There are some things that are just second nature for us Mississippians. You may not realize it, but it’s true. Certain actions, characteristics, and preferences can be attributed to growing up in the Magnolia State. Need some convincing? Read on for 11 things most Mississippians do without thinking.

  1. End sentences with “ma’am” or “sir” when talking to elders.

Maggie A-Day/Flickr It really does just roll right off the tongue, doesn’t it?

  1. Refer to the last meal of the day as “supper.”

Jimmy Smith/Flickr It’s not “dinner” around here.

  1. Start up a conversation with, well, just about anyone.

Jennifer Klem/Flickr Small talk is basically the official language of the Hospitality State.

  1. Put koozies on our beers.

draftgirly/Flickr Best invention ever, by the way.

  1. Use the word “y’all,” a lot.

Melanie Levi/Flickr It’s nearly impossible to not use it. Seriously; have y’all ever tried?

  1. Hold the door open for someone entering a store or business at the same time.

stlawu.edu Can you believe this isn’t the norm everywhere?

  1. Pull over for a funeral procession.

RL GNZLZ/Flickr This is another courtesy you’d think would be the norm everywhere.

  1. Expect grits at breakfast.

Jimmy Smith/Flickr If someone mentions breakfast, it’s automatically assumed that grits will be involved.

  1. Use “coke” to refer to all carbonated drinks.

Thomas Hawk/Flickr What else are we supposed to call soft drinks? “Pop” or “soda?”

  1. Plan social events around upcoming football games.

Ken Lund/Flickr It’s all about priorities.

  1. Bless the food before digging in.

Zechariah Judy/Flickr Beginning a meal any other way just wouldn’t seem right.

So, how many of these apply to you? Have something to add? Tell us in the comments section.

Maggie A-Day/Flickr

It really does just roll right off the tongue, doesn’t it?

Jimmy Smith/Flickr

It’s not “dinner” around here.

Jennifer Klem/Flickr

Small talk is basically the official language of the Hospitality State.

draftgirly/Flickr

Best invention ever, by the way.

Melanie Levi/Flickr

It’s nearly impossible to not use it. Seriously; have y’all ever tried?

stlawu.edu

Can you believe this isn’t the norm everywhere?

RL GNZLZ/Flickr

This is another courtesy you’d think would be the norm everywhere.

If someone mentions breakfast, it’s automatically assumed that grits will be involved.

Thomas Hawk/Flickr

What else are we supposed to call soft drinks? “Pop” or “soda?”

Ken Lund/Flickr

It’s all about priorities.

Zechariah Judy/Flickr

Beginning a meal any other way just wouldn’t seem right.

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “11 Typical Life Experiences Most Mississippians Would Rather Do Without.“

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