There are things you just don’t say or do if you’re from Texas. And then are rules you really should follow. There’s a reason for our boastful pride about our state, and when combined with living in the mighty Metroplex, there’s an informal code most of us live by. Which ones do you agree with?
- Don’t ever downplay a tornado watch.
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr Tornados are fierce and have wreaked utter destruction along its path. DFW is in the so-called “tornado alley,” so when you are advised to seek shelter, heed the warning.
- There’s no such thing as “too big” around here.
Jonathan Khoo/Flickr Whether it’s a ginormous diamond, insanely big home, or ridiculous high school homecoming mum, no one really wants to hear your opinion about it… unless it’s a positive one, of course.
- We know really good salsa. And a jar of “Picante” from Wal-Mart isn’t it.
stu_spivack/Flickr Consider us salsa aficionados. The same holds true for margaritas and “Tex-Mex.” Don’t challenge us. We WILL take you down.
- Don’t belittle the Horned Frog.
MyEyeSees/Flickr Fort Worth is home to the prestigious and pricey Texas Christian University. Yep, it’s mascot is the Mighty Horned Frog. When they say “Fear the Frog,” they mean it. Have you seen their Big12 stats this year?
- Respect the cowboy…
Craig Moe/Flickr We may appear no more Western than anyone else, but don’t make fun of our cowboy heritage. It’s a source of great pride around here.
- …and the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys/Facebook Win or lose, the Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team. Don’t talk smack about them. Ever.
- Ordering a steak cooked more than medium is a downright tragedy.
Michael Johnson/Flickr Most of us like our Texas T-bones medium-rare, thank you very much. If cooked more than that, we will send it back.
- Never diss the City of Arlington.
Wes Jackson/Flickr The Metroplex’ third largest city is Arlington, and it’s a mighty important part of our appeal around here. Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Dallas’ Cowboys AT&T Stadium, and Texas Rangers are all based in… you guess it, Arlington!
- Always choose TEXAS during the annual Texas-OU Red River Showdown.
aaron vazquez/Flickr This rule applies, even if OU kicks arse. While UT is in Austin, this epic game is always played at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park. Win or lose, there’s always next year!
- We use time rather than miles.
Guy Sie/Flickr How far is it to a location should always be answered in how long it takes, not miles. We couldn’t care less about miles… we just want to know how long we should plan for in drive time.
- Don’t pick our state flower, the Texas bluebonnet.
Robert Hensley/Flickr It’s a myth that it is illegal to pick them when they bloom in the springtime, but we just know not to. Our bluebonnets are for the enjoyment of all.
Jonathan Silverberg/Flickr You should also take photos of all beloved family members in a field of them every spring. It’s tradition!
- Boots with shorts or dresses is always okay.
Walter/Flickr Regardless of the season or reason, it’s acceptable to wear cowboy boots on game day or just anytime, anywhere.
- We may overstate our importance to the Lone Star State just a tad.
Adam Simmons/Flickr Yeah, we know there are other cities that make up Texas. Just none of them are as awesome as Dallas - Fort Worth. If you disagree, then go live there!
- We don’t make big plans during football season.
Dallas Cowboys/Facebook From peewee football, the Friday Night Lights of high school games, to our beloved pro team, weekends in the fall revolve around football schedules.
What other rules should be added to this list, and what should never be messed with?
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr
Tornados are fierce and have wreaked utter destruction along its path. DFW is in the so-called “tornado alley,” so when you are advised to seek shelter, heed the warning.
Jonathan Khoo/Flickr
Whether it’s a ginormous diamond, insanely big home, or ridiculous high school homecoming mum, no one really wants to hear your opinion about it… unless it’s a positive one, of course.
stu_spivack/Flickr
Consider us salsa aficionados. The same holds true for margaritas and “Tex-Mex.” Don’t challenge us. We WILL take you down.
MyEyeSees/Flickr
Fort Worth is home to the prestigious and pricey Texas Christian University. Yep, it’s mascot is the Mighty Horned Frog. When they say “Fear the Frog,” they mean it. Have you seen their Big12 stats this year?
Craig Moe/Flickr
We may appear no more Western than anyone else, but don’t make fun of our cowboy heritage. It’s a source of great pride around here.
Dallas Cowboys/Facebook
Win or lose, the Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team. Don’t talk smack about them. Ever.
Michael Johnson/Flickr
Most of us like our Texas T-bones medium-rare, thank you very much. If cooked more than that, we will send it back.
Wes Jackson/Flickr
The Metroplex’ third largest city is Arlington, and it’s a mighty important part of our appeal around here. Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Dallas’ Cowboys AT&T Stadium, and Texas Rangers are all based in… you guess it, Arlington!
aaron vazquez/Flickr
This rule applies, even if OU kicks arse. While UT is in Austin, this epic game is always played at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park. Win or lose, there’s always next year!
Guy Sie/Flickr
How far is it to a location should always be answered in how long it takes, not miles. We couldn’t care less about miles… we just want to know how long we should plan for in drive time.
Robert Hensley/Flickr
It’s a myth that it is illegal to pick them when they bloom in the springtime, but we just know not to. Our bluebonnets are for the enjoyment of all.
Jonathan Silverberg/Flickr
You should also take photos of all beloved family members in a field of them every spring. It’s tradition!
Walter/Flickr
Regardless of the season or reason, it’s acceptable to wear cowboy boots on game day or just anytime, anywhere.
Adam Simmons/Flickr
Yeah, we know there are other cities that make up Texas. Just none of them are as awesome as Dallas - Fort Worth. If you disagree, then go live there!
From peewee football, the Friday Night Lights of high school games, to our beloved pro team, weekends in the fall revolve around football schedules.
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