We Arkansasans are a diverse bunch. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t share some commonalities, like the way we speak or the foods we eat. And those similarities are especially evident when an out-of-towner is among us. In fact, there are several foolproof ways to spot a non-Arkansasan (or worse, someone pretending to be from the Natural State). So, the next time you’re wondering whether or not you’re in the midst of an imposter, look for the following tell-tale signs.
- They think the Pig Trail is for swine.
Pig Trail-Harley Davidson/Facebook Anyone who’s lived in Arkansas for an extended period of time knows that the Pig Trail is a scenic byway lined with some of the state’s best scenery.
- They assume everyone in Arkansas works at Wal-Mart.
just Q entertainment/Google Just because Wal-Mart got its start in Arkansas and its headquarters are still located in the Natural State, it’s a common stereotype that all residents work at the big-box retailer, which is clearly a silly misconception – and a dead giveaway of an imposter.
- They use words, like “soda” and “pop.”
Gerald’s World/Flickr Here in Arkansas, “coke” doesn’t just mean Coca-Cola. It’s used to refer to just about any sugary, carbonated beverage. So, if you hear someone utter the words, “soda” or “pop,” they’re likely an out-of-towner.
- They perceive deer as cute, cuddly creatures.
thriol/Flickr Sure, at first glance, deer are cute. However, they can wreak havoc on the roadways. In fact, they cause serious accidents all the time, which is why Arkansasans know not to be deceived by their adorable appearance.
- They don’t like fried foods.
Patrick Woodward/Flickr For someone to say they don’t like fried foods is basically incomprehensible, and that’s because, in Arkansas, you can get just about anything fried, from fish and chicken to Twinkies and veggies.
- They’ve never heard of the Boggy Creek Monster.
romana klee/Flickr Regardless of whether or not you believe in the existence of the Boggy Creek Monster, you’ve definitely heard of the notorious creature, as have all residents. Someone with zero knowledge of the infamous monster is likely not from the Natural State.
- They think snipe hunts are a prank.
Tony Sutton/Flickr In a majority of the country, the term “snipe hunt” refers to a practical joke– and that’s because many are under the assumption that snipes are an imaginary animal. However, most residents know that snipes are very real and are native to Arkansas. A wading bird, snipes’ erratic flight behavior makes them difficult to shoot, giving rise to the term “sniper” for a skilled sharpshooter and “snipe hunting” for an impossible task.
- They think bug spray is a non-essential.
Tony Webster/Flickr Many residents joke that the mosquito might as well be the state bird, and there’s a reason for that – they’re everywhere! During the summer, mosquitoes come out in full force, quickly reiterating the fact that bug spray is a must in Arkansas.
- They order, gulp, hot tea.
Southern Foodways Allicance/Flickr Here in Arkansas, there’s only one way to drink tea – cold and sweet! If you hear someone in a restaurant order hot tea, be warned: that “someone” is probably an out-of-towner.
- They’re surprised that tractors are street legal.
Marty Gabel/Flickr Every Arkansas resident has been stuck behind a slow-moving tractor at some point. It happens all the time. Anyone not familiar with tractor-induced traffic jams, clearly doesn’t hail from the Natural State.
So, what do you think? Are these tell-tale signs of an out-of-towner? What are some other ways to spot an imposter in Arkansas? Tell us!
Pig Trail-Harley Davidson/Facebook
Anyone who’s lived in Arkansas for an extended period of time knows that the Pig Trail is a scenic byway lined with some of the state’s best scenery.
just Q entertainment/Google
Just because Wal-Mart got its start in Arkansas and its headquarters are still located in the Natural State, it’s a common stereotype that all residents work at the big-box retailer, which is clearly a silly misconception – and a dead giveaway of an imposter.
Gerald’s World/Flickr
Here in Arkansas, “coke” doesn’t just mean Coca-Cola. It’s used to refer to just about any sugary, carbonated beverage. So, if you hear someone utter the words, “soda” or “pop,” they’re likely an out-of-towner.
thriol/Flickr
Sure, at first glance, deer are cute. However, they can wreak havoc on the roadways. In fact, they cause serious accidents all the time, which is why Arkansasans know not to be deceived by their adorable appearance.
Patrick Woodward/Flickr
For someone to say they don’t like fried foods is basically incomprehensible, and that’s because, in Arkansas, you can get just about anything fried, from fish and chicken to Twinkies and veggies.
romana klee/Flickr
Regardless of whether or not you believe in the existence of the Boggy Creek Monster, you’ve definitely heard of the notorious creature, as have all residents. Someone with zero knowledge of the infamous monster is likely not from the Natural State.
Tony Sutton/Flickr
In a majority of the country, the term “snipe hunt” refers to a practical joke– and that’s because many are under the assumption that snipes are an imaginary animal. However, most residents know that snipes are very real and are native to Arkansas. A wading bird, snipes’ erratic flight behavior makes them difficult to shoot, giving rise to the term “sniper” for a skilled sharpshooter and “snipe hunting” for an impossible task.
Tony Webster/Flickr
Many residents joke that the mosquito might as well be the state bird, and there’s a reason for that – they’re everywhere! During the summer, mosquitoes come out in full force, quickly reiterating the fact that bug spray is a must in Arkansas.
Southern Foodways Allicance/Flickr
Here in Arkansas, there’s only one way to drink tea – cold and sweet! If you hear someone in a restaurant order hot tea, be warned: that “someone” is probably an out-of-towner.
Marty Gabel/Flickr
Every Arkansas resident has been stuck behind a slow-moving tractor at some point. It happens all the time. Anyone not familiar with tractor-induced traffic jams, clearly doesn’t hail from the Natural State.
There’s a lot to love about the Natural State, including these five natural wonders, which get even better after it snows.
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