Things That Make Zero Sense to Outsiders (But Are Normal in Oklahoma)

There are things we do in Oklahoma that make perfect sense, until you try explaining them to someone from out of state. Then you realize how strange our “normal” really is.

For starters, we use turn signals as optional suggestions, but we’ll slam on the brakes for a turtle in the road without question.

We'll swerve for armadillos, too, even though hitting one is basically hitting a little armored tank.

Then there's the weather...

People from elsewhere don’t understand why we walk outside to “look at the tornado.”

Yes, it’s dangerous.
Yes, we should go to the cellar... But after you’ve lived here a while, you develop a sixth sense and a strange pride in judging storm clouds like a backyard meteorologist.

“That one’s got rotation, but it ain’t gonna drop. You can tell by the undertow.”

It's probably just low-hanging scud. 

We also leave our cars running in the parking lot when it’s 110 degrees out, depending on how quick the trip inside is. Not because we’re rich with oil money or selfishly forgetful, it's because we’re not climbing back into an oven. Consider it self-preservation.

And don’t get us started on the phrase “bless your heart.”

Outsiders think it’s sweet. Around here, it’s verbal camouflage. It might mean sympathy. It might mean “you’re too dumb to know better.” Context matters.

Another confusing bit: the way we give directions. “Oh, it's a few minutes up the road, turn where the Sonic used to be” is a real instruction. We navigate by landmarks that no longer exist in imprecise amounts of time instead of distance. You’re just supposed to know.

We cancel school for ice, not snow. We fry everything at the State Fair - even ranch dressing - and we’ll argue that Braum’s is a basic human right.

Oh, and football? That’s not a sport here. It’s a calendar, a religion, and a family feud all rolled into one. OU-Texas week practically counts as a holiday, even if you're just there for the trash talk.

None of this is odd if you’re from here.

Welcome to Oklahoma, where weird is just everyday life, and we like it that way.