So… you’re thinking about dropping everything and moving to the best state in the country, eh? Then you probably have some questions… and there are likely some questions you won’t think to ask. Here’s a handy list of things you should know, and sooner rather than later. Welcome to South Carolina!
1. How does South Carolina handle the occasional snow?
With hysteria. The moment the first snowflake hits the ground, most everything shuts down.
2. Why all the iced tea in restaurants is pre-sweetened.
It's just about the only kind of ice tea you can get here in the Palmetto State. We like are tea sweet — just like our disposition.
3. When visiting Charleston you should probably know ahead of time exactly what an 'S.O.B.' is.
Everywhere else in the country an S.O.B. refers to the male puppy in a litter, right? But in Charleston, it's merely one of the fortunate few that have an address South of Broad Street.
4. Same goes for a 'S.N.O.B.'... it's not what you'd think.
Contrary to those S.O.B.s in historic Charleston, those (unlucky) S.N.O.B.s have addresses just Slightly North of Broad Street.
5. How to make a pecan pie.
Brush up on your baking skills — especially pecan pies. It's the number one gifted item during the holidays. While you're at it, go ahead and start your pie plate collection early in the year... you'll be needing them for all the pie gifts you personally deliver at Christmas.
6. Why the Shag is so popular in South Carolina.
It's not a risque word left over from the British invasion. And it doesn't mean we love our 70s shag carpet. The Shag is a dance.
7. What exactly goes into a Frogmore Stew?
Before you throw your first big party and commit the food faux pas of the century, it's important to learn the ACTUAL ingredients that go into Frogmore Stew, a.k.a. Lowcountry Boil. Oh sure, you can get all fancy and drop a lot of stuff into that stew — or you could just wear a big badge on your shirt that says "transplant from another state."
8. Why South Carolina BBQ etiquette is so important.
You should probably learn the difference between North Carolina and South Carolina BBQ and develop an outspoken allegiance quickly. We take our BBQ war with North Carolina very seriously here — and you should too.
9. Why are grits so darn popular in South Carolina?
Try 'em and you'll see.
10. What's with this Southern accent?
C'mon y'all... y'all know it's adorable.
11. Do we care how you did things up North?
Nope, but bless your heart for trying to Northsplain it to us...
12. What should you tell your friends 'back home' about where you've moved to?
Remember to say SOUTH Carolina. If you just say 'The Carolinas' you're only perpetuating the misconception that there is one big state called Carolina and the North and South only refer to regions.
Did we miss any other questions new residents always ask (or NEED to know)? Feel free to join the discussion!
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