Mississippi truly is a unique place, and unless you’ve lived here for an extended period of time, there are things you just won’t understand. Sure, to those of us that have been lucky enough to live here for years, certain things are just a way of life, but to others, they’re not so obvious. So, the next time you’re dealing with a recent transplant or visiting out-of-towner, be prepared to explain the following 15 things about life in Mississippi.
- Seafood is perfect anytime of the day, even at breakfast.
Suheilah H./Yelp Shrimp and grits has to be one of the best southern dishes ever created.
- Seafood isn’t always sea food.
Sean C./Yelp Here in Mississippi, “seafood” includes catfish. Perfectly fried catfish.
- Hotty Toddy isn’t a drink. Well, most of the time.
Luke Pickard/Flickr When a local chants “hotty toddy,” they’re just cheering for Ole Miss; not declaring their need for a drink.
- Heat and humidity are two very different things.
Micheal/Flickr Any Mississippian can tell you, there’s a huge difference between it being “hot” outside and it being “humid.”
- Being able to navigate dark roadways is virtually a requirement for living here.
Frida/Flickr Driving on dark rural roads without street lights is easy once you get used to it; really.
6.“Coke” doesn’t just mean Coke.
Steve Baker/Flickr Some states say “soda,” others use “pop.” Here in Mississippi, it’s all “coke.” It may seem confusing, but we just get it.
- Comeback sauce goes with just about anything.
Krysha M./Yelp The delicious condiment, which originated in Jackson, is used on everything from fried foods to salads.
- Slugburgers are much more delicious than they sound…
Leslie S./Yelp Don’t let the name fool you; these deep fried creations are absolutely amazing…and slug-free.
- and so are po’ boys.
Ashley Webb/Flickr
- Going to Wal-Mart isn’t our favorite pastime.
LevoisJ/Flickr Lines, no parking, maneuvering through crowded aisles – what part of that sounds like fun?!
- Tomatoes are better when they’re green and fried.
Shawn Rossi/Flickr And they’re even better when topped with hollandaise sauce and crab meat.
- The food really is as good as you’ve heard.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr From soul food to barbecue to seafood, the food in Mississippi just can’t be beat.
- When you ask for tea, you’ll get it cold and sweet.
Michelle/Flickr It really should be the only way it’s served.
- The dialect we’ve been blessed with.
Morgan Schmorgan/Flickr From our unique expressions to southern drawls, we’ve got our own way of talking that outsiders sometimes just don’t understand.
- The bugs here are serious business.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr From feisty fire ants to ferocious mosquitoes to flying roaches, we’ve got quite the variety of insects.
What else do Mississippians have to explain to out-of-towners?
Suheilah H./Yelp
Shrimp and grits has to be one of the best southern dishes ever created.
Sean C./Yelp
Here in Mississippi, “seafood” includes catfish. Perfectly fried catfish.
Luke Pickard/Flickr
When a local chants “hotty toddy,” they’re just cheering for Ole Miss; not declaring their need for a drink.
Micheal/Flickr
Any Mississippian can tell you, there’s a huge difference between it being “hot” outside and it being “humid.”
Frida/Flickr
Driving on dark rural roads without street lights is easy once you get used to it; really.
Steve Baker/Flickr
Some states say “soda,” others use “pop.” Here in Mississippi, it’s all “coke.” It may seem confusing, but we just get it.
Krysha M./Yelp
The delicious condiment, which originated in Jackson, is used on everything from fried foods to salads.
Leslie S./Yelp
Don’t let the name fool you; these deep fried creations are absolutely amazing…and slug-free.
Ashley Webb/Flickr
LevoisJ/Flickr
Lines, no parking, maneuvering through crowded aisles – what part of that sounds like fun?!
Shawn Rossi/Flickr
And they’re even better when topped with hollandaise sauce and crab meat.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
From soul food to barbecue to seafood, the food in Mississippi just can’t be beat.
Michelle/Flickr
It really should be the only way it’s served.
Morgan Schmorgan/Flickr
From our unique expressions to southern drawls, we’ve got our own way of talking that outsiders sometimes just don’t understand.
From feisty fire ants to ferocious mosquitoes to flying roaches, we’ve got quite the variety of insects.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “Every True Mississippian Has Had These 11 Bizarre Experiences At Least Once.”
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