The world is full of uncomfortable situations—those times when you cringe and want to either roll your eyes or hide under a rock. Kentuckians are not immune to these instances. In fact, we seem to find ourselves in many Kentucky-specific awkward moments, especially when interacting with those outside of the Bluegrass State. Here are 11 moments that you’ve surely endured and will likely make you cringe again and again.
- Explaining that no, we don’t all live out in the country.
Flickr/Nathaniel Kentucky is known for its beautiful farm land and countryside. And while many lucky Kentuckians do live there, over half of the population lives in a city and that percentage continues to climb.
- We don’t all own a horse.
Flickr/Ulrich Burkhalter We love horses, we love our horse country and we love horse racing. They are magnificent animals and we are proud that they represent our state. But we do not all have them roaming in our back yards (unfortunately).
- Don’t be fooled by our accents.
Facebook/Shop Local Kentucky We say “Y’all” and most of us have a bit of an accent when we talk. When those from other parts of the country hear it, they often mistaken that drawl for unintelligence. But we know better and in an awkward moment can quickly explain that our brains work just fine.
- Sorry, but we can’t take you to see fields of blue.
Flickr/Anthony Kentucky is the “Bluegrass State,” so naturally visitors want to see the infamous blue fields when they come and visit. Well, you may get lucky and see tints of blue, but bluegrass is actually green, just like every other variety.
- You still don’t know the capital of Kentucky?
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn If you live in Louisville and have shared your home city with others, you may have received the awkward response of - “Oh, you live in the capital of Kentucky!” Um, no. Our capital is Frankfort, always has been, and it’s lovely.
- Speaking of Louisville…
Facebook/Go To Louisville I’m not sure which is worse - Looeyville or LouiSville, with the “S” boldly pronounced. There are many other varieties of pronunciations, so if you’re unsure, just ask a Kentuckian to say it correctly and avoid an awkward moment.
- No, our state is most definitely NOT boring.
TripAdvisor/Samantha D. So many outside of Kentucky do not realize the vast variety of adventure and activities our state provides. I was once asked, “What do you do for fun in Kentucky? Watch grass grow?” Well, sometimes, yes, but I’m pretty sure we have a few other options as well.
- When asked to come for dinner in Kentucky, you may want to clarify the time.
Facebook/Greyhound Tavern In Kentucky, dinner can mean two things. In many parts of the state, it refers to a midday meal, similar to lunch. And that would mean the evening meal is called supper. It’s best to just ask for a specific time so you don’t show up for dinner several hours late.
- Setting the record straight about bourbon.
Facebook/Shop Local Kentucky It’s likely more commonly thought that bourbon and whiskey are two separate entities, or people just assume something that isn’t true. Kentuckians can teach you a thing or two to avoid an awkward moment. Bourbon is whiskey that has been made in Kentucky. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Say that ten times fast.
- When you overhear someone criticizing your Kentucky team.
Facebook/University of Kentucky At times it seems that University of Kentucky basketball is the team everyone loves to hate. It’s not uncommon to hear someone cheering against the blue and white. So if you’re about to say something negative about one of our beloved basketball teams (University of Louisville deserves a shout out, too), just don’t let us hear or it will be all sorts of awkward.
- When someone is bashing Kentucky.
Facebook/Shop Local Kentucky There are stereotypes about Kentucky, some of them not so favorable. But Kentucky pride runs deep, so even though it’s awkward when someone says something bad about Kentucky, we simply roll our eyes and know in our hearts that it will always be “Our Old Kentucky Home.”
The bottom line is, we’ll keep dealing with these awkward moments, and correcting others, as long as we have to. Because Kentucky is home and the love for our beloved state is strong. What do you think of this list? Did we leave anything out? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Flickr/Nathaniel
Kentucky is known for its beautiful farm land and countryside. And while many lucky Kentuckians do live there, over half of the population lives in a city and that percentage continues to climb.
Flickr/Ulrich Burkhalter
We love horses, we love our horse country and we love horse racing. They are magnificent animals and we are proud that they represent our state. But we do not all have them roaming in our back yards (unfortunately).
Facebook/Shop Local Kentucky
We say “Y’all” and most of us have a bit of an accent when we talk. When those from other parts of the country hear it, they often mistaken that drawl for unintelligence. But we know better and in an awkward moment can quickly explain that our brains work just fine.
Flickr/Anthony
Kentucky is the “Bluegrass State,” so naturally visitors want to see the infamous blue fields when they come and visit. Well, you may get lucky and see tints of blue, but bluegrass is actually green, just like every other variety.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
If you live in Louisville and have shared your home city with others, you may have received the awkward response of - “Oh, you live in the capital of Kentucky!” Um, no. Our capital is Frankfort, always has been, and it’s lovely.
Facebook/Go To Louisville
I’m not sure which is worse - Looeyville or LouiSville, with the “S” boldly pronounced. There are many other varieties of pronunciations, so if you’re unsure, just ask a Kentuckian to say it correctly and avoid an awkward moment.
TripAdvisor/Samantha D.
So many outside of Kentucky do not realize the vast variety of adventure and activities our state provides. I was once asked, “What do you do for fun in Kentucky? Watch grass grow?” Well, sometimes, yes, but I’m pretty sure we have a few other options as well.
Facebook/Greyhound Tavern
In Kentucky, dinner can mean two things. In many parts of the state, it refers to a midday meal, similar to lunch. And that would mean the evening meal is called supper. It’s best to just ask for a specific time so you don’t show up for dinner several hours late.
It’s likely more commonly thought that bourbon and whiskey are two separate entities, or people just assume something that isn’t true. Kentuckians can teach you a thing or two to avoid an awkward moment. Bourbon is whiskey that has been made in Kentucky. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Say that ten times fast.
Facebook/University of Kentucky
At times it seems that University of Kentucky basketball is the team everyone loves to hate. It’s not uncommon to hear someone cheering against the blue and white. So if you’re about to say something negative about one of our beloved basketball teams (University of Louisville deserves a shout out, too), just don’t let us hear or it will be all sorts of awkward.
There are stereotypes about Kentucky, some of them not so favorable. But Kentucky pride runs deep, so even though it’s awkward when someone says something bad about Kentucky, we simply roll our eyes and know in our hearts that it will always be “Our Old Kentucky Home.”
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