Houston etiquette questions update post 53

[Debbie7452]

I found the make up conversation to be somewhat comical...I mean, I'm pretty sure there's a LOT of make up wearing females in Southern California (has anyone seen "Real Housewives of Orange County?", LOL!)

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I live north of Houston and grew up "in town". In my neck of the woods we pronounce the H, are very friendly, and are proud of Texas, which USED to be its own country way back when. Also, we know to have an umbrella handy in March...it rains a lot. Be prepared for some crazy drivers and bad traffic...

Welcome to Houston, in advance!!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

I hope that you have a nice trip and that you are able to relax a bit after reading some of the advice here.

I have no idea why you would need to wear a dress. How on earth would you ride your horse to the saloon?

Side saddle of course.

I do agree that most adult women that I know wear makeup for work and social events, but I had no idea that was a Texas thing. I don't think that anyone will care if you are wearing makeup or not though.

As for the hat, I wouldn't suggest fleece because of the heat and humidity. Regardless, ladies don't remove their hats indoors. Again, I don't think that is a Texas thing.

Thanks for the advice

I seriously doubt someone is going to try to bait you into saying something that would make you appear rude. Why would your relatives do that?

That's a good question. I should ask certain relatives that very question

Texas is a large, diverse state and Houston is the 4th largest city in the country. It really isn't like it is a foreign country. Go and have fun, try not not pre-judge the "natives". We are actually quite friendly!

I am trying to go in with an open mind and trying not to pre-judge. As I said before, I don’t know much about Texas, or the South, so I want to be prepared and learn as much as I can. I like learning about people and their cultures (or at least, the differences and similarities between myself and them). I find it so interesting. Plus I feel better the more I know.

Speaking of knowledge, I was not aware that Houston was the 4th largest city in the U.S. That’s amazing.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

I found the make up conversation to be somewhat comical...I mean, I'm pretty sure there's a LOT of make up wearing females in Southern California (has anyone seen "Real Housewives of Orange County?", LOL!)

Oh yes, I’m quite the anomaly here. I’ve gotten into quite a few “discussions” with friends about how I could possibly leave my house “naked.” Of course, then they proceed to tell me “not that you need it”

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I live north of Houston and grew up "in town". In my neck of the woods we pronounce the H, are very friendly, and are proud of Texas, which USED to be its own country way back when.

If this thread is any indication, the people of Texas are very friendly and helpful

Also, we know to have an umbrella handy in March...it rains a lot. Be prepared for some crazy drivers and bad traffic...

Really? It might rain? Cool! I love the rain! (another anomaly lol)
I will also be sure to be aware of bad drivers. (there are plenty of them around here too)

Welcome to Houston, in advance!!

Thank you!

 

[descovy]

I live in Houston (have since 1999)

First of all we DO say the H... unless you are in a suburb called Humble (there, the H is silent... um*ble)

Talk like you talk... don't pretend to have a Texas accent. My aunt does this and drives me crazy. Don't say y'all, if you don't usually say y'all.

The only thing I have learned is if you say "pop" you will stop conversation in it's tracks. Soda, cola, coke, will all go un-noticed... but say pop and you WILL stop conversation (don't know why???)

And big of all... RARE to find many people in HOUSTON who are actually from Houston. So many people are from EVERYWHERE! Many different cultures and nationalities... even Americans are from around the country. So whatever you say, whatever you wear will be fine.

Make-up... I wouldn't worry over a visit. I did learn when we moved here and I got a job as a bank teller. I thought I dressed the part, but was taken aside by my bank manager (branch full of women) and was instructed MORE make up, and a higher heel would be appropriate. I moved from Montana... thought I was dressy enough... but I never look "polished." It's funny now, because when I go home for weddings and such, I find myself "over-dressed" so I must have over-compensated in my 11 years here.

Bring a sweater. In March it could be hot or cold... but if nothing else, you'll want it in the A/C...

Have fun... again so few people anymore are "from" Houston.... many many of us from "elsewhere" so you will fit right in just being you.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

As for the other things you should know, only one springs instantly to mind: the name of the city is Houston, and you don't pronounce the H -- it's pronounced U-STUN, accent on the first syllable. (They won't lynch you if you say it wrong, but they will appreciate it if you say it correctly.)

um..I'm born and raised in TX and have never heard anyone pronounce it that way Everyone pronounces it "hue-ston".

 

[AustinTink]

As a native Texan, I have to say some of these questions and responses totally crack me up. Especially the "H" in Houston debate. In my entire life I've never heard anyone say You-ston. It reminds me of the movie My Cousin Vinny and the "two youts".

 

[Aimeedyan]

I find it amusing that someone suggested the H in Houston isn't pronounced. Where the heck did that come from?

 

[Planogirl]

I pronounce "you" and "u" exactly the same. I pronounce the letter itself I guess.

It's "you stun" to me.

 

[gm]

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I got this one! (Not that it will make much sense. )

I knew a bunch of Kuykendahls and I grew up in a completely different part of Texas. They also pronounced it KIRK-en-doll. The family had been in Texas since the mid-1800s and they'd said it that way at least since then. I believe it goes back to what I refer to as "say it fast enough and you'll swear you heard an R." Whether you say the Kuy part as Kai or something similar, if you run that together with en-doll enough times, it does begin to sound as if there is a soft R in there. But Texans don't like soft Rs, so we must have just made it more emphatic over the years. And if you say it with a drawl, you hear the nonexistent, but implied R even MORE.

At any rate, when even the Kuykendahls call themselves KIRK-en-dolls, I have to say that's good enough for me.

And yes, Humble is Umble.

I still live on Kuykendahl we pronounce is Kurk Ken Dull. Dh works in Humble we and it pronounce Umble. Such a small world. wow!!! our street on the DIS

 

[mom2rb]

I don't say the H in Houston. My friends make fun of me and we were all born here. When I first saw it on this thread, I got all happy thinking maybe I was right. Now it seems I am out voted again.

 

[KramBerries]

Another Houstonian (or various nearby suburbs) here. I and everyone I know pronounces the "H" in Houston but not in Humble. I live about 2 miles from Kuykendahl and always hear it pronounced "ker ken dall."

Houston is not the deep south. It has flavors of it, but it is a blend of deep south, western, Hispanic, and even Midwestern cultures. It was a pretty small city before AC was invented. With AC and the oil boom, people from all over the country have settled here and it shows in the cultural mix.

Don't worry about makeup. My wife only wears makeup to the most formal of occasions and then not much. She's in the minority, but it's a relatively large minority.

Houston is more cosmopolitan than most people think. Yes, it is in a state in which all statewide offices are held by Republicans. On the other hand, it's recently term limited mayor is now running as a Democrat for the US Senate. It's current mayor is openly lesbian.

Houston is an openly friendly city. As you walk down the street, strangers will make eye contact, give a polite head nod, and often say some form of "Hi", "Hello", or "Howdy". Yes, people really do say "Howdy" here.

While it is overall a very friendly city, you should be warned about driving here. Like I suspect happens in any congested city, people are less than polite on the freeways. The nicest, church going old ladies often become maniacs on the road. Signaling a lane change is often seen as a challenge that must not be suffered. People with plenty of room in front of them will speed up to block you from getting in.

The contrast with driving in Oklahoma City (a much smaller but culturally similar city) is extraordinary. In OKC, they get traffic jams at four way stops because everyone is trying to let everyone else go first. In Houston, everyone assumes the right of way is theirs.

Don't be off put by people referring to you as "ma'am" or "miss." It's not as common, but it is a relatively common form of address here.

As for the weather, March is extremely variable. We occasionally get freezing nighttime temperatures in March. We sometimes get highs in the upper 80s. Humidity is the one thing that you can count on.

 

[4greatboys]

I have heard Houston pronounced How ston before but not by anyone who lives in Texas. I think that is a northern thing.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Thank you everyone who responded and tried to calm my fears.

The birthday party was, in a word, HUGE. I wouldn’t be surprised if some other people from the disboards were there. Anyone celebrate with the Reichardts on Saturday?

As with any trip, we had some unexpected problems, like the machine at the airport holding us hostage But the trip was nice and I got to meet 5 relatives I’d never met before. Now I just have to catch up on my sleep… and homework

Thanks everyone!

 

[OK!]

Glad you had fun!!

And for what it's worth, my boss, who lives in Dallas and is a native Texan, never pronounces the H in Houston. Yes, I asked her to say it for me. I actually heard her say it during a conference call a couple of weeks ago and meant to come find this thread and report this valuable info, but got sidetracked and forgot.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I find it amusing that someone suggested the H in Houston isn't pronounced. Where the heck did that come from?

I hear many people around here pronounce it that way.

Thank you everyone who responded and tried to calm my fears.

The birthday party was, in a word, HUGE. I wouldn’t be surprised if some other people from the disboards were there. Anyone celebrate with the Reichardts on Saturday?

As with any trip, we had some unexpected problems, like the machine at the airport holding us hostage But the trip was nice and I got to meet 5 relatives I’d never met before. Now I just have to catch up on my sleep… and homework

Thanks everyone!

Glad you had a good trip.