1. Monogramming Everything
If it’s fabric, metal, or glass, chances are a Southerner has put their initials on it, Haley Laurence from It’s A Southern Thing reveals. Monograms are everywhere—on shirts, purses, phone cases, car decals, and even home decor. It’s partly a way to show off a sense of style, but it’s also rooted in tradition, where family names and legacies are a big deal. To people outside the South, it can seem over-the-top, but to Southerners, a monogram is just good manners.
Even babies don’t escape this obsession, with their onesies, blankets, and even diaper bags often bearing elaborate initials. College students proudly sport monogrammed backpacks, and newlyweds waste no time getting their shared initials on everything they own. Some Southerners even have monogrammed jewelry or car floor mats, just in case you forgot their name. It’s not just a trend—it’s a lifestyle.
2. Saying “Bless Your Heart” (And Not Always Nicely)
To an outsider, “bless your heart” sounds like a kind and wholesome phrase. In the South, however, it can carry a double meaning, depending on how it’s said, according to Nellah McGough from Southern Living. If someone says it with genuine warmth, they might actually be offering sympathy or encouragement. But if it’s delivered with a sweet smile and a little too much sugar, it probably means, “You poor, clueless fool.”
This phrase is the ultimate Southern passive-aggressive insult, allowing people to express judgment while maintaining their polite reputation. It’s often used when someone does something foolish, like showing up to a summer barbecue in long sleeves or admitting they don’t like football. You might also hear it when someone shares an unfortunate personal story, though it’s not always clear if the sympathy is real. If you ever hear “Well, bless your heart” in response to something you said, you may want to rethink your life choices.
3. Drinking Sweet Tea Like It’s Water
In the South, sweet tea isn’t just a beverage—it’s an institution, according to Caroline Hatchett from Food & Wine. This isn’t the lightly sweetened iced tea you’ll find in other parts of the country; it’s loaded with sugar, sometimes to the point of being syrupy. Every Southern family has its own recipe, but the basics are the same: black tea, plenty of sugar, and sometimes a hint of lemon. If you order “tea” at a restaurant, you don’t have to specify—it’s going to be sweet unless you ask otherwise.
Drinking sweet tea is a daily habit for many Southerners, who keep pitchers of it ready in the fridge at all times. Fast-food chains in the South also serve it by default, and some places even sell it by the gallon. Asking for unsweetened tea in certain parts of the South might get you a confused look, or worse, a pitiful “bless your heart.” To a true Southerner, life without sweet tea just isn’t worth considering.
4. Calling Every Carbonated Drink “Coke”
In most of the country, soda is either called “soda” or “pop,” but in the South, it’s all “coke,” according to Valerie Fraser Luesse from Southern Living. This doesn’t mean people only drink Coca-Cola—it’s just a catch-all term for any soft drink. If a Southerner asks you, “What kind of Coke do you want?” they’re actually asking if you want a Sprite, Dr Pepper, or any other soda. It confuses outsiders, but in the South, it’s just how things are done.
This habit comes from Coca-Cola’s deep roots in the region, as the company was founded in Atlanta, Georgia. Because Coke was the dominant soda for so long, the name just stuck as a generic term. Some Southerners will specify by brand if needed, but often, context makes it clear. It’s one of those linguistic quirks that makes perfect sense to locals but baffles visitors.
5. Using Y’all in Everyday Speech
No other word defines Southern speech quite like “y’all.” It’s a contraction of “you all,” but it carries a warmth and friendliness that other versions of “you guys” just don’t have, Patrick Jarenwattananon from NPR explains. Southerners use it naturally, whether talking to friends, family, or even strangers. It’s efficient, inclusive, and can be used in both casual and formal conversations without sounding out of place.
Non-Southerners sometimes try to use “y’all,” but it rarely sounds authentic unless they’ve spent time in the South. Some people mistakenly use it for just one person, which will quickly expose them as an outsider. True Southerners also know that the plural of “y’all” is “all y’all,” used when addressing a large group. If you’ve ever been corrected for misusing it, you know just how seriously Southerners take their grammar.
6. Deep-Frying Everything
In the American South, if you can eat it, you can deep-fry it. While fried chicken is the most famous example, Southerners also fry pickles, Oreos, butter, and even Coke (yes, really). At state fairs, you’ll find an entire menu of deep-fried delicacies, often dusted with powdered sugar or served with dipping sauce. It’s a little extreme, but in the South, frying things is practically an art form.
This love of fried food comes from generations of home cooking, where comfort food reigns supreme. Fried dishes are often a staple at family gatherings, church potlucks, and weekend fish fries. Some people might argue about the health risks, but in the South, flavor usually wins out over calorie counting. If you’ve ever seen someone deep-fry mac and cheese and call it dinner, you know you’re in the right place.
7. Front Porch Sitting as a Social Event
In most parts of the country, a front porch is just part of a house, but in the South, it’s an extension of the living room. Sitting on the porch isn’t just about relaxing—it’s a whole social activity. Neighbors drop by unannounced, stories are told, and sweet tea or lemonade is often involved. A good Southern porch will have rocking chairs, ceiling fans, and maybe even a porch swing.
This tradition goes back to a slower way of life, where people valued community and took time to enjoy the evening air. Many Southerners still prefer to chat with friends on a porch rather than meet at a coffee shop or bar. It’s where gossip is shared, family matters are discussed, and big decisions are made. If you’ve never been invited to “sit a spell,” you’re missing out on a true Southern experience.
8. Sunday Being Church (and Dress-Up) Day
In many parts of the South, Sunday morning means one thing: church. And church isn’t just a casual affair—it’s a full event, complete with fancy outfits, big hats, and plenty of socializing. Even in modern times, many Southerners still wear their Sunday best, with men in suits and women in dresses or skirts. Church isn’t just about worship; it’s also a weekly gathering that strengthens community ties.
After church, it’s common for families to go out for a big meal, often at a buffet or a beloved local diner. Some Southerners joke that restaurants need extra staff on Sundays because of the post-church rush. It’s also the one day of the week where you might hear, “I’ll pray for you,” as both a genuine sentiment and a subtle way to say, “You need help.” If you ever see a packed parking lot at a Southern restaurant around noon on Sunday, just know—you’ve found the after-church crowd.
9. Obsessing Over College Football Like It’s a Religion
In the South, college football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. People plan their weddings, vacations, and even their kids’ nap schedules around game day. Whether it’s Alabama vs. Auburn, Georgia vs. Florida, or LSU vs. literally anyone, the rivalries run deep. Families are often divided by team loyalties, and some people will refuse to date or even befriend someone who cheers for the wrong side.
Tailgating before the game is just as important as the game itself, with elaborate setups that can rival a five-star barbecue. Schools like the University of Alabama and LSU have fans who treat tailgating like a full-day event, complete with gourmet food and decorated tents. Even if you didn’t attend a major football school, you’re expected to have a favorite team. If you ever ask a Southerner, “Do you really care that much about football?” prepare for a very long conversation.
10. Referring to Everyone as “Sir” and “Ma’am”
Manners are a big deal in the South, and one of the first things children learn is to say “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am.” It’s not about age—it’s about respect, and it applies to teachers, parents, and even strangers. While this formality might seem outdated in other parts of the U.S., in the South, it’s just considered good upbringing. If you don’t use it, you might get a disapproving look or, worse, a lecture on how “your mama raised you better than that.”
Some outsiders find it strange to be called “ma’am” or “sir,” especially if they’re young, but in the South, it’s just second nature. Even customer service workers use these terms, which can throw people off if they’re not used to it. If a Southerner drops a “Yes, ma’am” on you, don’t be offended—it’s just their way of being polite. And if a child ever calls you “Miss First Name” instead of just your first name, congratulations—you’re officially in the South.
11. Using “Fixing To” Instead of “About To”
Southerners don’t get ready to do something—they’re “fixing to” do it. This phrase confuses non-Southerners because it sounds like something is broken and needs to be repaired. But in reality, it just means someone is about to take action. If a Southerner says, “I’m fixing to go to the store,” they’re not grabbing tools—they’re just heading out soon.
This phrase is so ingrained in Southern speech that most locals don’t even realize it sounds strange to outsiders. It’s especially useful when you’re almost—but not quite—ready to do something. If someone says, “I’m fixing to clean the kitchen,” it probably means they’ll get around to it in the next ten minutes… or the next few hours. If you ever hear “I’m fixing to leave,” just know you have some extra time to say goodbye.
12. Addressing Strangers as “Honey,” “Sugar,” or “Darlin’”
In the South, terms of endearment aren’t reserved for loved ones—they’re for everyone. It’s completely normal for a waitress, cashier, or even a total stranger to call you “honey” or “darlin’.” This isn’t flirting; it’s just part of Southern charm and a way to make interactions feel more personal. In other parts of the country, this kind of familiarity might seem odd or even intrusive, but in the South, it’s just friendliness.
Older Southern women, in particular, have a whole arsenal of sweet nicknames, from “sugar” to “sweet pea.” Men aren’t left out either—it’s not uncommon for a grandmotherly type to call a full-grown man “baby.” If you’re not used to it, the first time a store clerk calls you “sugar” might catch you off guard. But once you spend enough time in the South, you might find yourself saying it too.
13. Keeping Duke’s Mayonnaise in the Fridge at All Times
Mayonnaise is a big deal in the South, and the brand of choice is Duke’s. While the rest of the country might use Hellmann’s or Miracle Whip, Southerners swear by Duke’s for its tangy, egg-rich flavor. It’s the secret ingredient in potato salad, deviled eggs, and pimento cheese, three staples of Southern cuisine. Suggest using another brand, and you might get a side-eye—or a long lecture on why Duke’s is superior.
This obsession runs so deep that some grocery stores in the South have entire shelves dedicated to it. It’s not uncommon to hear a grandmother say, “I only use Duke’s, and so did my mama before me.” Some families are so loyal that they’ll bring their own jar when traveling up North, just in case. If you ever visit a Southern cookout, just assume everything creamy has Duke’s in it.
14. Talking About the Weather Like It’s Breaking News
In the South, small talk always includes the weather, and it’s never just “hot” or “cold.” You’ll hear phrases like “hotter than blue blazes,” “colder than a witch’s tit,” or “humid enough to drown a fish.” The unpredictable Southern climate means that in a single week, you might experience summer, fall, and winter. Tornado season, hurricane season, and random ice storms are all normal topics of conversation.
This weather obsession comes from experience—Southerners know that a sunny morning can turn into a full-blown storm by the afternoon. It’s why they take weather reports seriously and always have emergency supplies on hand. A single snowflake can shut down an entire city, while a Category 1 hurricane might not even get people to cancel their beach trip. If you ever visit the South, just be ready for someone to ask, “Y’all staying cool?” within five minutes of meeting you.
15. Turning Every Funeral Into a Social Gathering
In many parts of the country, funerals are somber, quiet events, but in the South, they’re also major social gatherings. People come from all over, bringing enough food to feed an army—fried chicken, casseroles, and at least three different types of pie. The funeral itself may be emotional, but the after-service meal is a time for storytelling, catching up, and celebrating the person’s life. It’s not unusual for guests to stay for hours, swapping memories over a plate of banana pudding.
Southerners believe in showing up for their people, and that means attending every funeral, even if they only met the deceased once. If someone says, “I didn’t really know him, but I knew his cousin,” that’s reason enough to go. The phrase “paying your respects” isn’t just a formality—it’s a deeply ingrained tradition. If you ever find yourself at a Southern funeral, don’t be surprised if someone hands you a plate and says, “Now, have you eaten yet?”
