The author's posts are entirely his or her own and may not always reflect the views of Movoto.
1. Baton Rougians Think They're Better Than New Orleanians...
The competition between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is no secret, and it tends to be one-sided, with Baton Rougians turning their noses up at their southerly neighbors.
When thousands of New Orleanians evacuated to Baton Rouge in the wake of Katrina, this sense of superiority only heightened. More than once I've heard a Baton Rougian swear that B.R. is more economically important to the state of Louisiana than
New Orleans.
2. But That Doesn't Stop Them From Heading South For A Good Time
Baton Rougians may possess a fierce love and civic pride for their city but when it comes to having a good time, they swallow it and hour's drive south to New Orleans. LSU students and "Red Stick" natives alike often head southbound for a booze-fueled weekend to have their fun and eat it too.
3. To Baton Rougians, LSU Football Is A Way Of Life
Fans of Louisiana State University bleed purple and gold. In fact living in Baton Rouge and
not supporting LSU is a crime--literally. OK not
literally but Baton Rougians believe it should be. Whatever you do, don't wear crimson and white--the notorious rivalry between 'Bama and LSU dates back decades and adding insult to injury former LSU Coach Nick Saban left to coach at University of Alabama. Let's not speak of this again.
4. Baton Rougian Men Think They're From Duck Dynasty
Baton Rouge folks are fiercely proud of their Cajun heritage, and while the culture may be cool, the sense of style (or lack thereof) is not. Even when they aren't out hunting or fishing, Baton Rougians still proudly display their devotion in camouflage clothing, sun visors, and truck duck decals galore.
5. Baton Rougian Women All Think They're Scarlett O'Hara...
But really...they're more like Honey Boo Boo (hey, what's so bad about that, she's sassy!).
They think they are Southern Belles but really they're more like Southern Comfort: syrupy sweet and loaded with potentially bad decisions. Which, on second thought, might explain the shorts they favor that are so short they should be illegal, with a stray thong peeking out to say "Y'at?"
6. They're Also Total Size Queens
When it comes to trucks in the south
bigger is better, and Baton Rouge is no exception.
Having a big ol' truck is definitely a status symbol for women on the prowl and the men know it. So, needless to say all fellas in Baton Rouge drive trucks--even if they've never hauled a big load or gone off-road in their lives.
The most popular vehicle is a Ford F-150 and it's a safe bet that a large number of those registered in Baton Rouge sport duck decals on the rear window or bumper.
7. They're All Yats, Y'all
New Orleans is best known for it's hodge-podge colloquialisms dating back to the early French, Spanish, and South American settlers, but Baton Rouge has its own fair share of yats, or Southerners who talk with a Brooklyn-esque accent. "Where Y'at," an abbreviated version of "Where Are You," is actually used to ask someone how they are doing. "You all" gets reduced to "y'all" and "dat po-boy" gets "dressed."
Don't be surprised if you get asked "how's ya mama and dem," ya'heard?
8. Baton Rougians Love Them Some Chitlins...
The South is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, but Baton Rouge still suffers from the fried food stigma. There are more fast food joints and chain restaurants than authentic cuisine.
From shrimp and catfish to chicken and pork chops and everything in between (including chitlins), it all comes deep fried with a side of more fried.
9. And Some Underage Drinking
Baton Rouge is known for being a rowdy college town. Many of the university students are not yet old enough to legally drink--but that hasn't stopped them. Beer pong and beer bongs are sacred, time-honored traditions. The rest of the community isn't exactly thrilled to have a bunch of underage drunks running around town but hey, it
is the South.
10. In Baton Rouge, Families That Tailgate Together Stay Together
Any excuse to tailgate is a good excuse in Baton Rouge, and tailgates for football, baseball, and rugby are often a family affair, with several generations coming together to eat, drink, and be merry. Tailgaters convene in the early morning to reserve the choicest street corner or parking lot spot and the barbecuing and beer bonging lasts until wee hours. It's family fun for everyone!
Baton Rouge may not be totally family friendly--what with all its underage drinking, but Baton Rougians are one big family. One big, tail-gating, LSU-cheering, truck-driving, y'at-asking family.
Feature image Soucre: Flickr user crawford orthodontics
