1. Pecan (Pee-Can)

Yes. That is how it is pronounced. And before you joke about it’s pronunciation and the image of a person squatting enters your train of thought… don’t. This nut is the basis for wonderful dishes and desserts. Have you ever had pecan pie or pralines? Then you know exactly what I’m talking about!

2. Sweet Tea

This one is simple. The tea is sweet. The tea is cold. The tea is “sweet tea,” not iced tea. Iced tea is a lie! It is an unsweetened, bitter, liquid disguised as syrupy southern goodness. How could someone be so cruel?

3. Fixin’

This word is in the heart and soul of every southerner. We say it when we are working on a task and when we are about to go do something.

For example: I’m fixin’ to run to the store; y’all need anything? Translation: I am going to the grocery store. Do you need anything while I am there? (That wasn’t too bad now was it?)

4. Buggy

This tool at the grocery store is not a shopping cart. Don’t argue with me on this; just don't.

5. Bless your heart!

Warning: this is not as kind as it sounds. We southerners are sassy and sometimes we just have to bite our tongue and simply let this phrase slip out of our sweet-tea stained lips. It sounds a lot better than #$*&(!$@ am I right? We southerners are all about saving a little face.

6. Coke

I don’t care what soda or your sparkling beverage of choice is, but in the south we drink Coke and sweet tea. Period. And seriously?! C’mon guys. Pop? Really? It sounds like something that you need to take care of if you add another vowel. Bless your heart!

I hope you enjoyed a little taste of southern slang and are more culturally aware. Now, y’all come back now, ya hear!