People are different all across America. In the South, they do things differently, speak differently, and even eat different foods. You should always respect someone, regardless of where they’re from. Here are 17 things you shouldn’t say to a southerner.
Insulting their Accents
Across America, depending on what state or area of the country you’re from, you most likely will speak slightly differently to others. The Sewanee Purple mentions that “a southern drawl has become the go-to voice to adopt when ironically mimicking an ignorant opinion.” The way others mimic a southerner’s accent can come across as rude.
Criticizing Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is loved in the South and it can often be referred to as ‘the house wine of the South.’ It’s usually the go-to drink to offer at gatherings. If it’s not a taste you enjoy, politely decline, but never make negative comments about it.
Impatience and Pushiness
Southerners have strong values and these include being respectful and polite in any situation. Never push in front of anyone, especially a southerner. Always be patient and courteous and in any situation, be polite. You will most likely receive these manners back from interacting with southerners.
Dismissing Hunting Practices
If you have strong feelings that hunting shouldn’t be allowed, then it’s probably best that you keep these opinions to yourself. Hunting is a culture in the South and is enjoyed by many. Hunting is viewed as ethical and a way to connect with nature.
Stereotyping Southerners as Uneducated
Southerners have been painted with harsh stereotypes from time to time. Their accent can be mimicked, and people think they lack education. This isn’t the case, and this assumption should never be used against them just because they were born in the South. The south of the country actually has many prestigious universities.
Joking About Marrying Cousins
Never joke with a southerner about them marrying their cousins. According to KTEM News Radio, it’s actually legal to marry your second and third cousins, and so on, in the South. This joke is old and frustrating for southerners when it’s actually legal in the whole of the U.S.
Refusing Gravy
Saying no to gravy in the South is just something you don’t do. Gravy is a delicacy for southerners, and when visiting anywhere new, you should always try the local cuisine. If you do have to decline, be polite and don’t outright refuse, as this can come across as rude.
Disparaging Trucker Hats
Southerners pride themselves on their appearance, as it’s part of who they are. Their fashion is often simplistic but practical and a way to express themselves. Don’t comment anything negative about their trucker hats, as it’s a key part of their outfit that can express individuality.
Accusing Southerners of Racism
Accusing anyone of racism without proven facts is offensive. This is the case with southerners as well. Never accuse them of anything that isn’t true, as it’s extremely rude. The South is no different from other parts of America, as it’s diverse, with different religions and cultures.
Mocking the Use of “Y’all”
Southerners have a different dialect from others in America, and this should never be used against them. When speaking with a southerner, you will notice they use “y’all” in their vocabulary. It’s a beloved part of their speech, and mocking or mimicking can cause offense.
Assuming Familiarity with Farm Life
There is a stereotype that all southerners live on farms or large acres of land. This is obviously not the case for everyone and assuming this for a southerner can come across as rude and offensive. Be more inquisitive than judgmental when speaking to a southerner and you’ll learn more about them.
Complaining About Humidity
Southerners have a ‘deal with it’ approach when it comes to most things in life. Complaining about the humidity in the South isn’t a way to make friends fast. Southerners know how humid it is and they deal with it daily, so complaining to them just comes across as negative.
Deriding Southern Hospitality
As reported by Southern Living, southerners were raised to believe hospitality isn’t a choice. Southerners pride themselves on being welcoming and friendly and creating a community feel. If you’ve visited the South, you’ve most likely experienced warmth from southerners. Always be grateful for the hospitality, and never rudely decline it.
Saying “Hush Your Mouth”
Saying “hush your mouth” to anyone across America or even the world is going to come across as rude. Even if you’re saying it in a joking manner, it’s best to avoid saying it at all to a southerner. Open conversation is very much valued in the South, and saying anything to prevent this is rude.
Criticizing Southern Food
Southerners love their food, as it’s part of their culture and who they are. According to Highbrow Magazine, “The South is more than just butter and barbecue. Its foods reflect a richness of flavor, diversity, and history.” Expressing dislike for their food to a southerner can be very insulting and it’s best to avoid doing so.
Underestimating Southern Women
Southern women are often tarnished by the harsh stereotype that they live off of their rich dad’s money. This isn’t the case and like anywhere, the women in the South come from all different backgrounds. Southern women can be very strong and independent and like others, they go out and chase their dreams.
Declaring a Dislike for Mason Jars
Mason jars are loved in the South and can be used in a variety of ways. If you’ve ever visited the South, you’ve seen mason jars being used for everything from having coffee to storing herbs and spices. Showing a dislike would be impolite, as they are admired for their versatility and practicality.
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