Until I left for college the first time, I hadn’t ever really put much thought into all the little nuances that are unique to people from St. Louis. Just like other cities, we have our lingo for the various highway systems, neighborhoods and counties.
We have the things we take pride in, things we laugh about and things we miss when we’re away from home.
While you don’t have to be from St. Louis to necessarily know about things like Cardinals baseball or the top-ranked St. Louis Zoo, there are certain things people just won’t understand unless they grew up in the STL.
If you’re a college student who can’t wait to come home and get your Ted Drewes fix, or someone who’s homesick for their hometown, here is a list to remind yourself of where you came from and what you can always come home to.
1. You're a Cardinals fan.
Fred Bird, Budweiser, and peanuts. What else do you need?
2. Ted Drewes is your favorite frozen custard.
Even if you've had better, you will NEVER admit it.
3. The question you get asked the most is "where did you go to high school?"
4. You have a high school class ring.
5. You're a Blues hockey fan.
6. You actually know what toasted ravioli is.
And always have to explain it to everyone else.
7. You either love or hate Imo's Pizza.
Chicago has deep dish, New York has their style, and we have the "square beyond compare".
8. You always get excited to go to the zoo, no matter how old you are.
It's free so what's not to love. And you'll always be a little bit bitter that San Diego is still #1.
9. It will forever be St. Louis Bread Company.
Everyone else may call it Panera, but you know the truth.
10. You're intimately acquainted with the bipolar weather and are always prepared for anything Mother Nature may throw your way.
11. You've celebrated St. Patrick's Day downtown at least once
From what you remember, it was great.
12. You grew up in Forest Park.
Prom pictures, Shakespeare in the Park and LouFest.
13. You weren't too heartbroken about the Rams moving back to L.A.
The "let's Ram it" video from 1986 was definitely a highlight though.
14. You tell jokes at Halloween instead of saying "Trick or Treat."
Apparently not everyone does this. Who knew?
15. Going to "the Lake" is a summer rite of passage.
Ozark's or Table Rock? Which one is your favorite?
16. Whether you admit it or not, you look forward to the Super Bowl every year just for the new Budweiser commercial.
Football is great and all but nothing beats puppies and Clydesdales.
17. For you, "the Hill" isn't a land form and "the Loop" isn't a shape.
18. You've experienced the St. Louis Mafia.
No matter where you go, you will either meet someone from St. Louis, see someone you know, or they will find you. You can’t escape.
