Here are 15 Words You’ll Only Understand if you Hail from Louisiana

Hey there, Louisiana folks and bayou buddies! Get ready to jazz up your vocabulary as we dive into the rich tapestry of the Pelican State’s unique lexicon, where the gumbo’s spicy and the hospitality’s sweeter than a beignet. From navigating the lagniappe of Cajun French to cheering on the Saints in the Dome, Louisiana’s linguistic landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the Mardi Gras parade floats in New Orleans. So grab a po’boy, laissez les bon temps rouler, and let’s uncover 14 words that’ll have you feeling like a true Louisianan in no time!

Laissez les bons temps rouler

A Cajun French phrase meaning “Let the good times roll,” often used as a motto in Louisiana to encourage celebration and enjoyment.

Cajun

Refers to the culture and people of French Canadian descent who settled in Louisiana, particularly in the Acadiana region, known for their unique cuisine, music, and language.

Fais-do-do

A fais-do-do (fay DOUGH DOUGH) is a Cajun dance party. The phrase literally means “to go to sleep,” and it originates from dance parties lasting so late into the night that the children in attendance would fall asleep on their own without being told. Even today you may hear a baby being put to sleep with the phrase “do-do.”

Gris Gris

(pron. gree-gree). Something magic, or a good luck charm. Gris gris bags and little totems are often the symbols of cast voodoo spells. . (See voodoo)

Creole

Refers to the culture and people of mixed European and African ancestry in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, known for their distinct language, music, and culinary traditions.

Cher

Cher (share or sha) is a term of endearment used when greeting another person. It’s similar to “love” or “dear,” and is traditionally used by Cajuns. For instance, “Oh, that’s some spicy hot sauce, cher!”

Mardi Gras

A festive celebration held annually in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, marking the culmination of the Carnival season with parades, costumes, and parties.

Envie

Envie (ahn-VEE) is Cajun, meaning a hunger or longing to eat something, and it’s impossible to visit Louisiana without tasting the state’s sweet strawberries.

Gumbo

A traditional Louisiana dish consisting of a thick stew made with a variety of ingredients, including meat or seafood, vegetables, and spices, often served over rice.

Bayou

Refers to a marshy, slow-moving body of water found throughout Louisiana, particularly in the southern part of the state, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

Making Groceries

Another way of saying you’re shopping for food.

Andouille

A type of smoked sausage made with pork, originating from Louisiana and commonly used in Cajun and Creole cuisine, known for its spicy flavor and coarse texture.

Lagniappe

A Cajun French term meaning “a little something extra,” often used in Louisiana to refer to a small bonus or additional gift given as a gesture of goodwill.

Second Line

Refers to a traditional New Orleans brass band parade, where participants follow behind the main band, dancing and twirling handkerchiefs or parasols in the air, often associated with celebrations such as weddings and funerals.

Beignet

A French pastry similar to a doughnut, typically square-shaped and deep-fried, dusted with powdered sugar, and served hot, a popular treat in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans.