The unspoken rules of Austin, according to KXAN viewers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Whether you're a local or a newcomer, there are a few unspoken rules you should know about Austin.

Check out what KXAN viewers said were the unspoken rules of Austin.

"Keep Austin Weird"

"We love our city," a viewer commented.

"Be friendly to your neighbors, welcoming to newcomers, and generally chill and supportive when people do their own thing," another said.

"Leave your old ways behind. ATX isn’t perfect, but man it is really good if you take advantage of all it has to offer," one person chimed in.

"Make the best of it! Go find the beauty! Outskirts of Austin is where it all is!" another viewer said.

You'll see it on T-shirts and key chains, but "Keep Austin Weird" is more than a phrase. It's a mindset.

"Austin is ever-changing but the soul remains Weird," a viewer said.

"Yes, you can bring your dog."

Austin is commonly known for how pet-friendly places are.

"We love our pets!" one viewer said. Another agreed by saying, "Mutts adopted from the Austin Animal Center or local rescues are a status symbol."

Atmosphere

A few people commented on the relaxed atmosphere of the city.

"Nobody dresses up. Very casual," one person commented. Another agreed by saying, "It’s totally ok to dress casually and wear no make-up."

While the city is mostly casual dress, there are a few colors to stray away from.

"Don't wear Maroon!" a viewer said. "You have to hate Oklahoma," another added.

The reasoning behind the logic?

"UT is a way of life," one viewer said.

Continuing with the theme of pride, viewers continued to mention the unspoken rules for the food and culture of the city.

"We take pride in our local food and culture," a viewer said.

As for food, barbecue is often a popular choice; however, there are many options.

"Don’t ask where is the best bbq bc everybody will have differing opinions," a viewer commented. "If you want to know then you just need to go and try them for yourself. You are better asking where not to go."

If you're not from Austin, you may not truly understand the sarcasm behind some places recommended by locals. One example would be...

"The locals hang out at the Chili's on 45th & North Lamar," one viewer said.

Austin is also commonly known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" because of how many live music venues there are in the city.

It may go unspoken, but people know... "Live Music is Life," a viewer said.

Weather & water

"We only go outside in the summer if there's water," a viewer said.

"Experiencing a 'mild' summer? Get ready for the hot ones," another added.

However... there's hope.

"If you don’t like the weather wait 15 minutes," one viewer commented.

A big one for locals is...

"It’s Town Lake…." one viewer said.

But if you do call the lake (which is technically a reservoir) by another name (i.e. Lady Bird Lake), "DON’T swim," multiple viewers said.

"So gross when I see people in there!" another added.

The reasoning behind the rule can be found here or in the article below.

"You’re either a North Austin person or a South Austin person," one viewer commented. "Town Lake is basically the divide."

Pronunciations

Things are never as they seem, including how things in Austin are actually pronounced.

"Nothing is pronounced the way you think it is: Manchaca, Burnet, Guadalupe, Manor, etc etc," one viewer acknowledged.

"We mispronounce street names on purpose and get really annoying about it when confronted about it," another agreed.

"Menchaca (Manchaca) is pronounced Man-Shack," a viewer said. "Don't know why, just the way it is."

"Guadalupe is pronounced Guad or Guad-a-loop. The Drag is the section of Guad that runs between MLK and Dean Keaton," another viewer said, then added, "Loop 1 aka Mopac isn't a loop."

"Do not ever say you are driving on Loop 1," one person added.

Another person said, "Don't correct our pronunciation when it comes to road names. Also, if someone gives you directions that involve a highway name like "MoPac", don't expect to see that name on road signs."

"DON’T call it SoCo," a viewer commented in reference to South Congress.

Life is a highway...and then there's Interstate 35

"Want to be happy? Never drive on I35," one viewer said.

But if you do, "give yourself plenty of time to get there..." another viewer said.

"Don’t ask when construction will be finished on Mopac or I-35," a person added.

Common courtesy

"You always wave thank you to the person in the car who let you in the lane," a viewer said.

But if you do cut someone off, one viewer suggested still waving.

"Wave when you cut someone off and you’ll almost always be forgiven and get a wave back," they said.

Fighting over a spot?

"People settle parking spot dispute by playing rock paper scissors!" a viewer joked.

It might not be an unspoken rule, but it couldn't hurt.

One final tip. "Watch out for pedestrians and special care for the scooter kids," a viewer said.

Think we missed something? Let us know.