“Slippers”byJames Leeis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Over time, the term “sandlapper” has become synonymous with a “South Carolinian resident.” However, its origin has been lost over the years and its true meaning is still widely debated. Today, many South Carolinians that don’t live in coastal areas tend to take insult to the name claiming that it sounds too “beachy” to apply to them.
“palm leaf”byAndy / Andrew Foggis licensed underCC BY 2.0
South Carolina is the Palmetto State, but most out-of-towners will have no clue what a palmetto is. It’s basically a low lying plant with leaves like the ones found on giant palm trees.
“Arthur Ravenel Bridge and the South Carolina Flag”byTy Nighis licensed underCC BY 2.0
This state has an obsession with the palmetto plant. Not only can it be found on their flag, but it’s also on shirts, towels, and store logos.
In South Carolina, a red dot on the outside of the store signifies that liquor is sold there. If an out-of-towner is wanting to get a little tipsy, tell them to find a dotted shop.
Most parts of the country use a ketchup based barbecue sauce, while some places prefer a vinegar base. In South Carolina all of the best sauces start out with a mustard base. It gives this condiment a better zing than any sauce an out-of-towner will have had elsewhere.
South Carolina has a perfect climate for alligators and as a result over 100,000 call the Palmetto State home. If an out-of-towner sees a gator, make sure they know to avoid it, regardless of its size. Feeding or touching them causes tons of problem for the state.
While it might resemble white mush, grits are the backbone for any South Carolinian breakfast. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
While the word “frog” is in its name, it’s named after the community that came up with a popular recipe, not what’s in it. Frogmore stew is a delicious seafood boil, typically consisting of shellfish and veggies.
While some might think they might resemble weeds, sea oats are very important to South Carolinian beaches and are protected by law. They help protect beaches and surrounding areas from what would otherwise be damaging winds.
When most out-of-towners think “Carolina,” there’s a good chance North Carolinian things will start coming to mind, like Michael Jordan and the UNC Tar Heels. However, every out-of-towner should be made well aware that these are two completely different states with two completely different cultures, and of course that South Carolina is the better of the two.
Clemson is one of those schools that most out-of-towners will hear on ESPN and have no clue where it’s actually located. Wonder no more, it’s in a South Carolinian city by the same name. Just a short trip through the state will make it evident that Clemson Tiger pride is strong.
In South Carolina, USC refers to the university in the state’s capital, Columbia. If someone from the Palmetto State isn’t cheering for the Clemson Tigers, they’ll probably be cheering for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Every South Carolinian knows that peanuts taste best when they’ve been boiled in extremely salty water for a long time. These peanuts can be purchased everywhere, from in cans at a grocery store to big restaurants to roadside shacks, but every local knows that the more rural the shop is, the better the final product will be.
Like in many warm climates, bugs are a big problem in South Carolinian, as locals often joke that they’re big enough to carry a person away. If an out-of-towner will be out after dark or in wetter areas of the state, make sure they know to pack some bug spray.
While the term “shag” was made popular by Austin Powers for being synonymous with “coitus,” in South Carolina the word “shag” refers to a famous local dance that blends aspects of swing dancing and the jitterbug.
Water activities are huge in South Carolina, as locals flock to the awesome beaches, plentiful watering holes, and many streams. If an out-of-towner is headed towards South Carolina, make sure they pack a swimsuit.
South Carolinian taste buds love a little bit of spice in every bite. That being said, there are tons of awesome local hot sauce brands and there’s no reason not to try them all.
Many people claim that Summerville, South Carolina was the birthplace of sweet tea. It’s no surprise this drink took off in the Palmetto State. It’s perfect for sipping while sitting on a porch on a warm summer day. If an out-of-towner is ordering tea with a meal, make sure they know it will probably come cold, with a load of sugar, and a slice of lemon in it.
Hushpuppies are usually just deep-fried balls of corn batter but don’t let the simplicity of the recipe confuse you. These side dishes are all the rage here in South Carolina. Out-of-towners first and foremost need to try hushpuppies as a side to seafood. It’s a match made in seaside heaven.
One thing that most transplanted South Carolinians end up missing the most about their home state is the beautiful Spanish moss that hangs from the branches of trees. While it can give off a slightly eerie vibe, it’s also a constant reminder that you’re in one of the best parts of the country.
Some people across the country call them “crayfish” or “crawdads,” but in South Carolina, these bright red shrimp like creatures are called “crawfish”, and they’re delicious.
While certain seasons result in tons of tourists to flocking to the South Carolina beaches, many months of the year are far less crowded. If an out-of-towner wants a more relaxing beach experience, make sure they know when they should come to avoid crowds.
It’s actually in Charleston Harbor. South Carolina is practically dripping in Civil War history, including the place where the first shots of the war were fired.
South Carolinians tend to use the phrase “bless your heart” a lot. While it sounds like you’re being blessed, it’s often a slightly sarcastic way of saying that you feel sorry for someone after something stupid they’ve said.
Everyone in South Carolina seems to have a family recipe for their biscuits. While they’re always delicious 99.9% of the time, insulting someone’s biscuit if there’s a bad batch is a quick way to make enemies.
Seerksucker is a thin, all-cotton fabric that has a ton of texture, keeping it from touching the skin the same way a normal fabric would. This makes a hot day much cooler and much less sweaty.
If a South Carolinian is talking to someone who looks like they might be their elder, they’ll probably whip out “sir” or “ma’am” as a sign of respect. Most of the time, they’ll do it without even thinking about it. Out-of-towners should know not to be insulted if those words make them feel old, it’s just a common practice of Southern hospitality in this part of the country.
In South Carolina, “supper” is the big meal at the end of the day. Most people around the country don’t use this word anymore and it might take a while for them to get used to it being so common in the Palmetto State.
It might shock some South Carolinians, but many out-of-towners will have never seen a firefly before, especially if they’re from a cold area or a big city. It never gets old seeing an out-of-towner in amazement with the blinking tails on these insects.
While most out-of-towners would assume that South Carolinians are crazy about the Carolina Panthers, they’re actually a North Carolinian team. The fan numbers show that South Carolinians are more likely to wave a “terrible towel,” even though Pittsburgh is much further away.
It’s important to watch out for the red fire ants that can be found across the Palmetto State. Their bites pack quite the punch.
Like many Southern parts of the country, reports that flurries might fall have the potential to send the entire state into a panic. Traffic gets slow, gas stations have huge lines, and grocery store shelves become empty. On days where snow is reported as a possibility, it’s sometimes best to just stay at home to avoid the chaos.
While some parts of America have their Friday night fish fries, South Carolina has their oyster roasts. These gatherings are used as a great excuse to pull some loved ones together and throw back a few brewskis.
From beautiful beaches to the great hiking to the excellent universities, South Carolina is a great place to be. The unique local culture and delicious cuisine help keep this state interesting and exciting. Once an out-of-towner visits, there’s a good chance they’ll be back (or never leave in the first place). What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about South Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!
