15 Things You Should Never Say to Someone From Texas
Texas is known as the land of big skies, bigger personalities, and a pride that’s as vast as the Lone Star State itself. Texans are a special breed, fiercely proud of their heritage, culture, and, yes, their barbecue. Now, if you’ve ever had the pleasure (or misfortune) of striking up a conversation with a Texan, you’ll know they have a few unwritten rules. You see, Texans are generally warm and welcoming, but there are certain things that’ll make their friendly smile fade faster than an ice cube in a Texas summer. And trust me, you don’t want to be the one to bring up those topics.
So, if you’re planning on having a chat with someone from Texas, here’s a little guide on what not to say. It’s not just about avoiding awkwardness; it’s about self-preservation. Because, let’s face it, when a Texan gives you “the look,” you know you’ve messed up. So, grab yourself a glass of sweet tea, sit back, and let’s go over the 15 things you should never say to someone from Texas.
“Isn’t Texas just one big desert?”
To outsiders, Texas might seem like a never-ending stretch of sand and cacti, but nothing could be further from the truth. Texas is home to lush forests, rolling hills, bustling cities, and yes, some deserts. But implying that the whole state is just one giant Sahara? That’s not just inaccurate; it’s downright insulting. Texans take great pride in the diversity of their landscape, and they’ll be more than happy to educate you on it.
“Do you ride your horse to work?”
Texans have a long and storied history with horses, but no, they don’t ride them to the office. This question might get you a chuckle the first time, but after the hundredth time, the joke wears thin. In reality, Texans are just as likely to drive a truck or car as anyone else. And if you ask them this question, don’t be surprised if they ask you if you take a kayak to work.
“How can you stand the heat?”
The heat in Texas is no joke, but this is just part of the deal. Texans don’t “stand” the heat; they embrace it. They’ve got their methods—whether it’s finding shade, cranking up the A/C, or grabbing a cold one. Suggesting that the heat is unbearable is like questioning their ability to survive in their own homeland. Texans are tough, and a little sunshine isn’t going to scare them off.
“Everything’s bigger in Texas, right?”
Sure, this might be true in some cases, but this phrase has been beaten to death. Texans are tired of hearing it, especially from those who haven’t actually experienced the state firsthand. Yes, the state itself is big, and so are the portions of food, but that’s not all there is to it. It’s more than a cliché; it’s a way of life, and it’s something they take seriously. So, let’s not reduce it to a tired saying, okay?
“I prefer Kansas City barbecue.”
If there’s one way to lose a Texan’s respect, it’s by comparing their beloved barbecue to another state’s. Texans are fiercely proud of their barbecue, and for good reason—it’s delicious. Suggesting that another state does it better is like throwing down the gauntlet. You might as well say you don’t like football or sweet tea. Some things are just sacred.
“Isn’t Texas just full of cowboys?”
Yes, Texas has cowboys, but it’s also home to scientists, artists, tech moguls, and more. Stereotyping Texans as nothing but cowboys is like assuming everyone in New York City is a stockbroker. It’s outdated, it’s inaccurate, and frankly, it’s annoying. Texans have a lot more to offer than just cowboy boots and hats, though they do look pretty good in them.
“Why would you want to live in a red state?”
Texans are proud of their political independence, and they’re not keen on being pigeonholed. The state is as diverse politically as it is geographically. It’s not just a “red state”; it’s a state where people have strong opinions and aren’t afraid to express them. Making assumptions about a Texan’s political beliefs is a quick way to get a lesson in civics—or at least an earful.
“Do you all wear cowboy hats?”
This one’s right up there with the horse-riding question. While cowboy hats are certainly iconic, they’re not part of every Texan’s daily wardrobe. Sure, some Texans wear them, but it’s not a state-wide uniform. Assuming everyone in Texas wears a cowboy hat is like assuming everyone in France wears a beret. It’s a stereotype, and it’s just not accurate.
“Is Texas going to secede again?”
Texans love their independence, and yes, there’s a long history of talk about secession. But bringing this up in conversation is more likely to get an eye roll than anything else. It’s a touchy subject, and one that most Texans would rather not dwell on. They’re proud to be Americans, but they’re also proud to be Texans. Don’t make them choose.
“Do you own a gun?”
Asking a Texan if they own a gun is like asking if they own a pair of shoes. For many, it’s just a given, and it’s not something they necessarily want to discuss with a stranger. Texans take their Second Amendment rights seriously, and prying into this topic is likely to be met with a polite, but firm, “none of your business.”
“Why do you all say ‘y’all’?”
“Y’all” isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. It’s efficient, it’s inclusive, and it’s a heck of a lot better than saying “you guys.” Questioning the use of “y’all” is like questioning the use of “the” in English. It’s a staple of the Texan dialect, and they’re not about to change it just because it sounds different to you.
“Isn’t your accent just a Southern thing?”
While Texas is in the South, a Texan accent is its own unique melody. Don’t confuse it with a generic Southern drawl. Texans are proud of their twang, and they’ll let you know there’s a big difference between a Texas accent and, say, a Georgia one. So, before you lump them in with the rest of the South, take a moment to appreciate the nuance.
“Why don’t you have an accent?”
Conversely, don’t be surprised if you meet a Texan without a thick accent. Texas is a big state, and the way people talk can vary just as much as the landscape. Not every Texan sounds like they stepped out of a Western, and that’s okay. Suggesting that a Texan isn’t “Texan enough” because they don’t have an accent is a surefire way to get a stern talking-to.
“Isn’t Austin just full of hippies?”
Austin is known for being a little weird, but reducing it to just a city of hippies is missing the point. Austin is a vibrant, creative hub with a diverse population that includes techies, artists, musicians, and yes, some hippies. But it’s so much more than that. Reducing it to one stereotype is like saying New York is just full of Wall Street types—it’s limiting and inaccurate.
“What’s so great about Texas, anyway?”
If you’re brave enough to ask this question, be prepared to get an earful. Texans love their state with a passion that’s hard to describe. Asking what’s so great about Texas is like asking what’s so great about sunshine, or chocolate, or weekends. It’s everything—the people, the food, the culture, the history. To a Texan, it’s the best place on Earth, and they’re not shy about telling you why.
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