10 Extremely Weird Things Only People From New Mexico Do
Juliet White
Author
New Mexico marches to the beat of its own drum. And that’s okay, we’re playing a catchy tune. Still, one person’s “unique” is another person’s “weird.” Here are 10 weird things in New Mexico that people who live here do. How many of them can you relate to?
1. We start the Labor Day weekend by setting fire to a 50-foot puppet.
2. We tattoo ourselves with the state flag.
3. We believe other drivers have ESP!
4. We buy green chile, by the bushel, usually in parking lots.
5. Actually, we'll buy anything that’s sold from the back of a vehicle.
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6. Many of us use the word “coke” to refer to all types of soda.
7. We downplay hiking distances.
8. We still have mounted posses.
9. We do things at our own pace.
10. Our bodies make more red blood cells—in theory.
What weird things in New Mexico that people who live here do did we miss? Here are some weird places in New Mexico you can visit to see some truly quirky parts of the state.
Want to learn something? Take a look at this video on Los Alamos from OnlyInYourState:
Want to show off your pride in the Land of Enchantment? Check out the New Mexico apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
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Weird Things People From New Mexico Do
What stereotypes are there about New Mexico?
There are many New Mexico stereotypes that range from completely blown out of proportion to admittedly true. Here are a few:
- The state is often thought of as just a big desert. This is most certainly not true - the landscape ranges from high, chilly mountain ranges to open plains, with - yes - some beautiful deserts, as well.
- Another NM stereotype is that New Mexicans are addicted to chile, and that is true for many people. While there are always outliers, chile is an essential part of the state cuisine, and the chile in the state is considered some of the best.
What unique words and phrases do people in New Mexico say?
People from New Mexico say some quirky things along with some of this unusual behavior. Here are some ways people from New Mexico speak;
- Many New Mexicans speak "Spanglish" from time to time.
- Other phrases might totally confuse an out-of-stater, like ordering something "Christmas style" at restaurants no matter what time of year it is. This term refers to getting the meal with both red and green chile sauces on top.
- Speaking of chile, a "rista" is a type of decoration made of dried chiles put out in the portal.
- Don't know what a New Mexican means when they say portal? That's the word for a covered patio or porch.
What is New Mexico known for?
Living in New Mexico brings all the benefits of the great things this state is known for like the following:
- The amazing New Mexican cuisine is one thing, with the love of chile heavily present and special treats like sopaipillas that you just can't find as good anywhere else.
- The state is known as the Land of Enchantment for a reason, as well. The scenery is stunning in many unique ways, and there is a certain mystical feeling to many areas that are both culturally significant and full of history.
- The deep history of the state is another thing it's known for - from the ancient dwellings to its Wild West past.