Texas is pretty unique, and if you’re not from around here, it doesn’t take long for locals to figure it out.
Maybe it’s the way you mispronounce a town name (the H is silent in Humble), the fact you don’t know what a common local dish is, or—gasp—you ordered unsweet tea.
Texans are fiercely proud of their traditions, their food, and, well, just about everything, which means standing out as an outsider isn’t hard.
Want to know the telltale signs you’re not from the Lone Star State?
Well, we asked Texans over on our Facebook page ‘Explore Texas’ and they had a lot to say.

Buckle up, because we’re spilling the tea (sweet, of course) on the funniest, most obvious ways Texans spot a non-local from a mile away.
1. Mispronouncing Town Names

Nothing screams “not from Texas” like butchering place names like Bexar (it’s “Bear,” y’all), Gruene (sounds like green), or Mexia (it’s muh-HAY-uh).
Bonus points if you confidently say “Bo-erne” instead of “Bernie” or try to tackle Kuykendahl without breaking a sweat.
2. Using “You Guys” Instead of “Y’all”
Saying “you guys” in Texas is like wearing cowboy boots to the beach—it just doesn’t fit.
Switch to “y’all” before someone starts questioning your life choices.
3. Calling It “Pee-Can”

If you call it a “pee-can,” don’t be surprised if you get some side-eye.
In Texas, it’s “puh-kahn,” and yes, we take that very seriously.
4. Describing Distance in Miles, Not Time
Telling a Texan something is “30 miles away” means nothing—we need to know how many hours the drive will take.
Around here, it’s all about time, not distance.
5. Putting Beans in Chili

Putting beans in chili is basically a crime in Texas.
If you suggest it, prepare for a very passionate lecture about what “real chili” actually is.
6. They’ve Never Heard of H-E-B
If someone asks, “What’s H-E-B?” you’ll know they’re not from Texas.
It’s more than a grocery store—it’s practically a way of life.
7. Driving 60 MPH in the Left Lane

Cruising at 60 in the left lane is a surefire way to annoy every Texan on the highway.
And thinking 75 is fast? Bless your heart.
8. Saying “Pop” or “Soda” Instead of “Coke”
Asking for a “pop” or “soda” in Texas will earn you some confused looks.
Here, everything’s a “Coke,” and yes, that includes Sprite.
9. Disliking Whataburger

Saying you don’t like Whataburger in Texas is practically grounds for exile.
Asking for an In-N-Out? Well, bless your misguided soul.
10. Not Knowing What Big Red Is
If you’ve never heard of Big Red, we’re going to assume you’re not from around here.
This creamy red soda is basically Texas in a bottle.
11. Thinking Barbecue Is Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Calling hamburgers and hot dogs “barbecue” in Texas might just break a pitmaster’s heart.
Real BBQ means brisket, ribs, and sausage—slow-smoked and full of flavor.
12. Misunderstanding “Bless Your Heart”
If you think “bless your heart” is always sweet, you’ve clearly never met a Texan.
Sometimes it’s sympathy, but most of the time, it’s Southern for “you poor thing.”
13. Hating Spicy Food

If you think jalapeños are too spicy, you might not make it in Texas.
Around here, we put hot sauce on everything, including our breakfast tacos.
14. They Don’t Wave Back When You Pass Them on the Road
In Texas, not waving back when someone passes you on a country road is basically a cardinal sin.
It’s the unspoken rule of the two-finger steering wheel wave—don’t break it.
15. Wearing Cowboy Boots with Pleated Khakis

Cowboy boots with pleated khakis? That’s a no from Texas.
Stick to jeans or leave the boots at home.
16. Not Knowing What Buc-ee’s Is
If you’ve never heard of Buc-ee’s—or worse, call it “Boo-sees”—we need to talk.
It’s not just a gas station, it’s a Texas road trip rite of passage.
17. Saying “Queso” Is Just Cheese Dip

Calling queso “just cheese dip” is downright offensive in Texas.
It’s a Tex-Mex masterpiece, and yes, we’ll happily eat it by the gallon.
18. Not Opening Doors for Others
In Texas, holding the door open isn’t optional—it’s just good manners.
If you let it slam behind you, don’t be surprised if someone mutters, “Weren’t raised right, were you?”
19. Laughing at “Deep in the Heart of Texas”

Laughing at “Deep in the Heart of Texas” is a rookie mistake.
Real Texans know it’s mandatory to clap along, no matter where you are.
20. Being Vegan
Being vegan in Texas is already tricky, but saying no to BBQ or Tex-Mex?
That’s how you really break a Texan’s heart.
21. Ordering Unsweet Tea

Asking for unsweet tea in Texas might get you a raised eyebrow.
Around here, sweet tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a tradition.
22. Thinking Steak Sauce Belongs on Steak
Asking for steak sauce in Texas is like admitting you don’t trust the grill master.
A perfectly cooked steak doesn’t need anything but a fork and your appetite.
23. Not Wearing a Jacket at 60°F

If you’re walking around jacket-less at 60°F, Texans will think you’re part polar bear.
Around here, that’s parka weather.
24. Thinking Texans Ride Horses Everywhere
If you think Texans ride horses everywhere, you’ve watched too many Westerns.
Sure, we love our horses, but most of us are stuck in traffic just like everyone else.
25. Not Knowing About Kolaches

If you don’t know what a kolache is, you’re missing out on a Texan breakfast classic.
Pro tip: the best ones are usually found at donut shops.
26. Misunderstanding Tex-Mex
Confusing Tex-Mex with traditional Mexican food is a rookie mistake.
Tex-Mex is its own glorious category—think queso, fajitas, and enchiladas smothered in chili gravy.
27. Being Rude

Being rude in Texas is like showing up to a BBQ without bringing sides—it’s just not done.
Around here, friendliness is practically a state law.
28. Not Understanding Why Texans Are So Proud
If you don’t get why Texans are so proud, you’ve clearly never been here.
From Whataburger to wide-open skies, there’s just a lot to love about the Lone Star State.
29. Disrespecting the Texas Flag

Messing up the Texas flag—whether you’re flying it upside down or showing it no respect—is a big no-no.
Texans take their Lone Star pride very seriously.
30. Complaining About Big Trucks Everywhere
If you’re complaining about all the big trucks, you’re probably not from Texas.
Here, trucks aren’t just vehicles—they’re a way of life.
31. They’re from California

Rolling into Texas with California plates is like announcing, “I’m not from around here.”
Don’t worry, though—just swap your In-N-Out for Whataburger and you’ll fit in fine.
32. Thinking Texans Have Real Seasons
If you think Texas has real seasons, bless your heart.
It’s either hot, really hot, or “grab a jacket in the morning and regret it by noon.”
33. Misusing “Fixin’ To” or “Over Yonder”

If you think “fixin’ to” means grabbing a toolbox, you’re definitely not from Texas.
Same goes for “over yonder”—it’s a perfectly clear direction if you’re fluent in Texan.
34. Saying “Taco Bell Has the Best Tacos”
Claiming Taco Bell has the best tacos in Texas is downright blasphemy.
With legit Tex-Mex joints on every corner, that’s a statement you’ll regret.
35. Saying “Dr. Pepper? Who’s That?”

Asking “Who’s Dr. Pepper?” in Texas is like asking who Willie Nelson is.
This fizzy legend was born here, and it’s basically the state drink.
36. Thinking a City-to-City Drive Is a Day Trip
Calling a drive between cities a “day trip” might make a Texan chuckle.
Around here, a few hours on the road is just the price of living in a big state.
37. Being Shocked by the Heat

If the Texas heat leaves you speechless, you’re probably not from here.
Texans just shrug, crank the A/C, and keep going.
38. Wearing Shorts in Winter
If you’re rocking shorts in winter, Texans will think you’re out of your mind.
Down here, 60°F means it’s time for boots and puffy jackets.