Every part of the US has their own little sayings that make them unique. For the most part, Texans and midwesterners don't sound too different. I have noticed, however, a few key phrases that I never heard used before I moved to Texas.
1. "Crashed Out": To fall asleep immediately. I think it's common for someone to describe going to sleep as "crashing" but the addition of "out" was something new to me. I remember coming into work one day and my assistant asking why I was so tired; "Dr. Williams, did you crash out late?" Hahaha.
2. "I was all..." This is used as a replacement for the midwestern phrase "I was like...". For example: "I didn't understand why he was here so I was all 'Hey, what are you doing in Texas?'"
You have to listen carefully for this one but just about everyone I know in San Antonio uses it without even realizing it!
3. "Barely" Obviously I've used this word before but Texans (specifically people in Floresville) take it to a completely different level. "Barely" has to be one of the most (over) used words in local vocabulary. It's common in the following situations:
"I'm on my way but I'm just barely leaving."
"I just started working but I am barely starting the insurance."
"She said she was coming and then she barely showed up."
In some instances, I'm not even sure what it means. Does it mean the event happened or didn't happen? Did they show up or not show up? It's very confusing.
4. "Coming out" vs. "Coming in"-This is probably my favorite phrase related to dentistry. For my entire life I have referred to a newly erupting tooth as "coming in." Not here in Texas. Everything is "coming out."
"I'm 18 and I think my wisdom teeth are coming out."
"My baby is two and not all her teeth are coming out."
The first few times I heard it I thought they meant the teeth were literally falling out, not erupting normally. It doesn't even make sense; the teeth are coming IN to the mouth. Part of them always remains in the gum tissue so to say they are "coming out" is just illogical. Every time I hear a patient say it I respond with "COMING IN!" hoping they can pick up on the change.
Hahaha, love Texas!
