Oklahoma is a fantastic place to call home. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, or you’ve only called the Sooner State home for a few years, there are certain things you can relate to. Take a look at the 13 weird side effects everyone experiences from living in Oklahoma.
- It’s engrained in your DNA to automatically smile or wave at anyone.
Aidan Jones/Flickr You can’t help it, it’s just how you were raised.
- You’re not afraid of severe weather…that is, until you see strong rotation.
Lane Pearman/Flickr There’s nothing like a good Oklahoma thunderstorm. But there’s also nothing good about an Oklahoma tornado.
- You think everything should be deep fried.
Lauren/Flickr That’s because everything is better fried.
- Without fail, you call in sick to work at least once during the state fair.
Care_SMC/Flickr We’re still not sure why the fair is not an official state holiday.
- You still schedule yearly vacations to Dallas or Branson.
Luis Tamayo/Flickr Hey, if it’s out of Oklahoma, it’s called a vacation!
- Illogical street and town names don’t phase you.
Kool Cats Photography over 15 million views/Flickr You get use to seeing towns with names like IXL and streets called Flaming Lips.
- Neither do strange roadside attractions.
Chuck Coker/Flicker From a big blue whale to the world’s largest peanut, we’re accustomed to odd ball attractions.
- You give directions in time instead of miles.
Marc Carlson/Flickr And your directions usually include Quiktrip as a point of reference. For example, “Go past the Quiktrip on Main Street about 5 minutes and then take a left.”
- Manners are important to you.
Stephanie Flores/Flickr It’s not difficult to say please and thank you.
- You’re always prepared for hot and cold weather in the same day.
Larry Jacobsen/Flickr You know how unpredictable Oklahoma weather can be.
- You always have essential items on hand.
Melissa Hillier/Flickr Whether it’s bug spray or sunscreen, you know how imperative it is to have these items around.
- You have an interesting sense of humor.
Brandy/Flickr Maybe it has to do with living in a landlocked state, but your sense of humor isn’t always understood.
- Deep down you love the fact that you were raised in Oklahoma with good values and a loving community.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr It doesn’t matter what other people think, because you appreciate this great state!
What other weird side effects from growing up in Oklahoma would you add to this list?
Aidan Jones/Flickr
You can’t help it, it’s just how you were raised.
Lane Pearman/Flickr
There’s nothing like a good Oklahoma thunderstorm. But there’s also nothing good about an Oklahoma tornado.
Lauren/Flickr
That’s because everything is better fried.
Care_SMC/Flickr
We’re still not sure why the fair is not an official state holiday.
Luis Tamayo/Flickr
Hey, if it’s out of Oklahoma, it’s called a vacation!
Kool Cats Photography over 15 million views/Flickr
You get use to seeing towns with names like IXL and streets called Flaming Lips.
Chuck Coker/Flicker
From a big blue whale to the world’s largest peanut, we’re accustomed to odd ball attractions.
Marc Carlson/Flickr
And your directions usually include Quiktrip as a point of reference. For example, “Go past the Quiktrip on Main Street about 5 minutes and then take a left.”
Stephanie Flores/Flickr
It’s not difficult to say please and thank you.
Larry Jacobsen/Flickr
You know how unpredictable Oklahoma weather can be.
Melissa Hillier/Flickr
Whether it’s bug spray or sunscreen, you know how imperative it is to have these items around.
Brandy/Flickr
Maybe it has to do with living in a landlocked state, but your sense of humor isn’t always understood.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
It doesn’t matter what other people think, because you appreciate this great state!
Living in Oklahoma sure can ruin your life. Take a look at 13 reasons why Oklahoma is just the worst.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Growing Up in Oklahoma August 10, 2022 Tori Jane What is the ethnic makeup of Oklahoma residents? According to the 2020 census, Oklahoma is becoming more diverse and inclusive, which is something we love to see! White folks still account for a majority of the population at 61.6%, but Oklahoma also has the second-largest population of Native American folks in the country, at 9.4% (Alaska has the first-largest population of Native American residents). Oklahoma’s population is also 12.4% black and 18.7% Hispanic. The population of the Sooner State has been steadily increasing over the last few decades, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for Oklahoma and all its residents. What is life in Oklahoma like? Life in Oklahoma is unique and peaceful. The population of the entire state is just over 3.9 million people, which isn’t a lot when you consider some single cities in other states have at least half of that alone! If you’re a fan of endless plains and fields of swaying wheat, you’ll love it here. If you’re a fan of fascinating and sometimes severe weather, you’ll adore Oklahoma. Some of the worst storms in Oklahoma history have also been, strangely, the most beautiful, and if you hear tornado sirens, you can rest assured all your neighbors are outside looking up to witness the spectacle. Oklahoma is a hub of arts and culture, and some of the best museums in Oklahoma are always calling your name. There are some truly amazing scenic drives in Oklahoma, too, that showcase the beauty of this little place. What are some Oklahoma stereotypes that exist? Oh, boy, where to begin? There are lots of stereotypes about Oklahoma, much like anywhere else, though our stereotypes do seem to be more persistent across the rest of the country. Well, let’s set the record straight: not everyone here drives a pick-up truck or owns a tractor. None of us think our tractors are sexy (that’s a song, don’t @ us). Not everyone here wears cowboy hats everywhere, and most Sooners have never even seen a tornado. The state is so much more than just boring, endless plains, and Oklahoma is by no means a boring “flyover” state. These rumors really ought to be put to rest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Growing Up in Oklahoma
August 10, 2022
Tori Jane
What is the ethnic makeup of Oklahoma residents? According to the 2020 census, Oklahoma is becoming more diverse and inclusive, which is something we love to see! White folks still account for a majority of the population at 61.6%, but Oklahoma also has the second-largest population of Native American folks in the country, at 9.4% (Alaska has the first-largest population of Native American residents). Oklahoma’s population is also 12.4% black and 18.7% Hispanic. The population of the Sooner State has been steadily increasing over the last few decades, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for Oklahoma and all its residents. What is life in Oklahoma like? Life in Oklahoma is unique and peaceful. The population of the entire state is just over 3.9 million people, which isn’t a lot when you consider some single cities in other states have at least half of that alone! If you’re a fan of endless plains and fields of swaying wheat, you’ll love it here. If you’re a fan of fascinating and sometimes severe weather, you’ll adore Oklahoma. Some of the worst storms in Oklahoma history have also been, strangely, the most beautiful, and if you hear tornado sirens, you can rest assured all your neighbors are outside looking up to witness the spectacle. Oklahoma is a hub of arts and culture, and some of the best museums in Oklahoma are always calling your name. There are some truly amazing scenic drives in Oklahoma, too, that showcase the beauty of this little place. What are some Oklahoma stereotypes that exist? Oh, boy, where to begin? There are lots of stereotypes about Oklahoma, much like anywhere else, though our stereotypes do seem to be more persistent across the rest of the country. Well, let’s set the record straight: not everyone here drives a pick-up truck or owns a tractor. None of us think our tractors are sexy (that’s a song, don’t @ us). Not everyone here wears cowboy hats everywhere, and most Sooners have never even seen a tornado. The state is so much more than just boring, endless plains, and Oklahoma is by no means a boring “flyover” state. These rumors really ought to be put to rest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
According to the 2020 census, Oklahoma is becoming more diverse and inclusive, which is something we love to see! White folks still account for a majority of the population at 61.6%, but Oklahoma also has the second-largest population of Native American folks in the country, at 9.4% (Alaska has the first-largest population of Native American residents). Oklahoma’s population is also 12.4% black and 18.7% Hispanic. The population of the Sooner State has been steadily increasing over the last few decades, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for Oklahoma and all its residents.
What is life in Oklahoma like?
Life in Oklahoma is unique and peaceful. The population of the entire state is just over 3.9 million people, which isn’t a lot when you consider some single cities in other states have at least half of that alone! If you’re a fan of endless plains and fields of swaying wheat, you’ll love it here. If you’re a fan of fascinating and sometimes severe weather, you’ll adore Oklahoma. Some of the worst storms in Oklahoma history have also been, strangely, the most beautiful, and if you hear tornado sirens, you can rest assured all your neighbors are outside looking up to witness the spectacle. Oklahoma is a hub of arts and culture, and some of the best museums in Oklahoma are always calling your name. There are some truly amazing scenic drives in Oklahoma, too, that showcase the beauty of this little place.
What are some Oklahoma stereotypes that exist?
Oh, boy, where to begin? There are lots of stereotypes about Oklahoma, much like anywhere else, though our stereotypes do seem to be more persistent across the rest of the country. Well, let’s set the record straight: not everyone here drives a pick-up truck or owns a tractor. None of us think our tractors are sexy (that’s a song, don’t @ us). Not everyone here wears cowboy hats everywhere, and most Sooners have never even seen a tornado. The state is so much more than just boring, endless plains, and Oklahoma is by no means a boring “flyover” state. These rumors really ought to be put to rest.
