1. “What’s A Sandlapper?”
Don’t worry… this term also confuses most South Carolinians. While there are rumors about how this term started, it’s original use has pretty much been forgotten. Just go with it!
2. “What Makes Your Barbecue Different?”
It’s simple —it’s the best in the country. South Carolina doesn’t just have one kind of barbeque. It has three. Prepare to be jealous.
The western part of the state is known for their tomato-based sauces, the middle is known for their mustard-based sauces, and the eastern parts are known for their use of vinegar. It’s the best of all worlds.
3. “What’s The Red Dot Store?”
Marked with a red dot, this tiny decoration means that a store sells booze in this state.
4. “Are Grits Like Oatmeal?”
Aside from a similar appearance, these two dishes are completely different. Grits are made from corn while oatmeal is made with oats.
5. “Isn’t Clemson Somewhere Here?”
Home to the Tigers, nestled in Clemson, South Carolina, this is one of the most prestigious universities of the South.
6. “Are Those Palmettos Then?
Outsiders quickly pick up on the number of times the word “palmetto” can be found on signs and merchandise in this state. To make it easy for newcomers, a palmetto basically looks like a low-lying palm tree.
7. “Have You Ever Seen An Alligator?”
With over 100,000 gators in the Palmetto State, occasionally seeing one when you’re out exploring isn’t too uncommon. Just don’t bug them and they probably won’t bug you.
8. “Are There Frogs In Frogmore Strew?”
Consisting of boiled seafood, there’s no need to fear…there probably aren’t frogs in your stew. Instead you’ll find an assortment of shellfish, veggies, and spices.
9. “Why Are All These Weeds By The Beaches?”
They’re sea oats and they’re protected by law. Whether you’re a rule-breaker or not, don’t mess with them. They help maintain this state’s beautiful beaches by promoting dune growth and trapping blown sand.
10. “Do You Know [Insert Any North Carolinians Name Here]?”
For the last time— just because both North Carolina and South Carolina share part of their name doesn’t mean they’re the same thing!
There’s a very slim chance that two South Carolinians will know each other and even a slimmer chance they’ll know some random person across state lines.
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11. “Why Do You Boil Your Peanuts?”
Unless someone is from the South, they’ll have a hard time understanding this one. Tossed in salty water for a long boiling instead of a roasting, this technique for cooking peanuts makes it hard to stop munching at just one.
12. “Is All Your Tea Sweet?”
If you order tea when you’re out in South Carolina, they’ll probably bring you a tall glass of ice-cold, sugar-filled goodness. If you’re looking for the hot variation of this drink, it’s probably best to just make it yourself.
13. “What’s A Gamecock?”
Made popular as the nickname for University of South Carolina athletics, gamecocks are fighting roosters known for their courage.
There was also a local hero who went by the same nickname, the Revolutionary War guerilla fighter and brigadier general Thomas Sumter, also known as the “Fighting Gamecock.”
14. “Do You Put Hot Sauce On Everything?”
It’s no secret that South Carolinians have a slight addiction to hot sauce. If it’s doesn’t pack a punch with every bite, it’s just not up to par.
15. “Will You Show Me The Carolina Shag?”
A famous dance that originated on the South Carolinian shore, there are aspects of other shag dances and swing worked into this lively 8-step dance. Unfortunately, most South Carolinians probably can’t show you how to do this one anymore.
16. “What’s Inside A Hush Puppy?”
Believe or not, a hush puppy contains no dog meat. It’s usually just deep-fried cornmeal batter and it’s worth every calorie.
17. “Do Lightning Bugs Bite?”
If an outsider is coming from somewhere that doesn’t have many lightning bugs, it’s always fun to see their eyes light up during their first summer night in South Carolina. No need to fear—these guys are friendly.
Do watch out for the fire ants around the Palmetto State though. They tend to pack quite the punch.
18. “Is Everyone A Sir?”
No, the women here go by “ma’am.” With Southern manners deeply embedded in South Carolinian culture, out-of-towners will definitely pick up on the general politeness and respect that’s present in this state.
19. “Do People Always Panic When It Snows?”
Even the mere report that flurries are on the way can send this entire state into panic. Long lines form at the gas stations. Grocery shelves are emptied. Traffic comes to a standstill every single time.
It’s hard to realize how bad it is until you’re somewhere where a few feet of snow don’t result in a snow day.
20. “What’s All That Stuff Hanging From the Trees?”
One of the most recognizable plants in South Carolina, all of that stuff hanging from the trees is just Spanish moss. It’s fun to look at and it has been used historically for home insulation and mattress stuffing.
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21. “Are Those Tiny Lobsters?”
While an out-of-towners might call these little guys crayfish or crawdads, in South Carolina these critters are called crawfish and they’re pretty darn delicious.
22. “Is Everyone In The South This Football Crazy?”
College football reigns king when it comes to sports in the South. Come Saturday game day, this entire region tends to shut down well past the final buzzer.
23. “Why Does Everyone Keep Blessing My Heart?”
If people are blessing your heart here, it’s not a good thing. Around these parts this is just a backhanded slam, they’re really just showing you pity.
24. “Do You Actually Go To Myrtle Beach?”
Known for being one of the more touristy beaches in the country, a few out-of-state visitors don’t stop South Carolinians from enjoying the natural beauty of the Palmetto State. As long as it’s not Spring Break season, the beaches here are some of the most peaceful around.
25. “Do People Actually Sleep In Hammocks?”
Often said to be the state that invented the modern hammock, these makeshift beds have always had a home in South Carolina. If you’re in South Carolina and don’t have a hammock in your backyard for the summer months ahead, you’re making a big mistake.
26. “Do You Actually Enjoy Bluegrass Music?”
While it might not be pumping through the headphones of every South Carolinian during their morning jog, Bluegrass music has definitely made its mark on the Palmetto State.
The perfect music for warm weather relaxation, the Bluegrass festivals in this neck of the woods are hard to beat.
27. “Why Is Everything Monogrammed?”
For some strange reason, people in South Carolina are obsessed with monogramming things. No one is really sure why it’s still such a huge deal, but it’s just one more thing that makes this part of the country unique. At least it makes it easier to remember names.
28. “Why Would You Live In South Carolina?”
South Carolina might just seem like some random East Coast state to outsiders, but after even a short trip here it’s easy to see why people love this place.
With deliciously fresh food, one of the best sunrises in the world, and plenty of Southern hospitality, the Palmetto State is truly one of the best places in the country to live.
What’s the question everyone asks you just because you’re from South Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!
