a strong sense of community and familiarity in the South—it really does seem like everyone knows everyone and their business. Family and community ties are deeply valued, but as you may well know, news and gossip travel fast here! There’s no such thing as a secret.
There’s a Proper Seasoning for Every Dish
As told by Southern Living, recipes from the South “aren’t made to be bland or forgettable.” Anyone who grew up here will know that salt, pepper, and hot sauce are the holy trinity of condiments, but that every cook has their own secret ingredient or technique to ensure their food is delicious.
Holidays Mean Big Family Gatherings
Holidays are an excuse for family reunions everywhere, but in the South, they tend to be much bigger. If you were raised here, you’d know just how busy they can get. Food, storytelling, and games play a central role, and the gatherings often go on well into the night. If you’re lucky, you may even be let in on a family recipe or two!
You Know How to Properly Fry and Eat Catfish
Is your mouth watering at the thought right now? Catfish is a southern dietary staple, often fried and eaten with sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw. If there are two things anyone from the South excels at, it’s cooking and eating this delicious fish!
The Beach Means the Gulf Coast
Vacations often involve trips to the Gulf Coast, so you may have spent many a summer here as a child. You’ll have plenty of memories of summer relaxation, splashing around in the water, building sand castles, and of course, lots of seafood to finish the day!
Camo Is Considered a Fashion Statement
In the words of Acclaim Magazine, “Camo print refuses to become something of the past.” In the South, it certainly never will. Camouflage clothing is extremely popular here, especially in rural areas. It’s not just worn for hunting, either, but as casual everyday attire. If you’re from the South, we bet you’ve got at least one item of camo clothing in your closet!
Grocery Store Conversations Are a Given
Growing up in the South, you’d better block out a good slot of time to go to the grocery store because chances are you’re running into someone you know, and that’ll lead to a looooong conversation. Grocery shopping can truly double as a social outing here!
Snow Is a Major Event
Depending on where you’re from in the South, even a small amount of snow can shut down entire cities! With that said, snow days are often received with both excitement and a hint of chaos—becoming memorable events! Snow is especially exciting for kids.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.
19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE