1. South Carolina Is Completely Different Than North Carolina
Just because both states have the word “Carolina” in their name doesn’t make them the same place. They might border each other, but the similarities tend to stop there.
2. No One Really Knows What A Sandlapper Is
Outsiders are always shocked when they hear this word for the first time. It’s the term for someone from South Carolina, but no one is quite sure of its origin.
3. Nothing Gets In The Way Of Football
Quit expecting South Carolinians to do things on game day. Come fall in this state, Saturdays tend to shut entire cities down.
4. Yes, This Is Where Clemson Is
Most outsiders know Clemson University is somewhere in the South, but rarely can they narrow it down to a single state.
However, after someone visits, it’s pretty obvious the school is in the Palmetto State thanks to all the die-hard fans rocking the orange and regalia of their favorite team around town.
5. Gamecocks Aren’t Some Type Of Chicken Around Here
Nicknamed after Thomas “Carolina Gamecock” Sumter for his valiant effort during the Revolutionary War, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks are another big team in this state, swooping up a comparable fan base to that of Clemson.
You’ll see plenty of people showing the Gamecocks love…and for the last time “USC” doesn’t always mean that well-known school in California.
6. A Red Dot Means Booze
Around these parts, liquor stores tend to get called “red dot stores” thanks to a law requiring a red dot on stores that sell alcohol. Outsiders always get confused when this term is thrown around.
7. Stop Asking For Unsweetened Tea
If you’re in South Carolina, tea really only comes one way…sweet and ice cold. If you’re looking for the warmer breakfast-time variation of this drink, you’ll probably have to make it yourself.
8. Sweating Is A Way Of Life
The humidity in South Carolina can be absolutely unbearable at times. Everyone is feeling the same heat though, so stop complaining and live with it!
9. Those Aren’t Spider Webs
If there are long stringy clumps hanging down from the trees in South Carolina, it’s safe to assume it’s just some Spanish moss. Quit looking for Charlotte.
10. Always Plan Ahead With A Swimsuit
There’s no greater buzzkill than having to sit aside on a hot day while everyone else enjoys a spontaneous dip in one of this state’s many watering holes. Just to be on the safe side, it’s always good to have something with you that can get wet during the warmer months of the year.
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11. Sea Oats Aren’t Weeds
If it’s an out-of-towners first time on the beaches of South Carolina, they’ll probably wonder why so many brownish plants are sticking out of the dunes in an unkempt fashion.
These plants are called sea oats and they’re actually protected by state law thanks to the role they play in promoting dune growth.
12. Hushpuppies Are Perfectly Normal To Eat
Despite the funny name, there’s no dog meat in this deep fried treat. Consisting mostly of cornmeal batter, just stick it in your mouth and enjoy.
13. Sleeping In A Hammock Isn’t Weird
A relaxation station that’s very popular in this neck of the woods, it’s hard to beat a warm afternoon gently swaying back and forth in a breezy hammock. Sure, it’s not a bed, but at times it’s even more comfortable.
14. People Here Will Always Freak Out When It Snows
You can try to explain to South Carolinians that a few flurries aren’t bringing the end of the world with them as many times as you want, but it’ll never make a difference. If snow is on the report, expect plenty of people on the roads to lose most of their driving skills temporarily.
15. Quit Molesting Our Gators
For some reason outsiders think it’s safe to approach these animals when they spot one, despite it being a wild predator. Look from a distance, but please don’t touch.
16. Quit Pretending Our Barbecue Isn’t The Best
With barbecue sauces typically featuring a mustard or vinegar base, opposed to the thicker, ketchup based sauces found elsewhere, Carolina barbecue is one of a kind. You’ll never be able to convince a Sandlapper that it’s not the greatest thing since the invention of the wheel.
17. Try Our Grits Before You Bash Them
Often compared to oatmeal by outsiders despite sharing no common ingredients, grits might just look like white mush, but looks can be deceiving. This Southern classic is truly addicting once you get past its appearance and mouthfeel.
18. There’s No Beating The Bugs
A hot state with tons of water, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that South Carolina is essentially the headquarters for all bug operations in America.
Whether you’re battling mosquitoes or fire ants, you’ll always be outnumbered. At least the tiny lightnin’ bugs floating around add a little color to the landscape.
19. Boiled Peanuts Will Always Trump The Roasted Ones
People around the entire country seem to be obsessed with peanuts, but not in the way Sandlappers are.
Opting for a boiling method of cooking instead of roasting, peanuts are tossed into piping hot salty water and often served roadside. This is one treat that South Carolinians just can’t stop snacking on.
20. Relaxing On The Porch Isn’t Wasting Time
Welcome to the South, where drinking sweet tea in a rocking chair on the porch is just as exciting as a trip to the local pub.
With awesome weather, awesome sunsets, and awesome company, it’s not too shocking that people here are so addicted to just sitting around with their friends outdoors.
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21. We Like It Hot Around These Parts
Hot sauce goes on everything here, as indicated by the huge selection of brands many restaurants have. If you’re in South Carolina, you’ll rarely get stuck with cheap mass-produced variations of this condiment.
22. Quit Bashing Our Bluegrass
First off, everyone here isn’t always blasting Bluegrass music through their speakers 24/7 despite popular stereotypes.
Second, have you ever even heard Bluegrass music before? Outsiders love to hate on this genre, but hardly any of them have actually seen a live performance. Bluegrass music can actually be pretty sweet.
23. Our Extreme Politeness Isn’t Sarcasm
People really are just that friendly around here, quit thinking that they’re mocking you.
24. Well, Sometimes They Are Mocking You Though
South Carolinians are so polite, that even their slams sound nice. If someone tells you “bless your heart,” it’s not a good thing.
25. Myrtle Beach Isn’t Just A Tourist Trap
Like any world-class beach, there’s a tourist season here…but once the spring breakers leave, there’s plenty of beautiful shoreline left behind for everyone else in South Carolina to enjoy. A trip to the coast in this state is always worth it.
26. Everyone Is A Sir Or Ma’am
An extension of the ever-present South Carolina manners, regardless of age or status, people here tend to address those they don’t know with formal terms. Don’t worry, they’re not calling you old.
27. Stop Asking — There’s No Frog In Frogmore Stew!
Typically consisting of various shellfish and veggies that are boiled, the name “Frogmore Stew” stems back to this dishes origin out of the fishing town of Frogmore, SC. While this town no longer exists, it was close to the present day Beaufort area.
28. No, We Won’t Show You How To Do The Carolina Shag.
A complicated regional dance involving a lot of people, it’s hard to put together a group willing to do the Carolina Shag these days. Most locals might know it from grade school gym class, but if you want to learn it yourself, YouTube is probably your best bet.
29. Cracking Crabs Isn’t That Hard
So close to the ocean, seafood is a big deal here and crabs are no exception.
Home to some of the most delicious blue crabs in the country, cracking crabs might be an easy skill, but it is something that must be learned. Outsiders shouldn’t expect to get it right on the first try.
30. South Carolinian Pride Can’t Be Stopped
One of the most beautiful states in the entire country, visiting South Carolina is one thing that should be on everyone’s bucket list. With great beaches, delicious Southern cooking, and the kindest people you’ll ever find, the Palmetto State is pretty difficult to top.
What are you exhausted explaining about South Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!
