1. By Forgetting What “Vols” Stands For
Obviously it stands for “Volunteers,” the nickname of the University of Tennessee athletic program, the school that over half the state can be caught cheering for.
2. By Missing A Spot Of BBQ With That Napkin
The only downside of delicious Tennessee barbecue is how messy it can get at times. If you’re diving head first into a plate of meat drenched in sauce, make sure you’re not wearing your favorite shirt.
3. By Mistaking Memphis For The State Capital
Memphis might be pretty huge, but Nashville is the capital.
4. By Being Too Touristy
There are some things in Tennessee that only tourists do. There’s no better way to stick out as an out-of-towner than by strutting around in an extravagant cowboy hat.
5. By Assuming There’s Only Country Music In This State
Sure, there’s plenty of country music pumping through the speakers in this state, but Tennessee was also very influential in the development of rock n’ roll and blues and it shows in the local live music scene. You can find anything you’d want to listen to here.
6. By Trying To Buy Booze In a Dry County
When it comes to buying alcohol, it’s important to know the local laws before you take a trip to the store. Several Tennessee counties have banned the sale of alcoholic beverages altogether.
7. By Screwing Up (Or Screwing Up Someone Else) During A Line Dance
Tennesseans might not line dance every time they go out, but when the opportunity arises you’re expected to know the basics. Think carefully before you step.
8. By Using The Line “You’re The Only Ten I See”
This classic line might work in some places, but I’d think twice before you pull it out in this state. You can probably do better, he or she deserves it.
9. By Calling Jack Daniel’s A Bourbon
It’s Tennessee Whiskey so get it right! It goes through the “Lincoln County Process,” during which it’s passed through a bed of sugar before being barreled. That’s what makes it better, or… I mean… different.
10. By Forgetting To Buy Bonnaroo Tickets
The coolest music festival in America, these expensive tickets are known to fly off the shelves. If you snooze, you might lose.
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11. By Feeding The Bears
There’s tons of awesome nature in Tennessee and it’s important to respect the rules of the land in order to preserve it. If you start feeding wild animals you’ll probably start getting a little too much attention from them and their friends.
12. By Falling For A Fake Elvis
Elvis died quite some time ago, so don’t go paying for autographs from the many impersonators that roam the Nashville area. I’m not sure if anyone in the history of Tennesee has ever done this but please, please don’t be the first.
13. By Buying Back To School Stuff The Weekend Before The Sales Tax Holiday
Tennessee is one of the few states that gives their residents a sales tax break on certain items once a year. If you’re buying a computer or school clothes, make sure you wait until the first Friday of August.
14. By Freaking Out In A Little Snow
When it comes to snow, most Tennesseans tend to act a bit crazy.
Even just a report of a few harmless flurries can send some parts of the state into a frenzy resulting in empty grocery shelves, long lines at the gas station, and an overall state of chaos.
15. By Thinking A Commodore Is A Type Of Bird
You’re thinking of a “condor.” A “commodore” is a high ranking Navy officer and also the nickname of Vanderbilt’s athletic teams.
16. By Accidentally Skipping A Verse Of “Rocky Top”
An official state song of Tennessee, “Rocky Top” has become associated with UT athletics over the years. You’re not a true Tennessean if you can’t stumble through the words of this one.
17. By Admitting You Don’t Actually Like MoonPies
Coming out of Chattanooga, these delicious chocolate, graham, and marshmallow sandwiches are one of the most Tennessee things around. Just make sure you don’t forget the RC Cola to wash it down.
18. By Cheering For Anyone But The Titans
When it comes to the NFL in this state, the Titans are the top dog. Cheering for anyone else might end up getting you a black eye.
19. By Puking On The Tennessee Tornado
… Well, it’s been known to happen. A staple of Dollywood, the Tornado is a rollercoaster not for the faint of heart. Nothing is worse for you (or the other people on the ride) than losing your lunch on its “Spiro loop.”
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20. By Taking Too Long Deciding On Your Meat And Three
When it comes to ordering food in Tennessee, a popular way of doing it is by picking a meat and three sides. Don’t make the rest of the table wait while you make a decision, have it ready to go!
21. By Burning Your Taste Buds On Hot Chicken
In Tennessee, the “hot” in “hot chicken” refers to a spiciness, not physical warmth. If you’re not big on spicy foods, you might want to think twice before diving into this delicious regional dish.
22. By Actually Saying “Nashvegas” Out Loud
Anyone who’s been to Las Vegas and also Nashville knows the two cities really aren’t much alike aside from a few vague similarities. If you hear someone say Nashvegas, they’re probably a tourist and you should laugh at them.
23. By Staying Inside On A Sunny Day
One of the most naturally beautiful states around, if you’re in Tennessee on a sunny day, there’s nothing worse than wasting it by having a Netflix marathon on the couch.
Sure, everyone does it once in a while but, to really take advantage of Tennessee, you’ve gotta know a good thing when you have it.
What’s the most embarrassing someone can do in Tennessee? Tell us in the comments below!
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