14 Things You Should Never Say to a Southerner

So you’re at a dinner party, and the person next to you casually mentions that they’re from the South. 

Eager to make conversation, you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind—”Do you ride a horse to work?” The table falls silent, and you realize you’ve just committed a major faux pas.

It’s crucial to be mindful of the words we use when interacting with people from different backgrounds. Southerners, in particular, often find themselves on the receiving end of stereotypical and offensive comments. 

1. “Where’s your accent?”

Not everyone from the South has a thick drawl, so it’s best not to express surprise when meeting a Southerner who doesn’t drop their g’s.

Many Southerners even teach themselves to speak without an accent to avoid ridicule.

2. “Is your cousin a good kisser?”

Incest jokes are highly offensive and perpetuate a harmful stereotype. At least 99.999 percent of Southerners are just as grossed out by the idea of making out with family members as someone from Massachusetts.

3. “Do you wear shoes?”

Contrary to the barefoot hillbilly trope, Southerners wear shoes to work, school, and pretty much everywhere else, just like everyone else.

The presence of DSW stores across the South suggests most people down there even enjoy wearing shoes.

4. “Y’all.”

If you’re trying to poke fun at Southerners’ grammar, using “y’all” incorrectly is not the most creative approach. Plus, you’re probably saying it wrong anyway.

5. “Did you ride a horse to school?”

No, Southerners ride buses to school, not horses. The equestrian life is not as common as you might think.

6. “It must have been so overwhelming to move to a big city.”

The South has cars, roads, public transportation, restaurants, movie theaters, and other modern amenities, just like the rest of the country.

Moving to a city is no more overwhelming for a Southerner than anyone else.

7. Mixing up the Carolinas & Virginias

Constantly asking a Southerner to explain which Carolina or Virginia they’re from can be annoying. A little effort to remember the specific state goes a long way.

8. Assuming they own a Confederate flag

Most Southerners do not celebrate their region’s cruel history and many disagree with their states’ frequently backward stances on issues like abortion and gun control.

Confederate flag ownership is not as widespread as some might believe.

9. Calling the South “flyover country”

The South is full of amazing cities, attractions, and culture, from the hip-hop scene in Atlanta to the theme parks of Tennessee and the barbecue of Memphis.

Writing off the entire region as “flyover country” is dismissive and inaccurate.

10. Making jokes about dental hygiene

Jokes about Southerners having poor dental health are outdated and unfunny. The South has fluoridated water, dentists, and floss, just like everywhere else.

11. Using a fake Southern accent

Putting on an exaggerated, mocking Southern accent is disrespectful and can come across as making fun of Southerners. If you’re not from the South, it’s best to speak in your natural voice.

12. Stereotyping Southerners as stupid or racist

Essentialist stereotypes that portray all Southerners as unintelligent or bigoted are not only inaccurate but also erase the millions of Black Americans who proudly call the South home. (ref) These harmful tropes prohibit progress and understanding of the changing “New South.”

13. “You must love NASCAR!”

While NASCAR has deep roots in the South, not all southerners are fans of the sport. Assuming that someone enjoys NASCAR simply because of their regional background is a form of stereotyping.

14. Calling anyone a “redneck”

The term “redneck” is often used to degrade working-class southerners and implies a lack of sophistication. It’s a derogatory term that should be avoided in conversation.