In Louisiana, dialect proves as unique as state’s people

I often wonder if people from other states think Louisianans are nothing but a bunch of gator wrestling, hog tying, duck hunting, French speaking, crazy people.

I have friends all over the world and the country, and they often ask me if life in Louisiana is like what they see on television.  My response is always, “No! No! No!”

No, I do not speak French. No, I do not have a pet alligator — anymore.  And, no, I don’t know anyone named Boudreaux.  I have family living in South Louisiana, and none of them “choot gators.”

Shows like “Swamp People” just further the stereotype that people from Louisiana are a bunch of simple folk with no higher aspirations than bagging a bigger gator than the other guy.

I have noticed that people in this area measure distance in time. “How far away is New Orleans?” “Oh, it’s about four hours if you’re drivin’ fast.” I don’t know if that’s specifically a Louisiana thing or a Southern thing.

One thing is certain, though, the South and Louisiana do have a very unique vocabulary. Only in Louisiana will you hear the phrase, “Hey, run and get me that onion bar so I can get the crawfish smell off my hands.”

Only in the South will you hear, “I’m fixin’ to go spend the day on the bayou. I’ll be back in a couple hours.”

Some people don’t like using these colloquialisms, but I love using them. Yes, they might make you seem less intelligent, but it shouldn’t matter what yankees think, anyway.

So my advice to you, dear reader, is not to shy away from your Louisianan roots, but rather embrace them. Y’all have a good one!