Some rules just don’t need saying out loud. Don’t cut in line. Don’t microwave your fork. There’s a whole list of things you just know you should or shouldn’t do. There are also some unspoken rules that Arkansans abide by. Below you’ll find fifteen of those incredibly important rules all Arkansans follow, but no one needs to mention.
- Say “bless your heart” instead of rolling your eyes or punching anyone.
Urban Dictionary Let’s face it, sometimes people say some pretty ridiculous things. Arkansans are fond of politeness, though, so we don’t roll our eyes out loud. We simply roll our eyes inwardly and utter those infamous, backhanded words, “bless your heart.”
- Mutter “smells like money” to yourself when you pass a pungent chicken truck.
Flickr/Ed Schipul That’s because at least one person we know could afford new school clothes because of trucks like that.
- Wave at people you pass on country roads.
Flickr/Nate Steiner You just do it. It would be intolerably rude not to.
- Hold the door, let people who are only buying milk cut the line in the grocery store, generally be kind to strangers.
Flickr/Dave Thomas Southern hospitality is alive and well.
- Feed everyone.
Flickr/William Allen, Image Historian Like my grandma always says, “If you’re gonna keep ‘em around, you gotta feed ‘em.” You can always count on an Arkansas event for lots of good eats.
- Put on your company manners when you’ve got company.
Flickr/Caroline You better act right when company comes over. Your matriarch might ask you to pick a switch if you don’t.
- Do express disappointment about the Razorbacks.
Flickr/Texas Tongs It’s okay to think they’ve had a bad game.
- Never, ever say you don’t like the Razorbacks.
Flickr/Mark Barron It’s not okay to dislike them in general. Hog fans are legion, and you never know who might overhear you hating on their team.
- Don’t pretend like you think other states are prettier than Arkansas.
Flickr/Troy Breaux Some of them may be as pretty, but none are prettier, and didn’t your mama tell you not to tell lies?
- Be prepared.
Flickr/Farther Along Without bug spray and sunscreen, you’re not going to have a pleasant time outdoors.
- Watch your feet in the tall grass.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus You never know what awaits in the wide world of Arkansas’s outdoors.
- Expect the unexpected.
Flickr/uacescomm The above picture was taken in Madison County on May 3, 2013. When it comes to the weather, you just never can tell.
- All major life events must be marked by a flood of casseroles.
Flickr/Mika Meskanen If your neighbor, friend, grandparent, second cousin, or Linda from the office has a baby, attends a funeral, or needs an appendectomy, you bring a casserole. It’s just what you do.
- Respect your elders.
Flickr/sgt fun Family ties run deep in the Natural State, and you better believe we do not talk back to our grandmammas.
- You can complain about Arkansas, but you better switch gears and defend your home state the very second someone from another state does the same.
Flickr/Paul Cooper After all, it’s definitely the best state.
For some basic dos and don’ts for living here in Arkansas, read this article. You’ll also want to check out these phrases we all heard growing up.
Urban Dictionary
Let’s face it, sometimes people say some pretty ridiculous things. Arkansans are fond of politeness, though, so we don’t roll our eyes out loud. We simply roll our eyes inwardly and utter those infamous, backhanded words, “bless your heart.”
Flickr/Ed Schipul
That’s because at least one person we know could afford new school clothes because of trucks like that.
Flickr/Nate Steiner
You just do it. It would be intolerably rude not to.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Southern hospitality is alive and well.
Flickr/William Allen, Image Historian
Like my grandma always says, “If you’re gonna keep ‘em around, you gotta feed ‘em.” You can always count on an Arkansas event for lots of good eats.
Flickr/Caroline
You better act right when company comes over. Your matriarch might ask you to pick a switch if you don’t.
Flickr/Texas Tongs
It’s okay to think they’ve had a bad game.
Flickr/Mark Barron
It’s not okay to dislike them in general. Hog fans are legion, and you never know who might overhear you hating on their team.
Flickr/Troy Breaux
Some of them may be as pretty, but none are prettier, and didn’t your mama tell you not to tell lies?
Flickr/Farther Along
Without bug spray and sunscreen, you’re not going to have a pleasant time outdoors.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus
You never know what awaits in the wide world of Arkansas’s outdoors.
Flickr/uacescomm
The above picture was taken in Madison County on May 3, 2013. When it comes to the weather, you just never can tell.
Flickr/Mika Meskanen
If your neighbor, friend, grandparent, second cousin, or Linda from the office has a baby, attends a funeral, or needs an appendectomy, you bring a casserole. It’s just what you do.
Flickr/sgt fun
Family ties run deep in the Natural State, and you better believe we do not talk back to our grandmammas.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
After all, it’s definitely the best state.
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