Unwritten rules of Charleston

Whether you’re a Charleston native or a newcomer, there are just some things every Charlestonian understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share Charleston’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but the community undoubtedly follows them — and if you’re not from Charleston, these might be a little difficult to explain.

The unspoken rule everyone knows

• “You don’t have to pay the meter on Sundays!” — @charleston_food_spot
• “Don’t feed the seagulls!” – @holycityglass
• “Shop local. Support local. Eat local…” — @jeanneaeverett
• “Never walk in a puddle, it’s not rain.” — @heatherhajes
• “Don’t call it Daniel’s Island” - @everythingzensailing
• “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!” — Lori W.
• “It is not necessary to stock up on eggs and toilet paper if a storm is coming.” - Nanette J.
• “Northerners rejoice when the temps are in the 60’s, but locals use that as a signal to wear turtlenecks and UGG boots.” — Gayle B.
• “Nothing is pronounced the way it is spelled.” — Robb H.
• “Don’t play in the flood water on Market Street. It’s full of garbage and horse pee.” — @gingercat.crafts

We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting

• “Give yourself three hours if you are taking 526 to go anywhere.” — @ownyourpoweritsthere
• “Nobody uses their horn downtown. Why do you think it’s so quiet?” — @ccarmodymurphy
• “Always park within the road lines on Folly Beach if you’re not parking in the pay-to-park designated area to avoid tickets.” — @babytox_charleston
• “Keep moving when you’re getting on I-26 from Coming Street!” — Mae M.
• “Don’t leave or return to Johns Island between 6:45-9:15 a.m., or 4-6 p.m.” — T M.
• “We don’t honk! Especially as soon as the light turns green… take a breath, don’t honk your horn!” — Dan S.
• “Leave downtown before 2 p.m. on a weekday or you’ll be stuck in traffic for an hour if you’re going to Summerville.” — @rustybrown70
• “Don’t run the first red light at Rutledge and Sheppard.” — @maddystarkiller

Photo by @owen_granata

CHStoday’s pro tips

• “Bless your heart” is a Southern expression that has many meanings! And one is not always a compliment. " — Sandy S.
• “Just like in a shower, humidity holds in the heat. It also holds in the cold. For example, 65 degrees in the northeast doesn’t feel the same in Charleston...feels colder maybe because we are used to the heat?” — Lori W.
• “When roads are flooded downtown, please do not drive your vehicle creating waves. You are damaging people’s landscape + homes. Please be mindful and respectful.” — Tory A.
• Don’t wear heels downtown.” — @boynton.sara
• “Don’t wear flip-flops downtown.” — @mpeacockmedia
• “The only acceptable footwear for downtown is some sort of sneaker or flat. If you want to wear something with height and don’t plan on walking far, wedges work ok but be prepared to fight for your ankle’s life.” — @missyisthepooh

We remember when…

• “The Chick-fil-A on Johnnie Dodds is “the old Chick-fil-A”, and the Target on King Street will always be Saks Fifth Av

We’re kind to our neighbors

• “Nod or say good mornin’ when passing on the sidewalk” — @charlestonjoan
• “Hold doors for people. Smiles and say hello and do not be rude.” — @crabbydoodle
• “Say ‘thank you’” - @cindyedwardspotes

Sometimes you just have to laugh

• “Biggest one is if you’re a local you have to tell everybody you’re a local by complaining about those who aren’t local.” — @soldbybott
• “Don’t drive on the walking path of the Ravenel unless you want to be famous.” — @juicedfuel

What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know.