If you’ve lived in Louisville long enough, you’ll begin to see behavioral patterns that most of us Louisvillians share. Whether they’re silly, weird, or downright stupid habits, these things that go unnoticed on a daily basis are a unique aspect of living in Louisville and absolutely should be brought up. Keep in mind, this article is for entertainment purposes only– so lighten up! Let’s start out with the basics:
1. We'll always say "y'all."
There's just no flow to "you guys", right, y'all? Although it might cause some stares while traveling to northern states, the word is just too far ingrained in our vocabulary to control.
2. We wait anxiously for May each year.
The Derby is pretty much our city's own holiday, and the week-long build up never disappoints. Fireworks, parades, parties, and loads of celebration fills the city during the Kentucky Derby Festival in anticipation of the most exciting two minutes of sports, and if you grew up in Louisville, this time of year will always hold a special place in your heart.
3. We expect pristine, great-tasting water wherever we go.
Traveling to other states and drinking their tap is often a rude awakening when you're accustomed to Louisville's water. Of course, it's easy to get used to the taste of the tap in any home town, but we all know Louisville’s is unbeatable in purity and taste.
4. We know a surprising amount of bourbon brands.
Whether you love or hate bourbon, it's an ever-present part of life in Louisville. It's sneaked into our entrees as well as desserts, and is pretty well rooted in Louisville's culture, period. So the likelihood of you knowing all of the brands of bourbon on the bar shelf without looking is pretty high, especially out-of-state.
5. Crossing the bridge accidentally and forgetting about the toll bill.
Come on. I know I'm not the only one! Either you missed your exit because you were too busy singing along to your favorite song, or traffic and construction forced you to cross the river and into Indiana land. Weeks later a bill arrives at your door that you completely forgot about. Woopsie. Us Louisvillians who don't cross the bridge often are still getting used to this whole toll thing.
6. Hearing Tony Malito's voice, then scrambling to get rid of it.
Maybe tune into classical 90.5 for a minute to really cleanse your ears. Seriously, though, the man is just too good at what he does. I haven't met anyone in the city who doesn't know his name.
7. We ask someone what high school they went to upon first meeting.
It's an interesting phenomenon that I've heard countless times. We're all pretty much aware that Louisville is a close-knit city, and chances are you can find some common connections just by asking where someone graduated from high school. Usually it's one of the first questions to pop out of a stranger's mouth when you're meeting someone in Louisville.
8. Stepping outside and realizing that yesterday did NOT prepare you for today's weather.
Louisville's weather can be absolutely maddening. One day it's sweater weather, and the next it's "this heat is killing me!" Perhaps it's a perk of living in Ohio River Valley.
9. You're a Cards fan, through and through.
Of course we have the Kentucky outliers here in the city too. It wouldn't be fun without the rivalry!
10. You have no idea what people are doing on the road at any given time.
You shouldn't ever expect a turn signal. Sometimes I think Louisville is an alternate reality where the turn signal was never invented.
11. We keep it weird!
Sure, we have an amazing array of local business in the city, but I think the slogan runs deeper than that. Here in Louisville, we love to express our uniqueness in fashion, art, food, and more! Just take Derby hats, for example. We've always loved to be as fun and interesting as possible, which is what makes it such a great city to live in.
12. We assume every restaurant has sweet tea.
You... only have... sugar packets? What is this foreign tongue you speak in? Seriously though, Louisvillians love sweet tea as much as they love being sweet!
13. There's a strangely shared hatred of Indiana.
I don't really get this one, but many people in Louisville have this habit of hating Indiana and everything it stands for. Kentuckiana has a perfect blend of things to see and do and there are amazing places right across the bridge.
14. We've all got a habit of sniffling and sneezing.
Some more than others. I definitely have a habit of sneezing when I step outside, and after learning that our city is ranked one of the highest in the country for allergies, it all makes sense. In Louisville, pollen is one of your worst enemies, and allergy medication is your greatest ally.
15. It's "Luhvul," and it ain't going to change.
Truthfully, we all say it differently, and my accent often changes depending on who I'm speaking to, but I think the city's general consensus is "Luhvul". As long as you don't refer to our city as "Lewisville," I won't judge you!
How many of these things do you totally relate to? If you liked this article be sure to share and compare with other Louisvillians! What factors do YOU think are undying habits that all Louisvillians share?
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