We Mississippians are known for being friendly and welcoming but that doesn’t mean we’re not observant. When there are new folks in town, we notice. Though an outsider’s accent is a dead giveaway, it’s not the only sign they don’t hail from the Magnolia State. Nope, there are tons of other ways to tell. In fact, here are 10 foolproof ways to spot an impostor in Mississippi.

1. They don’t know how to eat crawfish.
Hobie Caldwell/Flickr
Eating crawfish is a huge part of life in the Magnolia State. Heck, we even have entire get-togethers solely for the purpose of chowing down on crawfish and all the fixins. Those not from the South, tend to be a bit baffled (and even grossed out) by the spicy crustaceans. Oh well, it’s their loss.
2. They complain about tea being too sweet.
Alex Haglund/Flickr
Is there such a thing as tea that’s too sweet? Not to most Mississippians. In fact, it’s "the sweeter the better" when it comes to the unofficial drink of the state. Some restaurants, like Abe’s Grill in Corinth, don’t even sell unsweet tea. So, the next time you’re at a restaurant and hear talk about too much sugar in the tea, it’s safe to assume you’re in the company of an outsider.
3. They can’t navigate back roads, especially at night.
Peter Roome/Flickr
Though the license plate might be a dead giveaway, there are other ways of spotting out-of-state drivers in Mississippi. One tell-tale sign is the way they navigate the rural roadways, which tend to be narrow and winding. And since most country roads don’t have any street lights, it’s even more obvious at night.
4. They don’t know what these are.
Florida Fish and Wildlife/Flickr
Each year, these pesky bugs, known as "lovebugs," swarm the state. The name may seem endearing, but anyone who’s grown up in Mississippi knows what an annoyance these bugs really are. And anyone who’s not from Mississippi will undoubtedly be surprised by how much irritation the flying insects can cause.
5. …or these.
Tony Alter/Flickr
Anyone who’s grown up in Mississippi has undoubtedly spent their summers playing outside until dark, drinking from the water hose, and eating a few of these. Officially known as "honeysuckles," the sweet snack is not only delicious but convenient since they grow naturally all over the state. If someone doesn’t know the plant is edible or, even worse, turns their nose up at eating a flower, they can’t possibly be from Mississippi.

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6. They don’t understand the art of parking in the South.
capslockpirate/Flickr
Summer temperatures in Mississippi are no joke. And because of such, there are certain things residents do to beat the heat. One of those things is choosing the right parking place. You see, an out-of-towner would probably assume proximity is the most important factor, while a true Mississippian knows looking for a spot in the shade is the number one priority.
7. They think bug spray is optional.
Fairfax County/Flickr
In some places, bug spray is just a suggestion. Here in Mississippi, it’s a necessity. The mosquitoes are big and relentless – something Mississippians know very well. Venturing outdoors without any repellent is like signing your own death warrant…and something a Mississippian would not do.
8. They think "dinner" and "supper" are interchangeable.
j_lai/Flickr
In some places, these two words do mean the same thing, but not in Mississippi. Nope; here in the Magnolia State, dinner is the midday meal, while supper is the evening meal. If someone thinks this doesn’t make sense or argues that the two words are interchangeable, simply smile and give them your best "bless your heart."
9. They throw out bacon grease.
Sleeve Collar/Flickr
In Mississippi, bacon grease is used in everything from vegetables to gravy. Basically a miracle ingredient, it makes virtually anything taste better, which is why Mississippians always save the grease after frying up some bacon. Throwing it out would not only be wasteful but a real shame. Should you ever be in the midst of someone who disposes of the grease, try to remain calm – they’re clearly not from Mississippi and don’t know any better.
10. They refer to flip flops as "house shoes."
@ris_@bdullah/Flickr
If there was an official shoe of Mississippi, the flip flop would be a top contender. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and perfect for the warm climate. Surprisingly enough, some people reserve flip flops for the beach or even compare them to slippers, deeming them inappropriate for everyday wear. Should you meet one of these people, don’t get upset; they’re probably just cranky because their "real" shoes are making their feet hurt.

So, do you agree with everything listed above? What would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “12 Phrases That Will Make You Swear Mississippians Have Their Own Language.“

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