Mississippi, the Magnolia State, has a rich culture and a language all its own. If you’ve spent a lot of time here, you could notice yourself slipping into a southern drawl or picking up on local jargon that only true Mississippians know.
Mississippi has its own language, from food to rituals, and if you can utter these terms like a local, you’ve been influenced by the state. Here are 11 words that show you’ve been in Mississippi for too long:
Y’all
It’s the quintessential Mississippi term. “Y’all” is a contraction for “you all,” and it’s used to address large groups of individuals, whether they’re friends, family, or strangers. In Mississippi, it’s more than just a term; it’s a lifestyle. If you find yourself saying “Y’all” instead of “you guys,” there’s no going back!
Fixin’ to
In Mississippi, if you’re “fixin’ to” do something, it means you’re about to do it, whether it’s cooking dinner, going to the store, or whatever. “Fixin’ to” is a huge element of southern charm, and it means that something is on the way. If you’ve heard this term a lot, now is the time to embrace it for yourself.
Coke (for any soda)
In many countries, “soda” refers to any soft drink. But in Mississippi, no matter what brand you drink, it’s all referred to as a “coke.” Whether you’re drinking Sprite, Dr. Pepper, or Coca-Cola, “Coke” reigns supreme in Mississippi slang.
Slaw
When you order a sandwich or barbecue in Mississippi, don’t be surprised if it includes a side of “slaw.” This delicious cabbage dish, sometimes known as cole slaw, is a southern BBQ staple and a family meal favorite. If you’ve lived in Mississippi long enough, you’ve probably accompanied your BBQ platter with a generous serving of slaw.
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Tump
In Mississippi, “tump” refers to tipping something over, whether it’s a cup, a box, or even someone. If you’ve ever said, “I accidentally tumped over my coffee,” you speak Mississippian.
Ain’t
A classic southern word that is often used in Mississippi. “Ain’t” can signify “isn’t,” “aren’t,” or “haven’t,” and it’s a staple of the state’s calm, easygoing speech. If you’ve noticed yourself saying “ain’t” in ordinary conversation, you’re well on your way to learning Mississippi speech.
Buggy
No, this is not an insect. In Mississippi, the term “buggy” refers to a shopping cart. When you go to the grocery store, you will hear locals ask, “Do you need a buggy?” If you’re still referring to it as a shopping cart, it’s time to get up on local language.
Piddlin’
When you’re “piddlin'” around, it suggests you’re doing minor, frequently meaningless jobs or simply wasting time. It could be clearing out your garage or working on something you don’t actually need to fix. If you’ve ever said, “I was just piddlin’ around,” you’re clearly channeling your inner Mississippian.
Holler
This word has several meanings in Mississippi. It can be a verb that means to yell or call out, or it can refer to a little valley or a remote rural place. If you’ve ever said, “I’m from the holler,” or used the term to describe a remote location, you’ve been completely entrenched in Mississippi culture.
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Yonder
“Yonder” refers to a location in the distant. Depending on the context, it could mean “over there” or “out there”. “It’s over yonder” is a phrase you’ve probably heard a lot in Mississippi, and if you’ve begun saying it yourself, you’ve surely picked up some local flavor.
Kin
In Mississippi, “kin” means family or relatives. It’s how Mississippians describe their loved ones, whether they’re distant cousins or close siblings. If you call your family members “kin,” you’ve fully embraced the southern way of life.
Conclusion
Living in Mississippi frequently entails acquiring not only its laid-back demeanor, but also its distinctive vocabulary. Whether you call a shopping cart a “buggy,” tilt anything over as “tumping,” or add a “y’all” to every phrase, these words will make you seem like a true Mississippian. If you can utilize them all naturally, Mississippi has undoubtedly become a part of you!
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