Tell someone you’re from Mississippi and the questions just start coming. From college football to a fascination with the state’s one-of-a-kind cuisine, here are some things outsiders are bound to ask about life in the Hospitality State.
- What is the Egg Bowl?
Roger Smith/Flickr Only one of the best football games of all time.
- Why do Ole Miss fans yell “hotty toddy?”
lukeamotion/Flickr That’s a good question, and the answer is…even the fans aren’t sure. There are a lot of theories and stories as to how the infamous chant got started but all that matters is that it has a special meaning to Ole Miss fans (even if they don’t literally know what it means).
- What’s comeback sauce?
Mayflower Café/Facebook Just one of the best condiments ever!
- Are there actual slugs in slugburgers?
mainstreetcorinth.com Of course not! In the past, the term “slug” was used when referring to a nickel, which is exactly how much these local favorites once cost.
- Is everyone there REALLY religious?
grade8humeng.wikispaces.com So what if they are?
- Is the food really that good?
Chili_bob/Flickr To put it simply, yes.
- Have you eaten deer?
nachalooman.wordpress.com While deer meat is delicious and many residents do like to hunt, it’s not for everyone.
- Can people there read?
mississippibelieveit.com This is one of the biggest stereotypes about the state! Not only is Mississippi home to some amazing universities but it is actually the birthplace of a number of talented writers such as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams.
- Why do you call everyone “ma’am” and “sir?”
parentsareimportant.com Because southern mamas raise their kids with manners, that’s why!
- Have you ever seen snow?
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography Yes, enough of it to know that Mississippians are lucky to only have to deal with it on a limited basis.
- Why is all tea served cold?
Lou Murrey/Flickr Why wouldn’t it be? Sweet tea is the house wine of the south, after all.
- Is everyone there extremely nice?
Matt Rutledge/Flickr They don’t call it the Hospitality State for nothing.
- What’s so good about fried catfish?
Jimmy Smith/Flickr If you have to ask that, then you’ve obviously never tried it.
- Ever been to a big city?
Luke Strange/Flickr Mississippians do leave the state, you know.
- Does everyone walk around barefoot?
Lee Haywood/Flickr Another stereotype! Of course Mississippians don’t walk around barefoot all the time….only when it’s appropriate. And there’s nothing like the feeling of freshly cut grass between your toes.
- Are you ever going to move from Mississippi?
Rian Castillo/Flickr Why leave? From sandy beaches to riverfront scenery and everything in between, Mississippi has it all!
What are some other questions you’ve been asked once people find out you’re from Mississippi? Tell us in the comments section below!
Roger Smith/Flickr
Only one of the best football games of all time.
lukeamotion/Flickr
That’s a good question, and the answer is…even the fans aren’t sure. There are a lot of theories and stories as to how the infamous chant got started but all that matters is that it has a special meaning to Ole Miss fans (even if they don’t literally know what it means).
Mayflower Café/Facebook
Just one of the best condiments ever!
mainstreetcorinth.com
Of course not! In the past, the term “slug” was used when referring to a nickel, which is exactly how much these local favorites once cost.
grade8humeng.wikispaces.com
So what if they are?
Chili_bob/Flickr
To put it simply, yes.
nachalooman.wordpress.com
While deer meat is delicious and many residents do like to hunt, it’s not for everyone.
mississippibelieveit.com
This is one of the biggest stereotypes about the state! Not only is Mississippi home to some amazing universities but it is actually the birthplace of a number of talented writers such as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams.
parentsareimportant.com
Because southern mamas raise their kids with manners, that’s why!
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
Yes, enough of it to know that Mississippians are lucky to only have to deal with it on a limited basis.
Lou Murrey/Flickr
Why wouldn’t it be? Sweet tea is the house wine of the south, after all.
Matt Rutledge/Flickr
They don’t call it the Hospitality State for nothing.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
If you have to ask that, then you’ve obviously never tried it.
Luke Strange/Flickr
Mississippians do leave the state, you know.
Lee Haywood/Flickr
Another stereotype! Of course Mississippians don’t walk around barefoot all the time….only when it’s appropriate. And there’s nothing like the feeling of freshly cut grass between your toes.
Rian Castillo/Flickr
Why leave? From sandy beaches to riverfront scenery and everything in between, Mississippi has it all!
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