Honestly, Texas is a great place to live in. And over my years of living here, I’ve realized that there are certain things us Texans say or love, that other people wouldn’t necessarily understand.

My family moved here from California right before I was born, and most of my family still lives there. Whenever we visit each other, it’s quite interesting to see how they’re confused at the things we talk about or how we say certain words. My cousins didn’t even know what a Homecoming mum was when I talked about mine, and the rest of my family likes to make fun of me for saying “y’all.”

So, in honor of all my family back in California and those who don’t understand certain things that are a part of the Texas culture, here is my very own Texas Dictionary.

HEB [H-E-B]
HEB is the grocery store that has most everything and is superior to any other supermarket, especially Walmart. You need burgers to throw on the grill for tonight? Go to HEB. You want a meal deal (lots of food that taste good together for cheap)? Go to HEB. Want to see someone you haven’t talked to in a while? Go to your local HEB, they’ll most likely be there. Basically, HEB is just better than any other store.

Whataburger [Wata-burger] 
I do not recommend going here on a Friday night during football season unless you want to wait for a while. Whataburger is the place to be. Seniors have been known to take their graduation pictures there. Plus, are you even a true Texan if you’ve never stolen a table number, or at least thought about it? (10/10 recommend the honey butter chicken biscuit.)

Buc-ee’s [Buck-ees] 
Buc-ee’s is a popular truck stop with the cleanest restrooms in Texas, don’t even argue me on this. A trip to Buc-ee’s isn’t complete without a bathroom break, a snack or two, or seven, buying a souvenir and getting a picture with the Buc-ee’s statue outside the stop.

Y’all [Y’all] 
Replaces the term “you all” and is used to talk to two people. Example: I’m going to Whataburger, what do y’all want? Don’t ever say “you all” in Texas. Ever.

All y’all [All y’all] Example: All y’all need to come over here.
Used to talk to three or more people.

Y’all’re [Y’all-ur] Example: Y’all’re killing me. I’m going to have grey hair by the time I’m 30.
Contraction for the words y’all and are.

Would’a [Wuld-uh] Example: 2014 Replay file photo
Well I would’a done that, but I forgot.
Texas pronunciation of “would’ve.”

-in’ [-in] Example: Walking – Walkin’
Texas pronunciation of any -ing verb. Honestly, we’re just lazy and never pronounce the ‘g’ at the end of the word.

Fixin’ to [Fix-in-ta] 
“Fixin’ to” is known to be the state verb of Texas. “Fixin’ to” replaces the term “I’m going to.” Personally, I don’t say this, but there’s a chance that you’ll hear this term more often than not.

Dr Pepper [Dr-pepper] 
In Texas, Dr Pepper is the soda. We don’t do Mr. Pibb or any other imposter. Just Dr Pepper. And note there’s no period on the Dr part.

Floating [Flo-ting] 
This is one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat in the summer. Floating is a Texas essential, whether it’s in a backyard pool or in the Comal river. To make floating even better, make sure you throw on your sunglasses and bring along a cold Dr Pepper for the ride.

Weather [Weth-ur] 
Also known as the most indecisive thing in the entire state of Texas (which is HUGE, by the way). When you leave for school you’re dressed for a blizzard, but when you get out of school it’s like a sauna, hot and humid. Oh, and there’s most likely a tornado somewhere in there.

Taco [Talk-o] 
What’s a proper Texan meal without a few tacos? Tacos are just plain good for the soul, especially breakfast tacos.

Football [Fut-ball] 
Basketball is great and all, but football is like religion here in Texas. Especially high school football. Nothing beats spending your Friday night in the student section with your friends, covered head to toe in paint, and yelling at the top of your lungs. Celebrating with Whataburger after the game is always exceptional.

Mums [Mums] 
The pride and joy of Homecoming, besides the football game. Mums are a huge decorated pin given to you by your homecoming date (or you can make it yourself, that’s totally cool too.) with pounds of ribbons, bells, lights, stuffed animals and a chrysanthemum. Mums are worn during the day of the homecoming game to both school and to the game. And guys are given a mini version to wear on their arm called a garter.

Barbecue [Bar-bee-kew] 
Oh goodness, the best food in Texas besides tacos. Barbecue is holy and perfect for any occasion, unless you’re a vegetarian. But just a heads up, If it’s not from Texas, then it’s probably not real barbecue.

“Bless your heart” [Bless-yur-hart] 
If you hear someone say this, they aren’t really blessing you. It’s just more of a polite way of saying “you need some help.”

Tex-Mex [Tex-mex] 
The perfect combination of Texas and Mexican food. But just like barbecue, if it’s not from Texas, it’s not Tex-Mex.

Blue Bell [Bloo-bell] 
The best ice cream in Texas. Nothing else beats it.

Manners [Man-ers]
My all-time favorite thing about Texas. Where the boys hold doors open for ladies, and where we all say “yes ma’am and no ma’am” and “yes sir and no sir.” Besides all of the good food and the weather, the manners and hospitality here make Texas, Texas.