The south of the U.S. is often seen differently from the rest of the country. They have their own unique way of doing things. Here are 17 things people from the South do for no reason at all.
Saying “Bless Your Heart” to Just About Anyone
People from southern America love to use the term ‘bless your heart.’ Others struggle to understand the concept that they’re expressing. It’s often said as a sign of affection after mentioning minor issues and is a southern way of conveying pity. It’s rarely used as sarcasm, so accept it in a respectful way.
Overusing “Y’all”
You truly haven’t engaged with a southerner without hearing them use the word ‘y’all’ in every other sentence. It’s used to address or talk about an individual or a large group. It’s seen as a marker of southern identity and is often used with other phrases, such as ‘all y’all.’
Insisting on Sweet Tea with Every Meal
According to Garden & Gun, “Southerners like sweet tea because we are largely descended from Celts and Brits, making a yearning for tea a genetic imperative.” They will enjoy their favorite beverage with every meal, as it’s a symbol of who they are and where they’re from.
Holding Doors Open for Lengthy Periods
Southerners are polite people, and they respect and value others. They will often hold a door open for you, even if you’re not yet there. This can often cause you to do the awkward speed walk to not keep them waiting, but they’ll appreciate your gratitude.
Deep-Frying Anything
Southern America is well known for its food, and that’s because they deep fry everything. Most foodies enjoy fried chicken from time to time, but southerners take it further than that. They will fry Oreos or even okra. To a southerner, if it’s deep-fried, then it tastes better.
Starting Stories with “Let Me Tell You What”
When a non-southerner hears a sentence starting with ‘let me tell you what,’ they can often be worried about where the sentence is going. When a southerner uses this statement, you are about to receive an entertaining story that’s probably been exaggerated to some extent.
Calling Every Older Person “Sir” or “Ma’am”
You may think there’s no reason to call someone ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am,’ but you’d be wrong. Southerners have been raised to be very respectful people, especially when it comes to their elders. They’re taught this from a very young age, and they carry it throughout their lives.
Obsessing Over College Football
One thing you know for sure about a southerner is that they love their football. As mentioned by Bleacher Report, “the intertwining of Southern culture and college football is a direct, deeply rooted reflection of the South’s history.” To a southerner, it’s more than just a sport; they will get together and socialize hours before a game.
Hosting Barbecues at the Drop of a Hat
Southerners love a barbecue and will use any excuse to have one. It’s a great way to socialize with friends and family over one of their favorite things. Food is loved by southerners, and firing up the grill can be a great way to end the week or even start one.
Making a Casserole for Every Occasion
A casserole is often a go-to dish to make for a southerner. They often have a recipe that has been passed down through the generations and is special to the family. They will have so many different versions, from the tuna casserole to the tater tot casserole.
Wearing Monograms on Everything
Southerners love to wear monograms on absolutely anything, whether it’s a hat, shirt, or even a car decal. Southerners pride themselves on personalization and individuality, and monograms help them express this. They’re seen as a fashion statement that can double as a social marker.
Always Having a Pie Ready at Home
Southern Living reports “Our Southern pies have places of honor in our recipe boxes and cookbooks. They are as storied as the Southerners who share them, adapt them, and make these pies their own.” Having a pie ready at home is common in a southerner’s household. It’s often a sign of hospitality, showing a readiness to entertain guests.
Celebrating Christmas with Over-the-Top Decorations
Southerners can be traditionalists and often share the view that you should always do everything to your best ability. They certainly have this view when it comes to holiday decorations. In December, you’ll see a southern house covered from top to bottom in endless Christmas decorations.
Using Mason Jars as Glasses
A normal glass that a regular person will drink out of isn’t enough for a southerner. They love their mason jars and will use them to drink out of them. It could be a coffee or a cocktail; any southerner will find an excuse to drink out of a mason jar.
Taking Home Leftovers in a Napkin
Most people, if they’re finished with their dinner, will leave it on their plate, but a southerner often has other ideas. They have been known to take food home in a napkin. This may seem needless to you, but it’s actually viewed in the South as a compliment to the host’s cooking.
Giving Unsolicited Advice to Strangers
Most people would think there’s no reason to give strangers advice if you don’t know them or their circumstances. Southerners don’t have that view and are often willing to offer any advice. This isn’t them being rude; it’s actually a southern charm and a way for them to be hospitable.
Special Recipe for Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are a common food among southerners. According to 1885 Grill, the high-calorie dish has been around for decades and quickly became a staple in southerners’ diets. Often, each family will have their own individual recipe to make their special version and enjoy together over breakfast.