Wednesday, May 10, 2023 / by Amy Brown
The South...you don't have to understand it to love it!
Asheville may be a mountain town but this is, after all, Appalachia; home of the wheat straw chewing, moonshine drinking, overall wearing, don't know a stranger southern folks.
Our ways may be a bit different but here's how to navigate Southern culture:
Southern speech
Y'all - this means all of you, you all over there, and you guys. Use it, love it, this is your new favorite word.
Mama always said, "Kill 'em with kindness."
Southern weather
This is the S O U T H ... wait until you see August
You poor darlings.
Southern eating habits
Just ate 5 minutes ago? Doesn't matter! A southern woman is going to feed you.
We've all had this trip to grandma's house.
Sweet (not sweetened) Tea
Made with real cane sugar, enough to make the spoon stand up by itself or it's no good.
It tastes ...... tart.
New York...you can keep your tea.
Southern Fashion
You won't see a whole lot of Chanel, Yves St. Laurent, or Gucci around here. You want to shop? Go to Tractor Supply, tell the lady that you want Carhartt.
Amen, Dolly.
Southern curse words
"Oh baby, Bless your heart"... you've just been called a whole host of insults...you've been warned
I might as well eat after a butt-whuppin'.
Your Southern Quick Reference Guide
My suggestion: Laminate it and put it in your wallet. You are going to need it!
Enjoy your day y'all!
Our ways may be a bit different but here's how to navigate Southern culture:
Southern speech
Y'all - this means all of you, you all over there, and you guys. Use it, love it, this is your new favorite word.
Mama always said, "Kill 'em with kindness."
Southern weather
This is the S O U T H ... wait until you see August
You poor darlings.
Southern eating habits
Just ate 5 minutes ago? Doesn't matter! A southern woman is going to feed you.
We've all had this trip to grandma's house.
Sweet (not sweetened) Tea
Made with real cane sugar, enough to make the spoon stand up by itself or it's no good.
It tastes ...... tart.
New York...you can keep your tea.
Southern Fashion
You won't see a whole lot of Chanel, Yves St. Laurent, or Gucci around here. You want to shop? Go to Tractor Supply, tell the lady that you want Carhartt.
Amen, Dolly.
Southern curse words
"Oh baby, Bless your heart"... you've just been called a whole host of insults...you've been warned
I might as well eat after a butt-whuppin'.
Your Southern Quick Reference Guide
My suggestion: Laminate it and put it in your wallet. You are going to need it!
DO's:
- Do say "Bless your heart" when you want to politely insult someone.
- Do learn to make sweet tea, it's practically a southern institution.
- Do call everyone "sir" or "ma'am", even if they're younger than you.
- Do know how to properly fry chicken, biscuits, and gravy.
- Do take your time when speaking, the slower the better.
- Do wave to everyone you pass on the road, even if you don't know them.
- Do dress up for church, weddings, and funerals, it's a sign of respect.
- Do know the difference between BBQ and grilling, and always choose BBQ.
- Do bring a covered dish when invited to someone's home, it's just good manners.
- Do always keep a jar of homemade jam or jelly on hand, it's a southern staple.
DON'Ts:
- Don't forget to say "please" and "thank you", manners are important in the south.
- Don't talk too loudly in public, it's considered rude.
- Don't wear white after Labor Day, it's a fashion faux pas.
- Don't use curse words in front of your elders or children, it's disrespectful.
- Don't turn down a glass of sweet tea or a slice of pie, it's just not done.
- Don't insult someone's cooking, even if it's not your favorite.
- Don't wear your shoes inside someone's home, it's considered impolite.
- Don't rush through a meal, southern hospitality means taking your time.
- Don't ignore someone when they're talking to you, it's just not polite.
- Don't forget to say "y'all", it's a southernism that just makes life more fun!
Enjoy your day y'all!
