There are some words and phrases that are common knowledge in Alabama — everybody from around here knows exactly what you’re talking about without any need for further explanation — even if they aren’t so common elsewhere.
Some of them have different meanings once you leave Alabama, like how most people (incorrectly) think L.A. only refers to that one California city, while others, like Wickles or Conecuh, may not be recognized as words at all.
As far as Alabamians are concerned though, these words and phrases are worthy of a permanent place in the state’s dictionary.
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In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
“Respect the polygon”
Thanks to beloved meteorologist James Spann and this phrase, many Alabamians have a better understanding of how specific tornado warnings can be, and that if you’re in the polygon, you need to take shelter immediately.
Read more: Meteorologist James Spann and the science behind saving lives
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Jeffrey
If you grew up in Alabama, there’s a good chance you know all about the story of Jeffrey the ghost, along with the other supernatural tales featured in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.” There’s even a sculpture of him, created by Charlie “The Tin Man” Lucas, on display in his hometown of Selma.
Read more: Let’s look at the real site of ‘13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey’
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Conecuh
Alabamians love Conecuh sausage so much we even bring along empty coolers anytime we’re headed through Evergreen so we can stop by the Conecuh Sausage Gift Shop and stock up. Not to mention, many Alabama restaurants use Conecuh in their (understandably popular) dishes.
Read more: 14 tasty Conecuh sausage dishes served at Alabama restaurants
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
“Go to church or the devil will get you”
The only time the sign wasn’t on display for travelers to see along Interstate 65 since it was first put was in 2016 when the original was damaged by a storm and was taken down for more than a year. In 2018, a replacement was erected and the Alabama landmark was back.
Read more: 14 landmarks we can’t imagine Alabama without
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Houndstooth
Houndstooth first became an icon of the Alabama Crimson Tide after beloved head football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant became known for wearing a houndstooth fedora hat to games. In 2021, one of the hats even sold for $33,000.
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
“The beach”
If you ask an Alabamian going on vacation during the summer where they’re headed, the answer is going to more than likely be “the beach,” and that could be referring to any coastal town in Alabama, Florida and even North Carolina.
Read more: 5 things you should pack in your beach bag before heading to Alabama’s beaches
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
L.A.
If you though L.A. always stood for the city of Los Angeles, you’d be wrong. Around here, it’s much more likely to be used in reference to the counties that make up the lower part of the state instead.
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Royal Reds
Often caught in the Gulf, Royal Reds are a large shrimp with a lobster-like flavor that are a welcome sight to diners at any seafood restaurant.
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Mullet Toss
Every spring for nearly 40 years, people have been throwing dead fish across the state line from Florida to Alabama at the Flora-Bama Lounge. With that much history, even if you aren’t one of the tens of thousands that have attended, you still know exactly what the “mullet toss” is.
Read more: Roll Toss! Alabama coaches, players make appearance at Mullet Toss
In Alabama, some words and phrases have a meaning different from anywhere else.Amber Sutton
Wickles
Wickles are made in Dadeville using a 90-year-old recipe that uses a custom blend of spices and ingredients to make ‘em “wickedly delicious”. So much so, that when you hear a burger has some Wickles on it, you know it’s going to be good.
Read more: 15 things you might not know about Wickles Pickles
