1. Iced Tea
In the North, if you order iced tea, you’re probably getting a cold, unsweetened brew—often with a slice of lemon and not much else. It’s a crisp, refreshing option, especially for people trying to steer clear of sugar. Many Northerners grow up thinking that’s just how iced tea tastes. You might even have to ask for sugar packets if you want it sweetened.
In the South, though? Iced tea practically comes with a sugar warning label. “Sweet tea” isn’t just a drink—it’s a lifestyle, brewed strong and poured over ice with so much sugar it could qualify as dessert, according to Caroline Hatchett from Food & Wine. If you ask for “iced tea” and expect it unsweetened, you’re likely to get a confused look or a follow-up question: “You mean unsweet?”
2. Biscuits
To most Northerners, “biscuits” means crunchy, flaky baked goods you’d find in a breadbasket—think garlic cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster. They’re savory, maybe buttery, and often enjoyed as a side with dinner. For many, biscuits are a nice extra but not central to any meal. They’re not typically associated with breakfast.
But in the South, biscuits are breakfast royalty, according to Amanda Mull from The Atlantic. They’re fluffy, buttery, and often smothered in sausage gravy or layered with country ham. You’ll find entire fast food chains (like Bojangles’ or Hardee’s) devoted to perfecting the breakfast biscuit. Down here, biscuits aren’t just a side—they’re the star of the show.
3. Coke
If you’re in the North and someone offers you a Coke, odds are they mean Coca-Cola, and only Coca-Cola. It’s one of many soft drinks available, and it’s generally used to refer to the actual brand. If you want a Sprite or a Dr Pepper, you just say that. No need to be cryptic.
In the South, “Coke” is often shorthand for any soda, according to Valerie Fraser Luesse from Southern Living. You might ask for a Coke and then clarify that you mean a root beer or an orange soda. It’s a regionalism born out of Coca-Cola’s Atlanta roots and deep cultural presence. Basically, all soft drinks are Cokes until proven otherwise.
4. Dressing
When a Northerner talks about dressing, they’re likely referring to salad dressing—ranch, vinaigrette, Italian, the works. It’s something you drizzle on greens, maybe dip some carrots in. It’s an everyday staple in kitchens and restaurants across the country. No confusion, just condiments.
But in the South, “dressing” means Thanksgiving is coming, according to Nneka M. Okona from HuffPost. It’s the bread-based, savory side dish similar to stuffing—but it’s baked in a casserole dish, not inside the bird. It’s often made with cornbread, sage, and sometimes a bit of sausage. Say “dressing” in Alabama, and no one’s thinking about ranch.
5. Barbecue
Barbecue in the North usually just means grilling burgers and hot dogs in the backyard. Maybe there’s some BBQ sauce involved, maybe not. It’s more about the gathering than the technique or the meat. It’s casual, quick, and often done on a gas grill.
In the South, barbecue is practically a religion, according to Robert F. Moss from Southern Living. It’s low and slow, with regional rivalries over pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sauces—vinegar-based in North Carolina, mustard in South Carolina, and tomato-based in Memphis. It’s not just a meal; it’s an event, sometimes taking all day. And no one is firing up a gas grill to make it.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread up North tends to be sweet—like, surprisingly sweet. It’s often more like cake, sometimes even with a fluffy texture and served with butter and honey. It’s a comforting side dish but rarely the centerpiece. It might show up at Thanksgiving, but not much outside of that.
In the South, cornbread is serious business—and definitely not sweet. It’s crumbly, often cooked in a cast-iron skillet, and sometimes flecked with bits of bacon or jalapeño. Adding sugar to cornbread is basically sacrilegious in places like Mississippi or Georgia. Southerners want their cornbread savory and maybe even a little crusty on the edges.
7. Pie
To many Northerners, “pie” brings to mind dessert—apple, cherry, blueberry, pumpkin. It’s served after dinner, maybe topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s festive and nostalgic, tied to holidays and bake sales. And it’s almost always sweet.
But in the South, pie can be sweet or savory. Tomato pie, for example, is a summer staple made with fresh tomatoes, cheese, and mayo in a flaky crust. Chess pie, while sweet, has a dense, custard-like filling that confuses non-Southerners. And let’s not forget fried hand pies—less “Grandma’s dessert” and more “roadside snack.”
8. College Football
College football in the North? It’s important, sure, but it doesn’t run people’s lives. It’s more about school pride, and the games are something you might watch if your alma mater is playing. People might be loyal fans, but they’re not rearranging weddings around the Big Ten schedule.
In the South, college football is the schedule. Weddings, family reunions, even funerals might be planned around the SEC calendar. Game days are sacred, tailgating is an art, and rivalries run generations deep. Down here, college football is less about sport and more about identity.
9. Peanuts
In the North, peanuts are bar snacks—dry roasted, salted, maybe honey glazed. They’re something you grab at a baseball game or keep in the pantry for baking. They’re not exactly considered a delicacy. And they’re almost always served dry.
In the South, boiled peanuts are a roadside tradition. Green peanuts (fresh, not dried) are simmered in salty water until they’re soft and briny. You’ll find them in gas stations, roadside stands, and tailgates from Georgia to Alabama. To some Northerners, the texture is downright weird—but to Southerners, it’s heaven in a soggy shell.
10. Grits
If you find grits on a menu up North, it’s probably at a trendy brunch spot trying to serve “Southern-inspired” cuisine. It might come with shrimp or be mixed with cheese, but it’s far from a daily staple. Many Northerners have never even tried it. And if they have, they may not understand the appeal.
In the South, grits are a way of life. They’re on the breakfast table more often than not, usually served with butter, cheese, or gravy. They’re made from ground corn but have a creamy, savory vibe that’s all their own. Ask anyone from the Deep South, and they’ll swear by their mama’s grits recipe.
11. Ma’am and Sir
In the North, calling someone “ma’am” or “sir” can feel a little too formal—or even condescending. It’s more likely to be used sarcastically or in customer service scripts. Most people just say “excuse me” or use first names. And for younger folks, it can come off as old-fashioned.
In the South, it’s a sign of basic respect. Kids are taught from an early age to answer adults with “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir.” It’s not about age or rank—it’s about politeness and manners. Skip it, and you might get a gentle correction (or a raised eyebrow from grandma).
12. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken in the North is often fast food—think KFC or Popeyes, maybe something you grab during a lunch break. It’s tasty, but it’s not something people usually make at home. And it’s often served with fries and coleslaw, not much fanfare. It’s comfort food, sure, but not elevated.
In the South, fried chicken is almost sacred. It’s Sunday dinner, it’s picnic fare, and it’s a point of pride among home cooks. The batter is seasoned just right, the skin is crisped to perfection, and everyone has their own family recipe. And if you mess it up? Well, bless your heart.
13. Snow Day
Snow in the North is a routine part of life—snowplows hit the roads early, schools stay open unless there’s a blizzard, and people just shovel and move on. It’s annoying, sure, but manageable. Kids still go to school in six inches, and salt trucks are always ready. It’s just winter.
Snow in the South? Panic mode. A dusting can shut down schools, empty grocery store shelves, and cause traffic chaos. Most cities don’t have the equipment or infrastructure to handle it, so even a light snowfall feels like the apocalypse. And yes, people will post 47 photos of their car with 0.5 inches of snow on it.
14. Porch Sitting
In the North, a front porch is mostly decorative—a place to store seasonal wreaths or sit for a few minutes when the weather’s nice. It’s not often used as a true gathering spot. Backyards and decks are usually preferred for hanging out. Front porches are nice, but not essential.
In the South, the front porch is practically a second living room. It’s where you sip sweet tea, catch up with neighbors, and watch the world go by. Porch sitting is its own form of therapy down here—slow, intentional, and always better with a rocking chair. It’s not just a space; it’s a lifestyle.
