Lisa O
Texas is quite famous for its wide-open skies, big personalities, and a deep sense of pride. If you’ve ever had the privilege of chatting with a Texan, you’ll know that they have some unspoken rules. You see, they’re usually friendly and welcoming, but there are some things that can fade their smiles faster than a melting ice cube. Here are 15 things you should never say to someone from Texas.
“Do you really ride a horse to work?”
Texans have a deep history with horses, but no, they don’t ride them to work. It might be funny the first time, but after hearing it a hundred times, the joke gets old. Just like anyone else, Texans drive trucks or cars. And if you ask them this question, don’t be surprised if they joke back and ask if you take a kayak to work.
“Is Kansas City barbecue better?”
If you want to lose a Texan’s respect, all you have to do is compare their cherished barbecue to that of another state. Texans are super proud of their barbecue, and for good reason—it’s just amazing. Saying that another state does it better is like starting a fight. It’s basically the same as saying you don’t like football or sweet tea. Some things are just off-limits!
“How do you handle the heat down there?”
Texas heat is very serious. But people here don’t just “deal” with the heat; they own it. They know what to do—whether it’s finding some shade, cranking the A/C, or grabbing a cold drink. Saying like the heat is unbearable is like questioning if they can handle their backyard. Please know that a little sunshine doesn’t bother them. And it shouldn’t bother you either.
“Is Texas just a land of cowboys?”
Sure, Texas has cowboys, but it’s also home to artists, scientists, tech leaders, and much more. Stereotyping Texans as just cowboys is like thinking everyone in New York City is a stockbroker. It’s old-fashioned, wrong, and, honestly, pretty annoying. Texans have so much more to offer than just cowboy boots and hats, though they do look great in them!
“Everything’s bigger in Texas, right?”
Yes, this might be true sometimes, but Texans have heard this phrase way too many times. It’s overused, especially by those who haven’t even visited the state even once. Yes, the place is big, and so are the food portions, but that’s not all there is to it. It’s more than just a cliché—it’s a way of life, and they take it very, very seriously.
“Is Texas just one giant desert?”
To outsiders, Texas might seem like nothing but sand and cacti, but that’s way off. The state’s got lush forests, rolling hills, lively cities, and, yeah, a few deserts too. Saying it’s all one big desert? That’s not just wrong—it’s kind of an insult. Texans are super proud of their diverse landscape, and they won’t hesitate to set you straight on it.
“Why live in a red state, though?”
Texans take pride in their political independence and don’t like being boxed in. The state is just as diverse politically as it is geographically. It’s not just a “red state”; it’s a place where people have strong opinions and aren’t shy about sharing them. Assuming what a Texan believes politically is a quick way to get schooled in civics—or at least hearing a lot about it!
“Is Texas thinking about seceding again?”
Texans really value their independence, and sure, there’s a history of talk about secession. But if you bring it up in a normal chat, you’re more likely to get an eye roll than anything else. It’s a touchy topic that most Texans don’t want to linger on. They’re proud to be Americans, but they’re also proud to be Texans. Never make them choose.
“So, do you have a gun?”
Asking a Texan if they own a gun is like asking if they own a pair of shoes. For many people here, it’s totally normal, and it’s not something they want to talk about with someone they don’t know. Texans take their Second Amendment rights very seriously—prying into this topic will only get you a response of “It’s none of your business.”
“Isn’t your accent just like a Southern one?”
Even though Texas is in the South, the Texan accent has its own kind of melody. Don’t confuse or mix it up with a typical Southern drawl. People here take pride in their twang and will happily tell you that there’s a big difference between a Texas accent and, for example, a Georgia one. So before you group them with the rest of the South, take a moment to appreciate the difference!
“Do all Texans wear cowboy hats?”
This is another silly assumption about Texans, and it is as common as the horse-riding question. We know that cowboy hats are totally iconic, but they’re not something every Texan keeps in their wardrobe. Sure, some folks like to wear these hats, but not everyone. It’s more like a matter of choice here. It’s a stereotype, and it’s just not true.
“Why do you say ‘y’all’ so much?”
“Y’all” isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life here. It’s efficient, inclusive, and much better than saying “you guys.” Questioning “y’all” is like questioning the word “the” in English. It’s a main part of the Texan dialect (how Texans talk), and they won’t change it just because it sounds different to you.
“Why don’t you have a thick accent?”
Now, don’t act surprised if you meet a Texan who doesn’t have a thick accent. Texas is a very big state, and the way people talk here can vary just as much as the scenery. Not every Texan sounds like they walked straight out of a Western, and that’s perfectly fine. If you suggest that someone isn’t “Texan enough” because of their accent, you’re likely to get a serious talking-to.
“Is Austin really just a city of hippies?”
Oh boy. We know Austin is famous for being a bit weird, but calling it just a city of hippies totally misses the bigger picture. Austin is a lively, creative place with a mix of folks, including techies, artists, musicians, and, yeah, some hippies, too. But reducing it to one stereotype is like saying New York is just packed with Wall Street types—it’s simply not true.
“What makes Texas so special, anyway?”
If you’re bold enough to ask this question, get ready for a long answer. People here have a deep love for their state that’s hard to put into words. Asking what’s so great about Texas is like asking what’s great about chocolate, sunshine, or weekends. It’s everything—the people, the food, the culture, the history. To a Texan, it’s the best place on Earth, and they’re more than happy to tell you why!
