There's no denying that there are significant differences that stem beyond the Mason Dixon Line. If you are from the North and move South, they label you a 'Yankee', if you move from the South to the North (which does this even happen?!) they consider you a sweet Southern Belle. The differences in slang have gotten me in some pretty interesting situations, that I must share! Alright y'all let's chat about some slang.
Pop vs Soda vs Coke
I am originally from Ohio, so yes I consider any carbonated drink, a pop. My favorite explanation for the reason of calling it pop, is when you open a can, the sounds you hear is a "pop, fizz." Which is where the term 'pop' comes from. I completely understand soda because soda is just soda, no explanation needed. But my real problem stems from Coke, how can you consider a Sprite a Coke, Coca Cola is coke? I just don't understand. But we can leave it at just that.
Sweeper vs Vacuum
This one has been the weirdest adaption for me, I grew up saying sweeper, because the machine sweeps up the dirt. I have nothing against vacuum's, or anything I understand vacuum, but it's hard to change 18 years of always saying one word. It always makes for an interesting conversation, a million giggles, and an "Um, what?"
Carts vs. Buggies This is one I will never understand. My first in college, I went to the Walmart and some elder man asked me for my buggy, I had zero clue what he was referring to, so I questioned him and this is how our conversation went.
Him: Excuse me ma'am, can I have your buggy.
Me: Pardon me?
Him: Your buggy.
Me: My what?
Him: That? *points to cart*.
Me: I'm sorry, I have never heard that term, but of course, Sir.
Him: Yeah, probably not, ya damn Yankee.
Y'all vs You Guys
Surprisingly, people in the North say y'all just as much as people in the South. Y'all is just a shorter way to say you all, and before I moved down here I didn't say it (even though it was said all around me), but it just became easier in texting, talking, basically in everyday life.
My roots are way up North in Ohio, where the fields are flatter than flat and the possibility of snowing in April, is extremely great. I moved to the South for multiple reasons. At the end of the day, living in both of these places I would have to say my heart is in the South. I loved Ohio and will always make buckeyes for my southern friends,but there's something about sunshine, and sweet tea that I just can't get enough of (okay, maybe the clothes are one half of it).
xoxo,
-just a northern lost in the south,
bless all your hearts
