Words are powerful things. They have been known to build a city and demolish a country. They are also what separates one region of a country from another as well as one state from another. In some places they have also been known to separate one city from another in the same state. South Carolina definitely has its own brand of vocabulary. Many have said they need a translation book to determine what we are saying at times. Well, let’s just say this is a small start to that book! Here are 22 things people from South Carolina say:

1. Gamecock or Clemson Country
Market Common/Flickr
Depending on who you speak with they will tell you that this is either one or the other. There is a definite divide in the state!
2. Fish Fry
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Meaning this is going to be a good time with family and friends that includes fresh fried fish and all the good stuff that goes along with it.
3. Pig Pickin'
Eric B./Flickr
The best time you will have! It is literally a whole hog that has been barbecued and you pick off the meat. Everyone who knows everyone comes together, brings side dishes, and most of the time there is live music by people you know.
4. Frogmore Stew
bascha/Flickr
Depending on who you talk to about this it can also be called Beaufort Stew and Lowcountry Boil. It contains ears of corn, shrimp, sausage, potatoes. It may also contain clams and/or crab legs. Note: This is not a stew in the sense that you need a spoon. It's all hands on!
5. Happier than a pig in mud...
Treasures and Tiaras Kids Parties/Flickr
What this means is that you or whomever you are speaking about is extremely happy.
6. Crank
osseous/Flickr
It means to turn the car on. Old habits are hard to break...
7. If the Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise.
Joan/Flickr
I have heard this my entire life and what it means is that the person will do what they say they are going to do if nothing extreme happens to stop them.
8. Over yonder
Xtina L/FLickr
It could mean anything from an hour or two away or not...It is kind of confusing, but just be ready to go for a ride.
9. Coke
Roadsidepictures/Flickr
It means that the drink you choose could range from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola products including Coca-Cola. It's just the way it is. No, it is not the correct term, but I can't imagine it changing.
10. 'Shine
Frank Kehren/Flickr
It is moonshine although you won't hear that term often. Moonshine is a pure corn liquor that is made in small batches. Note: This does not include the product that you can buy at an ABC store. That is not considered "real" moonshine in South Carolina.
11. Cut
R/DV/RS/Flickr
We 'cut' lights on and then 'cut' them off here. That would normally mean to switch them on and then switch them off.

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12. Blister your hide
HA! Designs - Artbyheather/Flickr
You have it right. It means to spank. However, it is mostly used as an empty threat by mothers who have pulled out most of their hair in exasperation.
13. Ugly
atibens/Flickr
It doesn't mean you are ugly in the physical sense. It means that your attitude or what you have said is not correct. This is usually why you have been threatened with, "I'm going to blister your hide."
14. Sweetie/Darlin'
emmajc/Flickr
This is your name. Not that we don't know it because you have probably told us, but this is just easier and, as I said before, old habits are hard to break.
15. Bless Your Heart
Alan Levine/Flickr
It is a phrase that is said often and 50% of the time it is not an endearment.
16. Carry
The U.S. Army/Flickr
If you hear this in the sentence, "Can you carry me to the store?" or "I'm going to carry them to the store and I'll be right back." It means that they are going to go in a vehicle to the store. It does not mean that they are going to physically pick them up.
17. Chunk
followtheseinstructions/Flickr
No, not the candy bar. It means to throw the object in question.
18. Younguns
Government Press Office/Flickr
Specifically it means children however, I have heard the older generation call people in their 20's and 30's 'younguns' as well. It depends on your perspective.
19. The South
Brian Koprowski/Flickr
This is specific. It means North Carolina, South Carolina, and sometimes Georgia, but NEVER Florida (too many 'transplants have moved there). It also does not count any other state that is considered part of the southern states.
20. Down the road a bit...
Matt Czarnocki/Flickr
A kissing cousin to 'over younder', but noticeably a shorter distance.
21. Carolina
Greudin/Wikimedia
Refers to South Carolina. South Carolinians call North Carolina by its full name.
22. Y'all
jill, jellidonut... whatever/Flickr
It means two or more people as in 'you all'.

Okay, so now that you have had a crash course in the most popular words and phrases you will hear in South Carolina, it is time to have a little fun and use them yourself. Can you imagine the look on the person’s face as you throw in one of these? But, if you are in South Carolina, it is nice to know how to relate to the natives! So, until next time y’all!

If you related to this, you’ll probably also fit all these South Carolina stereotypes – whether you want to admit it or not.

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Things People From South Carolina Say

Leah | July 02, 2020

What stereotypes are there about South Carolina?

There are quite a few South Carolina stereotypes - some a bit far-fetched, while others are admittedly true. South Carolinians are known for their love of BBQ, and with it being so good, there is no wonder why. They are also known for not being very used to snow, especially if it's more than just a little dusting. People from the Palmetto State are also known for their "southern hospitality" and being sometimes overly friendly, but I don't think anyone would ever say that was a negative characteristic!

What are people from South Carolina known for?

Live in South Carolina will give someone lifelong habits that have become the norm for what people assume South Carolinians are like. For example, a South Carolinian should know what Frogmore Stew is and what exactly belongs in it. Flip flops are the shoe of choice for many people there. With such beautiful beaches, it's no wonder why many love to spend at least a few weekends of the year with their toes in the sand. Speaking of, South Carolinians are known for loving the outdoors in general. The gorgeous diverse landscape of forest, mountains, beaches, and more aids in that - anyone would want to spend lots of time exploring and enjoying them.

Do South Carolinians have any strange habits?

With so many words that are unique to South Carolina, you might wonder what other habits they have beyond quirky phrases. South Carolinians are known for starting the new year off with hoppin' john and collard greens. They're known for having an eagle eye at spotting - and avoiding - potholes. And when it comes to sports, they'll defend their teams to the death. Here is an entire list of South Carolina habits if you want to see if you have them all. If you're from the Palmetto State, you might be able to check many of them off.

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