Here Are 12 Things People from Tennessee Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Tennessee is where Southern charm meets country grit, and the result is a collection of habits outsiders just can’t quite understand. To locals, it’s all perfectly normal. To everyone else, it looks like a mashup of music, moonshine, and a healthy disregard for speed limits on mountain roads.

1. Add “Y’all” to Every Sentence Without Thinking

It’s not slang—it’s punctuation. Outsiders who try to fake it? Instantly exposed.

2. Put Whiskey in Everything

Cooking, coffee, dessert—if it’s edible (or drinkable), someone in Tennessee has added Jack Daniel’s to it.

3. Treat College Football Like Religion

It’s “Go Vols” or go home. Outsiders don’t realize Saturday isn’t for plans—it’s for Neyland Stadium.

4. Call Every Carbonated Drink “Coke”

Sprite, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper—it’s all Coke until you clarify. Outsiders are endlessly confused.

5. Fry Everything and Call It Comfort Food

Catfish, green tomatoes, okra, pickles—you name it, they’ve dunked it in oil and made it delicious.

6. Drive Mountain Roads Like NASCAR Pros

Curves, cliffs, and zero guardrails? Locals cruise through while outsiders clutch the door handles.

7. Argue Over Memphis vs. Nashville BBQ Like It’s Politics

Wet or dry ribs? Sweet or smoky sauce? Outsiders don’t understand how deep this feud runs.

8. Call Interstates by Their Numbers Only

“It’s on 40,” not “I-40.” Outsiders add the “I” and instantly give themselves away.

9. Throw Cornbread Into Every Meal

Breakfast, lunch, dinner—doesn’t matter. If there’s a plate, there’s cornbread.

10. Sing Karaoke Like They’re Auditioning for the Opry

It’s not showing off—it’s tradition. Outsiders are shocked by how good everyone is.

11. Host Bonfires Big Enough to Be Seen From Space

Outsiders worry about safety. Locals bring more marshmallows.

12. Talk About “The Mountains” Like They’re Family

They don’t need to specify—it’s the Smokies, and they’re sacred ground. Outsiders quickly understand why.

To outsiders, these Tennessee habits might seem excessive, dramatic, or downright insane. But to locals, they’re what make life in the Volunteer State unforgettable. Stick around long enough and you’ll be sipping whiskey, hollering “Go Vols!,” and singing your heart out at a dive bar like you were born here.