Every state has their own way of speaking that will make outsiders wonder what they’re actually talking about and North Carolina is no exception. From how we order at a restaurant to cheers for our favorite sports teams, we’ve got plenty of phrases here in North Carolina that’ll leave outsiders confused. Here are nine of our favorites.
- “Keep Pounding”
Flickr Kevin813 Keep Pounding has become the catch phrase for the Carolina Panthers. It was originally started by beloved coach and former player, Sam Mills during an inspirational speech and has motivated the team to keep going and never give up.
- “It’s Bo Time!”
Flickr Mr. Blue MauMau A tagline for one of our favorite restaurants that was started in Carolina, Bojangles. You’ll hear it on commercials or when someone’s ready to go grab something to eat at Bojangles.
- “Drink Cheerwine”
Flickr Amy Meredith Nope, there’s nothing even remotely alcoholic about it — Cheerwine is the soda of choice here in Carolina. Born and bred in the small town of Salisbury, the cherry flavored drink can be found on the menu just about anywhere in the state.
- “Liver Mush”
Flickr Aaron Headly Love it or hate it, liver mush is a breakfast staple in NC. It’s similar to sausage, but you can tell by the name what it actually is. There’s even a festival dedicated to it!
- “I’m going Uptown”
Flickr James Willamor Charlotte doesn’t have a downtown like most cities, only an Uptown and if you get it wrong, someone will correct you. The Queen City’s reasoning? When you’re driving to the center of the city, you have to drive uphill to get there.
- “All the way”
Flickr Matthew Jones Contrary to what you may be thinking, this is entirely an above-the-belt phrase pertaining to the toppings on your burger.
- “Pass me the dip”
Flickr Niall Kennedy When you’re in the BBQ Capital of Lexington don’t you dare call what you put on your BBQ “sauce” — it’s called dip in these parts!
- “I live in the Triangle”
Flickr James Willamor The Triangle is an area of North Carolina that’s between the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. If you draw a line connecting the cities on a map, it looks like a triangle.
- DOOOK
Wikimedia Des Runyan You’ll hear this one a lot during college basketball season. It’s from the prolific UNC/Duke rivalry as a way for UNC fans to taunt Duke fans and players.
What’s a saying that you’ve only heard in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments.
Flickr Kevin813
Keep Pounding has become the catch phrase for the Carolina Panthers. It was originally started by beloved coach and former player, Sam Mills during an inspirational speech and has motivated the team to keep going and never give up.
Flickr Mr. Blue MauMau
A tagline for one of our favorite restaurants that was started in Carolina, Bojangles. You’ll hear it on commercials or when someone’s ready to go grab something to eat at Bojangles.
Flickr Amy Meredith
Nope, there’s nothing even remotely alcoholic about it — Cheerwine is the soda of choice here in Carolina. Born and bred in the small town of Salisbury, the cherry flavored drink can be found on the menu just about anywhere in the state.
Flickr Aaron Headly
Love it or hate it, liver mush is a breakfast staple in NC. It’s similar to sausage, but you can tell by the name what it actually is. There’s even a festival dedicated to it!
Flickr James Willamor
Charlotte doesn’t have a downtown like most cities, only an Uptown and if you get it wrong, someone will correct you. The Queen City’s reasoning? When you’re driving to the center of the city, you have to drive uphill to get there.
Flickr Matthew Jones
Contrary to what you may be thinking, this is entirely an above-the-belt phrase pertaining to the toppings on your burger.
Flickr Niall Kennedy
When you’re in the BBQ Capital of Lexington don’t you dare call what you put on your BBQ “sauce” — it’s called dip in these parts!
The Triangle is an area of North Carolina that’s between the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. If you draw a line connecting the cities on a map, it looks like a triangle.
Wikimedia Des Runyan
You’ll hear this one a lot during college basketball season. It’s from the prolific UNC/Duke rivalry as a way for UNC fans to taunt Duke fans and players.
Find out 10 ways to spot an imposter in North Carolina, here.
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