11 Foolproof Ways to Make Someone From Delaware Cringe

Folks from The First State are pretty laid-back people - life in Delaware is good, but there are a few things that we suffer through regularly that make us cringe. Before you visit our lovely little slice of heaven, keep in mind that these Delaware pet peeves are quick ways to get under our skin and make us cringe.

1. Going "down the shore."

No way! We go to the beach. The "shore" is in New Jersey!

2. Ordering crabcakes out of state.

Maryland gets a pass — but please, if we're in Ohio, skip the crabcakes. It's just not right.

3. Asking for ketchup.

Thrasher's fries are the famous boardwalk fries, but don't order ketchup alongside them. Every Delawarean knows that Thrashers Fries are eaten with Vinegar!

4. Saying "Lower Slower Delaware."

Sorry, it's Slower Lower. The whole "Lower Slower" thing was started by the person who came up with that LSD bumper sticker. That's not what we actually call it.

5. Ordering a Hoagie.

They're subs, Philadelphians! Get out of here with that hoagie nonsense. The only time it's acceptable to order a "hoagie" is at Wawa or in some spots in Wilmington.

6. Driving in the left lane.

The left lane is for passing! Please don't drive slowly in the left lane or just drive alongside whoever is in the right lane. Get out of the way, please.

7. Asking "What's scrapple made from, anyway?"

You don't want to know. We don't want to know. Let's just fry it up and enjoy it — and skip the questions for now.

8. Reminding us about beach traffic.

From Memorial Day on, we've got to deal with our favorite commute routes being backed up. Luckily, this is a great chance to see some of Delaware's best back roads.

9. Serve us round dumplings.

In Delaware, we serve up flat or slippery dumplings. The rest of the country is missing out on this Delmarva tradition because round dumplings are just not the way to do it.

10. Calling it "Newark."

We pronounce our second-largest city as "new-ARK," not "Newark," as they do in New Jersey. Please try to get this right — it drives us crazy.

11. Not knowing where to find Delaware.

You wouldn't believe how many people can't find Delaware on a map! I'm not sure whether their education failed them or they just didn't pay attention, but please understand that Delaware is a state — and know where it is located — before you come for a visit.

Life in Delaware is pretty darn good overall. Even if you happen to get on our bad side by continuing to call it "the shore" or "New-erk," we'll still be kind. After all, we've got our weird things going on, too.