When I moved down to South Carolina from Boston, I found myself being emerged into what seemed to be a whole new world. Being raised in the North I had a certain image in my head as to what I expected the South to be, based just of off music and movies. However, after settling in for a few months I have been able to pick up on certain sayings and actions which often differ from those in the North. Here are four things most Northerners would notice if they move down South…
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Yes, you will eventually start to say “Y’all” (even if you claimed you never would)
If you’re from the North, you have all heard your friends say “don’t start saying y’all when you move down South” yet it’s easier said than done. You will soon find yourself emerged into a culture that speaks what seems to be a whole new language. Forget saying “wicked” if come from Boston, for it will often only turn heads. Not only will you start saying y’all, but you will also start to notice how people address elders with ma’am, or sir, for many of us up North weren’t raised with Southern obedience.
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Southern Cuisine
From fried food, oyster roasts, and low country boil, Southerners make the action of not only eating but preparing their meals to be very social. Fried food is a staple point for the south, for almost every street corner has some sort of fast food restaurant on it. From Zaxby’s to Church’s Chicken to even high-end restaurants, chefs have found a way to incorporate fried food into almost every dish. Oyster roasts and low country boils are a relaxing way for many neighborhoods, churches and families to gather together to enjoy food spread out on bare picnic tables. Nothing to fancy, but an excuse to come together and enjoy some classic Southern cuisine.
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Style
I can guarantee you, you have heard the someone say “everyone in the South dresses either preppy or like cowboys” one point or another in your life. However, when I moved here from Boston, I was caught by surprise this was not even close to accurate. Yes, you occasionally come across those people who are dressed in cowboy boots, or Southern Tide on the streets, but for the most part, Southern dress similar to Northerners. One popular article of clothes worn on many Southerners that I have never seen in the North is Chacos Sandals. Chacos are seemed to be worn with almost any outfit, yet mostly on those seeking adventure. The sandal straps come in multiple colors, can be seen worn with socks, and give some crazy tan lines!
Krispy Kreme will never beat Dunkin
Although being able to see the naked Krispy Kreme donuts be slathered in glaze through the viewing glass, nothing will beat a batch of warm Dunkin’s Donuts. I promise you someone will try and argue that the classic “melt in your mouth Krispy Kreme” donut is better, but even if you try, you’ll never be able to turn your shoulder on Dunkin.