Welcome to Tennessee, the land of country music, smoky mountains, and a love for all things hot chicken and BBQ. Whether you’re strolling through Nashville’s honky-tonks or cruising through the rolling hills of the countryside, it’s not hard to spot a true Tennessean. Here’s how to identify a local faster than you can strum a banjo.
They Say “Y’all” Like It’s the Only Word They Need.
If you hear someone drop a casual “y’all” in conversation, you’re probably talking to a Tennessee local. It’s not just a word; it’s a term of endearment. They’ll say it when they’re greeting you, inviting you to dinner, or even when they’re asking if you’ve heard the latest news. It’s as natural as breathing in Tennessee.
They’re Always Talking About Their Favorite Country Artist (And It’s Usually Someone You’ve Never Heard Of).
Tennesseans take their country music seriously. If you ask about their favorite artist, you’ll likely get a passionate answer about someone you’ve never heard of—someone who’s either from a tiny town or who’s just starting to make waves. They’ll also casually drop names like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis, and might even offer you a tour of their favorite honky-tonk bar in Nashville.
They’ll Correct You if You Call it “Hot Chicken” Instead of “Nashville Hot Chicken.”
Hot chicken is a big deal in Tennessee—especially in Nashville. If you dare call it “hot chicken” without the “Nashville” prefix, you’ll likely get a friendly but firm correction. A true local will proudly explain the difference between regular spicy chicken and the fiery, flavor-packed dish that put Nashville on the map. Don’t forget to order it with a side of white bread and pickles!
They’ll Tell You the Best BBQ Spot, and It Won’t Be in a Chain Restaurant.
BBQ is a religion in Tennessee, and a local will have their favorite spot. It’s not going to be a national chain; it’s going to be a hole-in-the-wall joint, where they’ve been serving up ribs, pulled pork, and brisket for decades. They’ll tell you about the sauce (whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy) and won’t accept any substitutes for the “real deal.”
They’ll Have a Strong Opinion About the University of Tennessee—And They’ll Tell You About It (Even if You Didn’t Ask).
Whether they’re fans of the Vols or not, Tennessee locals are passionate about their state’s university. If you ask them about football, you’ll get a 20-minute breakdown of why the University of Tennessee’s team is the best—or why they’re the underdog this season. You may also hear a tale or two about their own time as a student or a tailgating legend.
They Know Every Backroad and How to Avoid Traffic in Nashville.
Nashville’s traffic can be brutal, but a true local knows exactly how to avoid it. They’ll navigate through the city’s backroads and hidden shortcuts with ease, offering you a detour through some charming neighborhoods or by a scenic overlook. If you’re ever stuck in traffic, don’t worry—your Tennessee local will have you out of the jam in no time.
They’re Always Talking About the Smoky Mountains Like It’s Their Backyard.
The Smoky Mountains are a local treasure, and Tennesseans will talk about them like they’re literally their backyard. Whether they’re hiking, camping, or just admiring the view, a true local will have a favorite trail and an opinion on the best time of year to visit. They’ll also proudly tell you which parts of the mountains you must see, especially during the fall when the leaves are at their peak.
They’ll Invite You to a “Fish Fry” and Expect You to Show Up.
Fish fries are a Tennessee tradition, and if you’re lucky enough to be invited to one, you’re in for a treat. A local will make sure you know exactly what to expect: fried catfish, hushpuppies, coleslaw, and plenty of iced tea. Don’t even think about skipping out—locals take these events very seriously, and missing one would be like refusing a slice of grandma’s pie.
They Know the Best Hidden Gems in Nashville—And They’ll Take You to Them.
Sure, you’ve heard of Broadway and all its honky-tonk bars, but a true Nashville local will take you to places you’ve never heard of. Whether it’s a dive bar with live bluegrass, a small record shop with vintage vinyl, or a secret rooftop with a perfect view of the city, they’ll know where to go to escape the tourist crowds and get the real Nashville experience.
They’ll Make Sure You Know That Tennessee Is a ‘Right to Work’ State—And They’re Proud of It.
Tennessee locals are passionate about their state’s business-friendly environment. They’ll likely mention that Tennessee is a “right to work” state at some point in the conversation—whether you ask about it or not. It’s part of their pride in the state’s economy, and they’ll proudly explain how it impacts local businesses and job opportunities.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll spot a Tennessee local faster than you can line dance to a country tune. From hot chicken to the Smoky Mountains, life in Tennessee is all about good food, great music, and even better company. So, next time you’re in the Volunteer State, be sure to say “Howdy” and get ready to embrace the charm of the South!
