5 Very Texas Things That Are Confusing To Outsiders

Lubbock, Texas and surrounding towns have thier quirks.

Background

I actually moved to Brownfield, Texas as a teenager in the late 70's. Yes, I was at that age where I though I knew everything, then moved to a town where somethings were very alien. Not only did the people "talk funny" they used expressions and did things that were a little hard to figure out. I'm sure many of these things are still in play today, so keep in mind, many of these things, are "not a thing" outside of the Lone Start State.

Going To Get A Coke

This saying is usually referring to going out for any kind of soft drink, snack, ice cream or whatever, and has nothing to do with Coca Cola. In the broader sense it was just shorthand for telling your parents you were leaving the house.

Trompin' Cotton

Let's not forget that technology has come a long way, but not that long ago farmers would hire kids (mostly) to "tromp cotton".  Cotton would be harvested and dumped into large trailers, it was the workers job to actually stomp the cotton down so the farmer could fit more in the load.

The Windbreaks

This one isn't as obvious as it sounds. Around these parts, many farmers, ranchers, and more than a few rural homeowners would plant a line of trees to keep the wind/dust from directly impacting thier property. These "windbreaks" were frequently used as part of directions, as in, "They live two houses past the windbreaks".

Goin' Parkin'

Hold on, things, and the windows are about to get steamy around here. When people took their car and drove out to some secluded place to make out, it was called, "Goin' Parkin'.

Barbeque Sandwich

You can laugh all you want at this one, but a "barbeque sandwich" is not what most people outside of this area envision when they hear the term. If these two words are used together, you are most likely getting chopped barbequed beef brisket drenched in barbeque sauce.  We have broadened the use of this term to included slightly drier variations, but trust me when I tell you, "barbeque sandwiches" aren't found everywhere.