11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in Mississippi Too Long—Can You Say Them?

Mississippi, the Magnolia State, has a rich culture and a language that’s uniquely its own. If you’ve spent a lot of time here, you might find yourself slipping into a southern drawl or picking up on local lingo that only true Mississippians understand.

Mississippi has its own unique vocabulary, ranging from food to traditions, and if you can speak these words fluently, it’s a clear indication that Mississippi has deeply influenced you. Here are 11 words that prove you’ve lived in Mississippi too long:

1. Y’all

It’s the ultimate Mississippi phrase. “Y’all” is a contraction for “you all,” and it’s used to address groups of people—whether you’re talking to friends, family, or strangers. In Mississippi, it’s not just a word; it’s a way of life. If you’ve caught yourself saying “Y’all” instead of “you guys,” there’s no turning back!

2. Fixin’ to

In Mississippi, if you’re “fixin’ to” do something, you’re about to do it—whether it’s cooking dinner, running to the store, or just about anything. “Fixin’ to” is a big part of the southern charm, and it signals that something’s on the horizon. If you’ve heard this phrase often, it’s time to embrace it yourself.

3. Coke (for any soda)

In many places, people use the word “soda” to refer to any soft drink. But in Mississippi, no matter what brand you’re drinking, it’s all called a “Coke.” Whether you’re sipping on Sprite, Dr. Pepper, or Coca-Cola, “Coke” reigns supreme in Mississippi lingo.

4. Slaw

When you order a sandwich or barbecue in Mississippi, don’t be surprised if it comes with a side of “slaw.” Short for cole slaw, this tasty cabbage dish is a staple at southern BBQ joints and family dinners. If you’ve been in Mississippi long enough, you’ve likely paired your BBQ plate with a hefty scoop of slaw.

5. Tump

In Mississippi, “tump” means to tip something over, whether it’s a cup, a box, or even a person. If you’ve ever said something like, “I accidentally tumped over my coffee,” you’re speaking true Mississippian.

6. Ain’t

A classic southern word that gets a lot of use in Mississippi. “Ain’t” can mean “isn’t,” “aren’t,” or “haven’t,” and it’s part of the state’s signature relaxed, easygoing speech. If you’ve caught yourself using “ain’t” in everyday conversation, you’re well on your way to mastering Mississippi speech.

7. Buggy

No, it’s not an insect. In Mississippi, a “buggy” refers to a shopping cart. Head to the grocery store, and you’ll hear locals ask, “Do you need a buggy?” If you’re still calling it a shopping cart, it’s time to catch up with local terminology.

8. Piddlin’

When you’re “piddlin’” around, it means you’re doing small, often pointless tasks or just wasting time. It could be cleaning out your garage or fiddling with something you don’t really need to fix. If you’ve ever said, “I was just piddlin’ around,” then you’re definitely channeling your inner Mississippian.

9. Holler

This word has multiple meanings in Mississippi. It can be a verb meaning to shout or call out, or it can refer to a small valley or a secluded rural area. If you’ve ever said, “I’m from the holler,” or used the word to describe a distant place, you’ve been fully immersed in Mississippi culture.

10. Yonder

“Yonder” refers to a place in the distance. It could be “over there” or “out there” depending on the context. “It’s over yonder” might be a phrase you’ve heard many times in Mississippi, and if you’ve started using it yourself, you’ve definitely absorbed some local flavor.

11. Kin

In Mississippi, “kin” refers to family or relatives. It’s the way Mississippians talk about their loved ones, whether they’re distant cousins or close siblings. If you refer to your family members as “kin,” you’ve truly embraced the southern way of life.

Living in Mississippi often means adopting not only its laid-back attitude but also its unique vocabulary.

Whether it’s calling a shopping cart a “buggy,” tipping something over as “tumping,” or adding a “y’all” to every sentence, these words make you sound like a true Mississippian. If you can use them all naturally, then there’s no doubt—Mississippi has become a part of you!

GBBC –

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