A little bit of Southern, y'all

Question: Is DC a part of the North or the South?

John F. Kennedy once joked, "Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm."

My answer to the question, despite a wise New Yorker telling me otherwise, is that DC is North. 

With that said, the Southern influence in this town is sweeping. It’s completely foreign to me, the ever-so Seattleite who’s never stepped into a Honky Tonk or heard of Chick-fil-A. The reaction when I say the latter is sheer astonishment.

Here I meet packs of A&M-ers who proudly tell of their fascinating traditions. I meet Georgians, North and South-Carolinians, Oklahomans, and Arkansans. It’s a whole new world I’m happily learning about and from. Living in Seattle, I always wondered who were the people keeping the elections so tight. There’s no question of how Washington State votes. But, it’s through stories I hear from my Southern friends that I understand where the GOP’s got game.

Besides all that, these bible-belt dwellers know a thing or two about hospitality, and yes, their way of speak is indeed growing on me.

I’ve caught myself on quite a few occasions saying “y’all.” Now, before you get all your feathers ruffled, let me convince you of how functional is the contraction. Instead of saying “you guys” when the group has guys and gals, why not use the all encompassing “y’all?” I do declare, it’s quite handy.

I’m slurring words I didn’t think could be slurred and startling myself by drawing out vowels. I can only imagine how much I pick up by the time I visit home.

So, consider this post a little warning or heads up, that I may have a little twang in my speak and a little “y’all”-ing coming your way Seattle.  

Some fun and stereotypical Southern sayings: http://ashlandbelle.com/Southern.html