Welcome to Texas, the land of wide-open spaces, BBQ that’ll change your life, and folks who take pride in just about everything. If you’re trying to figure out who’s truly from the Lone Star State, it’s not just about the cowboy hats or the accent—it’s the little things. Here’s how to spot a true Texas local faster than you can say “Howdy, y’all!”
They Say “Y’all” Like It’s a Full Sentence.
If you hear someone use “y’all” in a conversation, you’re probably talking to a Texan. They don’t just use it casually, either—they throw it in like punctuation. Whether they’re asking you if you want to go to dinner or inviting you to a BBQ, it’s always “Y’all come on down!” And don’t worry—if you don’t respond with a “y’all” of your own, they’ll just assume you’re not from around here.
They’ll Offer You BBQ, and They’ll Expect You to Know the Difference Between Brisket and Ribs.
In Texas, BBQ isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. A true Texan will definitely offer you some BBQ and expect you to appreciate the art of brisket, smoked low and slow. Don’t even think about asking for “sweet” sauce or mentioning anything about “grilled” meat; it’s all about the smoke, salt, and pepper. And you better be able to distinguish brisket from ribs.
They’re Always Talking About Football (And It’s Probably High School Football).
In Texas, football is everything. A local won’t just talk about the Dallas Cowboys—oh no. They’ll passionately discuss high school football, with every detail about their local team’s last game and who’s going to state. If you’re visiting during football season, be prepared to hear about Friday Night Lights every weekend. You’ll learn exactly which small-town team is making waves this year.
They’ll Correct You If You Say “Tex-Mex” Isn’t Really Mexican Food.
A true Texan knows that Tex-Mex isn’t “just” food—it’s a culture. They’ll passionately explain the difference between real Mexican food and Tex-Mex, as if it were a sacred institution. If you call it “just a cheesy burrito,” get ready for a lecture on the wonders of fajitas, queso, and the right way to make enchiladas.
They’ll Tell You About Their “Home Town” and Mention a City You’ve Never Heard Of (But It’s Still Bigger Than Your Hometown).
Texans love where they’re from, and they’ll tell you about their “small town” in a heartbeat. The thing is, their “small town” is probably still bigger than the city you’re from. They’ll tell you about it with pride, and they won’t be humble—after all, bigger is better in Texas.
They’ll Explain Why “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” Is More Than a Slogan.
Whether it’s the trucks, the state fairs, or even the steaks, Texans live by the “everything’s bigger” motto. A local will happily explain why their state is the best, and they’ll back it up with facts, like how Texas has more BBQ joints than any other state or how the state fair is bigger than most other festivals. If you don’t understand, they’ll gently educate you on the size of things—and the size of their pride.
They’ll Offer You a Sweet Tea (And They Won’t Call It “Iced Tea”).
In Texas, sweet tea isn’t just a drink—it’s the drink. If you ask for iced tea, they’ll just give you a puzzled look and ask, “You mean sweet tea, right?” If you’re lucky, they’ll also offer you a refill every five minutes, because in Texas, it’s practically a requirement to have an extra-large glass of sweet tea within arm’s reach.
They’ll Have a Lot of Opinions About What’s the Best Route to Get to ‘The Hill Country.’
If you want to visit Texas’ Hill Country, a local will give you 47 different ways to get there, each with their own personal recommendation. They’ll tell you about the best scenic routes, the hidden BBQ joints along the way, and maybe even a secret watering hole. Just don’t ask for directions on the weekend—it’s probably too crowded.
They Know All the Words to the Texas State Song (And They’ll Sing It at the Drop of a Hat).
Ask a Texan about their state song, and you’ll get a passionate rendition of “Texas, Our Texas” in no time. It’s a state anthem, and no one sings it with more gusto than someone born and raised in the Lone Star State. Whether it’s at a family gathering, a football game, or a random BBQ, a true Texan will belt out the state song like it’s their national anthem.
They’ve Got a Hidden Stash of Chili Powder and Hot Sauce.
Texans don’t believe in bland food, and they always have a stash of chili powder or hot sauce handy. Whether it’s to spice up a breakfast taco, add flavor to some BBQ, or just give their afternoon snack a little kick, you’ll find chili powder within arm’s reach of a true Texan. And if you dare say something’s “too hot,” they’ll just laugh and call you soft.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll spot a true Texan quicker than you can say “Y’all ready for some BBQ?” Whether it’s football, food, or state pride, life in Texas is always big, bold, and full of heart. Just remember, if you’re ever invited to a Texas BBQ, bring your appetite—and maybe a bottle of hot sauce.
