Would Virginia Really Qualify As The "Deep South"?

I named my Blog "Deep South Sass"-- if you didn't already know what you're reading, now you do! (so subscribe!)
I already explained the Sass part…
But what about the "Deep South"?

Geographically, Virginia is not located in the deep south… we're more like the Upper South, or Middle East Coast...
Exhibit A:

But… when you LIVE in the South the meaning of "Deep South" has nothing to do with Geography.

Its more of a way of life.

To live in the "Deep South" means:

"Where things most often thought of as 'Southern' exist in their most concentrated form." -Wikipedia (credible, I know)

 So… I guess I should identify what things are affiliated with being "Southern".
Ok. No Problem.
(Google. Google. Goooogle. Eugooglizer… haha Zoolander!)

Getting back on track...
According to a Daily Courier article "What makes us Southern", the answer is:

Dialect: We have all heard a Southern Accent. But… there is Southern and then there is Suuutherrrnnnn. It ranges from a cute little twang... to downright unrecognizable English.

Southern Slang Dictionary:

(for real life examples check out this video... and this one )

Monogram- Your initials put on EVERYTHING so you can tell you and 

your roommates clothes apart.

Y'all- A large or small group of people. Or just vague generalization.

Shiiiiiit- The Southern version of a 4-letter expletive --- 

the longer the "i" lasts the more severe the situation.

"Let me tell you something..."- I am about to tell you why you're wrong and I'm right. 

Don't argue. Just shut up and listen.

Puddin'- A term of endearment. Sometimes in a sarcastic manner. 

(See also: goober, sugar, sweetie pie, honeybunch, buttercup. etc.)

Food: Must love Sweet Tea. Fried Chicken. Fried anything, really. Hush Puppies. and apparently Grits. (although the last is debatable)

Hunting & Fishing: Anything that gives men any excuse to carry a gun and dress in camo.

Large Family Gatherings: While not everyone is The Brady Bunch… there is definitely a closeness that comes with a Southern family. (cue West Virginia incest jokes...) NOT WHAT I MEANT!
It feels like "Southern Style" families make more time for each other.

Hospitality: I have seen the less than hospitable side of the South but I guarantee every Southerner thinks they are the "sweetest" person they know. They tend to be a little ignorant to any "less than friendly" acts they perpetrate.
As if saying "Bless Her Heart" makes your snotty remark acceptable. And warning: Nothing nice comes after "No Offense, but..."... They pretty much just told you what comes next is going to offend you.

Traditions: Can't argue with this one. From weddings to holidays, the south is full of traditions. Heaven forbid we celebrate Christmas without a boatload of my late Grandmother's famous Twist Rolls.

Manners: We may curse your ass out… but at the end, when we are done, you are sure as hell gonna hear a "Thank You". Our manners follow us to the end of the earth.

I had a professor in college who refused to EVER walk in the door before a woman-- he insisted on holding the door for you. I actually think he would hold it all day if you made him (but no one would do that… the man is the spitting image of Santa Claus dressed in a Seersucker suit straight off the professor from The Water Boy) 

 And don't you dare forget to send a Thank You Note... in my family that was a real quick way to get on the list of ungrateful little shits who get written out of the will.

In the end...

"Simply put, we value tradition, manners and our families.
The South — wherever it may be — is a place of good living, pleasant people, abundant dinners and beautiful drives. Southern life is about family, friends and making the most out of life no matter how humble it may be."  -ALYSSA MULLIGER 

With Love, 
J.