How to avoid stepping on Southern toes with your words.
Southerners are known for their hospitality and good manners, but that doesn’t mean they’ll let just anything slide. Certain phrases can rub a Southerner the wrong way faster than a July heatwave.
Whether you’re visiting or you’ve recently moved down South, here are some things you should never say—unless you want a polite but firm response, and maybe even a little side-eye.
1. “Why do you talk so slow?”
Southern accents may be slower than what you’re used to, but don’t mistake that for a lack of intelligence. Southerners take their time with words, letting them roll like a lazy river. This measured pace isn’t about being slow—it’s about storytelling, tradition, and making sure every word counts.
Telling a Southerner they talk slow is both rude and ignorant, according to Southern Living. They’ll likely respond with a long, drawn-out explanation—just to prove a point. And trust us, they’ll make sure it’s the slowest, most deliberate sentence you’ve ever heard.
2. “Sweet tea is just sugar water.”
Sweet tea isn’t just a drink in the South—it’s a way of life. Insulting it is like insulting someone’s grandmother, and that’s a line you don’t want to cross. If you think it’s too sweet, keep that opinion to yourself, because no Southerner will be swayed.
Southern sweet tea is brewed strong, poured over ice, and sweetened to perfection. If you don’t like it, fine. But calling it “sugar water” is a surefire way to get a raised eyebrow and a silent judgment.
3. “Do you really fry everything?”
Fried food is a staple of Southern cuisine, and yes, Southerners do fry a lot of things—but there’s a reason for that. It’s delicious. From fried green tomatoes to crispy catfish, there’s an art to frying food that outsiders just don’t understand.
Dismissing it as unhealthy or excessive will only make you look like someone who’s missing out. You don’t have to eat it, but don’t insult it unless you’re ready for a passionate lecture on why fried chicken tastes better down South.
4. “Y’all isn’t a real word.”
Tell a Southerner that “y’all” isn’t a word, and they’ll kindly bless your heart—right before setting you straight. “Y’all” is the perfect contraction, efficiently replacing “you all” and making conversations flow more naturally.
Not only is “y’all” a word, but it’s also one of the most beloved linguistic staples of the South. If you mock it, expect a grammar lesson in return. And no, “you guys” isn’t a suitable replacement.
5. “I don’t like biscuits and gravy.”
Some statements are better left unsaid, and this is one of them. Biscuits and gravy are sacred in the South, a breakfast tradition that dates back generations. Saying you don’t like it is like saying you don’t like puppies or sunshine.
Even if you truly don’t enjoy the combination, it’s best to keep that opinion quiet unless you want a look of pure disappointment from your Southern host.
6. “Football isn’t that important.”
If you think football is just a game in the South, you’ve clearly never been there during college football season. Football isn’t just important—it’s practically a religion. Families are divided by team loyalties, and game days are more sacred than Sundays at church.
If you dismiss the significance of football, be prepared for an impassioned explanation of why your opinion is wrong. And whatever you do, don’t assume pro football takes priority—college football reigns supreme in the South.
7. “What do you even do around here?”
Small-town Southern life may seem slow-paced to outsiders, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Southerners enjoy fishing, barbecues, porch-sitting, and gatherings with family and friends—things that don’t require a city’s worth of entertainment.
Implying there’s nothing to do is an insult to a lifestyle that values simplicity and community over constant activity. A Southerner will just smile and suggest you go find some sweet tea and a rocking chair.
8. “Southern hospitality isn’t real.”
Anyone who says this has clearly never been invited to a Southern home for dinner. Southern hospitality is real, and it’s alive and well. It means welcoming strangers, offering food, and treating guests like family.
Questioning this tradition is not only rude but also flat-out incorrect. If you’re ever lucky enough to experience true Southern hospitality, you’ll realize just how wrong you were.
9. “You must be a redneck.”
This stereotype is outdated, offensive, and completely inaccurate for many Southerners. The South is home to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles. Not everyone listens to country music, drives a truck, or wears cowboy boots.
Assuming all Southerners fit into a single mold will get you nowhere fast. They’ll likely correct you with a smile, but don’t mistake that kindness for acceptance of the insult.
10. “Grits are gross.”
If you’ve had bad grits, that’s on you. Properly made grits are creamy, buttery, and downright comforting. They’re a Southern staple, and disliking them is one thing—but announcing it is another.
If you express this opinion in a Southern breakfast spot, expect to be met with skepticism. Someone might even insist you just haven’t had the right kind yet. And if you turn down cheese grits? That’s practically unforgivable.
11. “You should lose the accent.”
A Southern accent is a point of pride, not something to be erased. Suggesting that someone “lose” their accent is an insult, implying that it makes them sound uneducated or unsophisticated.
Not only is this offensive, but it also underestimates the deep cultural roots of Southern speech. If anything, a Southerner will double down and drawl even slower—just to make sure you hear every syllable.
12. “The South isn’t that special.”
This is perhaps the fastest way to make enemies. The South is filled with history, charm, and traditions that have stood the test of time. From the food to the music to the deep-rooted values, there’s a lot to love.
Saying the South isn’t special is simply incorrect, and any Southerner will be more than happy to tell you why. They may even invite you to experience it for yourself—just to prove you wrong.