13 Weird Side Effects Everyone Experiences From Growing Up In Louisiana

Naturally, where you grow up leaves an imprint on you, and Louisiana is no exception. Louisiana is such a unique state, and growing up here comes with some weird side effects. Whether you never left or maybe you’ve moved away, you’re bound to have experienced a few of these side effects from life in the bayou.

1. You measure distance in minutes.

Instead of telling someone to go down the road 5 miles, you probably say something like "go down the road about 10 minutes".

2. You’re used to keeping one eye on the weather channel during hurricane season.

Just becomes part of your daily routine...

3. You know your evacuation route and where you’d go.

...and when you'd have to leave to avoid gridlock.

4. You know how to pronounce Natchitoches...

5. ...and Opelousas...

6. ...and Lake Pontchartrain...

7. ...and Atchafalaya.

8. You don’t think it’s weird if someone asks if you suck the heads.

That’s where all the flavor is!

9. Asking if there are gators in the water is a normal question.

Lakes, rivers, ponds...you never know.

10. You say "y’all."

11. And no matter how old you are, you still say "sir" and "ma’am."

It’s a sign of respect, not of age.

12. You’ve picked a side: Tony’s or Zatarain’s

And you put it on EVERYTHING.

13. This will always be a po’boy.

Never a hoagie, sub, or grinder.

How many side effects have you experienced? Let us know in the comments below!