It takes much more than a southern drawl to speak like a true southerner. And when you’re referring to Mississippi, there’s a whole slew of words and phrases needed to sound like a real native. So, if you "reckon" you’re up for it, check out our cheat sheet that’ll have you sounding like a real Mississippian before you know it.

1. Y'all

If you’re from the north "you guys" would be the norm, but here in the south we like shortcuts which is why somewhere along the way the two words "you" and "all" were put together creating the much used contraction.

2. Fixin' To

No, this phrase doesn’t mean that you are going to fix something. Instead, this term is used in place of "about to or going to." As in, "I’m fixin’ to get a glass of sweet tea."

3. Speaking of Sweet Tea...

Here in Mississippi we love our tea on ice and we love it sweet! This seems like such a simple concept but try ordering sweet tea in the north and you’ll be served a glass of piping hot tea along with sugar packets. Not the same you damn Yankees!

4. Coke

Think coke is the shortened name for Coca-Cola? Think again. In Mississippi we call ALL soft drinks coke. Sure this can be confusing…if you’re from the north, but here in the Magnolia State we like to make things simple and it doesn’t get much easier than one name for all of our favorite soft drinks.

5. Buggy

When stocking up on cases upon cases of all your favorite cokes you’ll need one of these. Still no idea what a buggy is? It’s a shopping cart, and living in Mississippi you’ll definitely be using one on one of your weekly trips to Wal-Mart.

6. Dinner

Sure the term dinner seems simple enough, but here in Mississippi nothing is as it seems. Don’t be surprised if you’re in the state and hear someone mentioning dinner at noon – that’s because dinner is actually used to refer to lunch.

7. Supper

So, if Mississippians refer to lunch as "dinner" then what do they call dinner? Good question. And the answer is easy, they call it "supper." Normally consisting of something covered in gravy or cooked in bacon grease, supper is THE meal of the day.

8. Quit Bein' Ugly

At first glance, this phrase seems extremely rude but if someone in Mississippi says this to you don’t fret. They’re not referring to your looks rather they’re letting you know to change your attitude because it’s, well, ugly.

9. Bless Your Heart

"Bless your heart" is usually used to show sympathy but can sometimes mean to stop being a baby and grow up – in the nicest way possible, of course.

10. Hail State

With Mississippi being home to the MSU Bulldogs, this phrase needs no explanation although it’s normally accompanied by tailgating and beer, lots and lots of beer.

From the "y’alls" to the "bless your hearts," the state really does have a language all its own. With such a colorful vocabulary, how could anyone not to love Mississippi?