Southern Belle Primer

1.  Euphemisms
According to Dictionary.com, euphemism is "the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt."  Here, in the South, no one every "dies".  They go to their eternal rest, they pass on, or they depart this life.  We have even heard "they fell out."

2. Cuisine
A true Southern Belle will use only real mayonnaise, and will put only white meat in chicken salad... dark meat is "tacky."  She will own at least one egg plate, and is an expert in making deviled eggs, pineapple upside down cake, baked beans, and of course grits, biscuits and gravy!  Green beans are served with every meal, and cabbage is a part of all casseroles and soups.

3.  It's "Tacky" 
If found chewing gum in public
Not having matching silverware
If you serve pink lemonade... (it has Communist overtones)
Potato salad is for construction workers...not ladies , however a modern belle will eat potato salad, but she doesn't put it on good china.

4. Double names
It doesn't seem to matter where you go in the south, the entire South seems to be married to one another.
The use of double names, usually given to honor both grandmothers, creates what some people call walking family trees.  Common names are Rebecca Ann, and Martha Jane.

5.  Word Choice:  As mentioned in number one, no Southern lady would ever utter a word that is harsh.  Here are the six basic words that are the heart and soul of any belle's vocabulary:

•  Lovely:  "She comes from a lovely family.  Her people are lovely."  Etc.

•  Precious:  A high complement.  "You are so precious to think of me." or "Where did you get that precious dress?"
  
•  Darlin':  Also a high complement, to be used along with precious for better emphasis.  "Your daughter is darlin' and she wears the most precious clothes."  or "What a precious idea. It will make the most darling' project."
  
• Cute:  Not exactly a high compliment, but not a complete put-down either.
•  Sweet:  The kiss of death.
•  Nice:  The kiss of death with the coffin sealed.