Here are 8 quirky and unusual things no one tells you about living in Mississippi:
- People say “I’m cravin’ some nabs” when they want snack crackers, no matter the brand. “Nabs” comes from the original Nabisco crackers.
- “Your mom ‘n ‘em” refers to someone’s entire family, not just their mother.
- The phrase “I’ll be there, the good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise” means that plans are made barring unforeseen circumstances, referencing local flood-prone roads.
- Directions often start with “go up the road a ways,” with “a ways” being a flexible, vague distance.
- Asking someone to “give me some sugar” means asking for a kiss, not actual sugar.
- People say “What kind of Coke do y’all want?” because in Mississippi “Coke” is a generic term for soda, which could be any brand or flavor.
- “Finer than frog’s hair” is a popular expression meaning feeling excellent, even though frogs don’t have hair.
- Mississippians shorten “Did you eat yet?” to “Jeat yet?” reflecting the relaxed southern dialect.
These expressions reveal the unique, rich cultural heritage and warmth of Mississippi’s local language and lifestyle, often with humorous or vivid imagery.
SOURCES
[1](https://ourmshome.com/10-phrases-mississippians-say/)
[2](https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/mississippi-slang)
[3](https://www.movoto.com/blog/mississippi-words/)
[4](https://www.reddit.com/r/mississippi/comments/1em2k92/words_created_or_used_only_in_mississippi/)
[5](https://www.southernliving.com/southern-sayings-6534958)
