Words are powerful things. They have been known to build a city and demolish a country. They are also what separates one region of a country from another as well as one state from another. In some places they have also been known to separate one city from another in the same state. South Carolina definitely has its own brand of vocabulary. Many have said they need a translation book to determine what we are saying at times. Well, let's just say this is a small start to that book! Here are 22 things people from South Carolina say:

1. Gamecock or Clemson Country

Depending on who you speak with they will tell you that this is either one or the other. There is a definite divide in the state!

2. Fish Fry

Meaning this is going to be a good time with family and friends that includes fresh fried fish and all the good stuff that goes along with it.

3. Pig Pickin'

The best time you will have! It is literally a whole hog that has been barbecued and you pick off the meat. Everyone who knows everyone comes together, brings side dishes, and most of the time there is live music by people you know.

4. Frogmore Stew

Depending on who you talk to about this it can also be called Beaufort Stew and Lowcountry Boil. It contains ears of corn, shrimp, sausage, potatoes. It may also contain clams and/or crab legs. Note: This is not a stew in the sense that you need a spoon. It's all hands on!

5. Happier than a pig in mud...

What this means is that you or whomever you are speaking about is extremely happy.

6. Crank

It means to turn the car on. Old habits are hard to break...

7. If the Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise.

I have heard this my entire life and what it means is that the person will do what they say they are going to do if nothing extreme happens to stop them.

8. Over yonder

It could mean anything from an hour or two away or not...It is kind of confusing, but just be ready to go for a ride.

9. Coke

It means that the drink you choose could range from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola products including Coca-Cola. It's just the way it is. No, it is not the correct term, but I can't imagine it changing.

10. 'Shine

It is moonshine although you won't hear that term often. Moonshine is a pure corn liquor that is made in small batches. Note: This does not include the product that you can buy at an ABC store. That is not considered "real" moonshine in South Carolina.

11. Cut

We 'cut' lights on and then 'cut' them off here. That would normally mean to switch them on and then switch them off.

12. Blister your hide

You have it right. It means to spank. However, it is mostly used as an empty threat by mothers who have pulled out most of their hair in exasperation.

13. Ugly

It doesn't mean you are ugly in the physical sense. It means that your attitude or what you have said is not correct. This is usually why you have been threatened with, "I'm going to blister your hide."

14. Sweetie/Darlin'

This is your name. Not that we don't know it because you have probably told us, but this is just easier and, as I said before, old habits are hard to break.

15. Bless Your Heart

It is a phrase that is said often and 50% of the time it is not an endearment.

16. Carry

If you hear this in the sentence, "Can you carry me to the store?" or "I'm going to carry them to the store and I'll be right back." It means that they are going to go in a vehicle to the store. It does not mean that they are going to physically pick them up.

17. Chunk

No, not the candy bar. It means to throw the object in question.

18. Younguns

Specifically it means children however, I have heard the older generation call people in their 20's and 30's 'younguns' as well. It depends on your perspective.

19. The South

This is specific. It means North Carolina, South Carolina, and sometimes Georgia, but NEVER Florida (too many 'transplants have moved there). It also does not count any other state that is considered part of the southern states.

20. Down the road a bit...

A kissing cousin to 'over younder', but noticeably a shorter distance.

21. Carolina

Refers to South Carolina. South Carolinians call North Carolina by its full name.

22. Y'all

It means two or more people as in 'you all'.

Okay, so now that you have had a crash course in the most popular words and phrases you will hear in South Carolina, it is time to have a little fun and use them yourself. Can you imagine the look on the person's face as you throw in one of these? But, if you are in South Carolina, it is nice to know how to relate to the natives! So, until next time y'all!

If you related to this, you'll probably also fit all these South Carolina stereotypes - whether you want to admit it or not.