25 Things Only Texans Understand
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Texas isn’t just a state, it’s a state of mind. Whether you were born here or got here as fast as you could, there are some things only Texans truly understand. How many of these sound like home?
The way we talk
- “Y’all” is the most useful word in the English language. And “all y’all” is for when you mean everybody.
- “Fixin’ to” is a real tense. It means you’re about to do something. Eventually.
- “Coke” can mean any soda. “What kind?” “Dr Pepper.”
- “Bless your heart” is not always a compliment.
- Directions are given in landmarks and minutes, not miles. “It’s about 20 minutes past the Buc-ee’s.”
Food and drink
- Barbecue means brisket. And you have opinions about which joint does it best. See our Texas BBQ Guide.
- Tex-Mex is its own cuisine, and queso is a food group.
- Whataburger at 2 a.m. is a sacred tradition.
- Breakfast tacos are the only correct breakfast.
- Kolaches come from the donut shop, and the sausage kind is technically a klobasnek.
- Blue Bell ice cream is a point of state pride.
- Chili does not have beans.
Life on the road
- Buc-ee’s is a destination, not a gas station. Brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets and the cleanest restrooms in America.
- Driving across the state takes all day. By highway, El Paso is closer to Los Angeles than to Beaumont.
- Feeder roads (frontage roads) run alongside every highway, and U-turn lanes under the overpass are a gift.
- Everyone waves on country roads, usually one finger off the steering wheel.
The weather
- You can experience all four seasons in a single week.
- A seatbelt buckle in August can leave a mark.
- A dusting of snow closes everything, and the grocery store runs out of bread and milk.
- Sun shades for the windshield are standard equipment. Read more in our guide to Texas weather by region.
Texas pride and traditions
- Friday nights belong to high school football. The whole town shows up. Read the true story behind Friday Night Lights.
- Homecoming mums can weigh several pounds and need their own harness. See our guide to Texas homecoming mums.
- Everything is shaped like Texas: waffles, swimming pools, cutting boards and tattoos.
- Bluebonnet photos are a spring rite of passage.
- You know the Texas pledge by heart: “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
Show your Texas pride
- A Texas-shaped cutting board for brisket night.
- A Texas-shaped waffle maker.
- Texas flag decor for the porch.
- A book of Texas sayings for newcomers.
- A Texas pride T-shirt.
New here? Start with our guide to moving to Texas. And tell us what we missed on the Texas Journeys Facebook page.
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