Growing up in Louisville is great. You have all the benefits of small town life, while still being able to experience a big city. What you also get, though, are some pretty unusual side effects that you’ll never quite be able to shake.

1. You can correctly pronounce Louisville...
Alex Leung/flickr
There are a million different ways to say it, but the majority of Louisvillians agree that is it "Loo-uh-vul."
2. ...but you can’t pronounce Versailles.
City of Versailles/Versailles.ky.gov
Anytime anyone mentions this city near Lexington, they pronounce it "Ver-sails," instead of the French "Ver-sai." This happens all over Kentucky, though, so don’t feel bad.
3. You complain about gas prices regularly.
Jason Meredith/flickr
And you drive all around town looking for the cheapest price before you buy. It’s different at every gas station!
4. You have a sworn allegiance to a certain sports team.
Kerelin Molina/Wikimedia
UK or UofL, it doesn’t matter. You’ll be loyal to the one you choose until the day you die.
5. You love the Kentucky Derby...
Velo Steve/Wikimedia
But it probably also drives you crazy when the city shuts down for the week surrounding it.
6. ...and all of the events leading up to it.
7263255/flicker
Thunder Over Louisville, Chow Wagon, Pegasus Parade, the Kentucky Oaks – they’re all fun!
7. You regularly complain about bridge traffic.
Wade Morgan/flickr
It is the bane of Louisvillians’ existence. We get that those bridges are necessary, but does there have to always be so much traffic?!
8. You love a wide variety of foods.
jeffrey w/flickr
Louisville is world-famous for its Hot Brown from the Brown Hotel, but there are also a million other beloved foods to eat here, like fried chicken from Indi’s and pizza from Bearno’s (or Impellizzeri’s, or Garage Bar, or Butchertown Pizza Hall...), so we’re up for trying anything!
9. You can’t pass a stranded motorist on the side of the road without stopping to offer help.
Dan Nguyen/flickr
Whether it’s giving them a jump, helping change a tire, or calling an ambulance or AAA, Louisvillians almost always do their best to be there for others (even strangers) when they need it most.
10. Louisville will always be a part of you.
David Grant/flickr
No matter where you might move to, you’ll never forget that Louisville is your home. It might have its problems, but you’ll always love it anyway.

Do you experience any of these side effects from growing up in Louisville? Are there any others that you would add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles