8 Extremely Weird Things Only People From South Carolina Do

Like most of you, we love South Carolina. The pride we feel in South Carolina is largely due to her grace and perseverance through the tough times she's endured over the last three and a half centuries. But deep down, we're also very proud of things that make us stand out from the rest. 

Here are a few things only people from South Carolina do that others (a.k.a., outsiders) might consider weird but seem perfectly normal to us. Okay, maybe we're not proud of them, but we get them, we embrace them. They’re the traditions and quirks that make us authentically South Carolinian.

1. Some of us might roll in a giant vat of grits every year at the World Grits Festival in St. George, South Carolina

People line up to roll in the grits at the World Grits Festival each April in this small town in South Carolina. Why, you ask? Because (1) it makes a great photo post on your social media accounts, and (2) to win the grand prize for being able to have the most grits stuck to your body when you exit. (To determine the winner, they weigh contestants before and after.) Sounds messy, but this quirky South Carolina festival is a lot of wholesome, family-friendly fun, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

2. We use "Miss" and "Mister" in front of everyone's first name

We learn at a very young age to insert "Miss" and "Mister" in front of someone's first name when addressing them. And if you don't, you'd better believe that someone will call you out on it. Even relatives from out of state come to visit and think it's cool, and suddenly, you find all their kids are doing the same thing, so they fit in. So, when you're cruising through South Carolina, be sure to show your respect by addressing folks here the right way.

3. We put HOT SAUCE on EVERYTHING

Well, you either do or you don't in South Carolina. But what others find weird is that if you DO, you put it on everything. I even put hot sauce on my salad (which, by the way, is very tasty — don't judge me). What do y'all put hot sauce on? What's your favorite brand of hot sauce?

4. We carry deodorant in our purse or vehicle

The heat. The humidity. The hot sauce. 'Nuff said, right?

5. We think everyone else has an accent. But it goes beyond that...

As you know, there are several dialects found in our fine state. Depending on where you live, our accents are a mix of European, West African, Scots-Irish, and some Caribbean influences. And in spite of that well-known fact, we each are adamant that our accent is perfectly normal and that everywhere else in the state has a weird accent. But isn't that the same wherever you go? Perhaps not. This might just be unique to South Carolina.

6. We go to great lengths to ward off no-see-ums

As South Carolinians, we know how impossible these pesky little biting midges can be. There are times when I can't walk from my house to my car without getting a ton of bites, especially in the summertime. We'll try just about anything to keep from getting bitten. Over the years, desperate attempts to find a solution have produced these hacks that seem to work:

• Rub dryer sheets all over yourself before leaving the house - I've read this works on pets too
• Eat a ton of garlic
• Smother yourself in Avon's Skin So Soft product (if you know, you know)

Have you found any other remedies that work? Share with the rest of us on our nomination page.

7. We carry sunscreen in our purse or our car - or both

You never know when you're going to need it! After all, on average, South Carolina gets over 200 sunny days per year, and cities like Charleston could experience up to 230 days. So, sunscreen is a must. Bonus: Get the kind that's ultra sweatproof! Trust me, you'll need it — it's humid here.

8. We'll shag just about anywhere

True South Carolinians aren't shy about shagging. You can find folks doing the Carolina shag at festivals and dance events in the Olde Village of North Charleston and throughout the state. The partner dance with quick foot shuffles is said to have originated in the coastal regions of South Carolina in the 1940s. The shuffle is now the official state dance and is also performed in national and international dance competitions.

Sure, we might do some weird things here, but to be honest, we wouldn't trade life in South Carolina for anything in the world. Have you noticed any weird or different things that only people from South Carolina do? Feel free to share them with us on our nomination page.

Want more reasons to fall in love with the Palmetto State? Use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover some of South Carolina's best-kept secrets. These are the spots that will give you a glimpse of what it's really like living in South Carolina. Locals love them too!