Ah, South Carolina—the Palmetto State. Where the tea is sweet, the summers are stickier than duct tape on a dashboard, and the phrase “bless your heart” might be a compliment… or a deeply Southern insult. From the sun-soaked beaches to BBQ debates that could end friendships, life in South Carolina is a perfect storm of charm, chaos, and humidity.
If you’ve ever spent an hour stuck in Myrtle Beach traffic, gotten eaten alive by gnats, or debated the proper sauce for pulled pork, you’ll probably see yourself in this list. Here are the 14 South Carolina-specific complaints we all love to make—because in the Palmetto State, complaining is practically a form of affection.
Humidity That Hits Like a Wet Blanket From Satan
It’s not just hot—it’s soul-stealing. That thick Southern humidity sticks to your skin like syrup, turning even the shortest walk into a sweat-drenched survival test.
Tourists Who Swarm the Coast Like It’s the Last Beach on Earth
Myrtle Beach in peak summer? Good luck. You’ll get traffic, sunburn, and more strangers than a Walmart on Black Friday—plus one overstuffed hotel pool.
Gnats That Treat Bug Spray Like Seasoning
No-see-ums? Oh, you’ll see—and feel—them. These tiny beasts laugh in the face of repellent and bite like they’ve got something to prove.
Out-of-Staters Butchering “Beaufort” and “Edisto”
Pro tip: It’s BYOO-furt, not BO-furt, and ED-uh-stow, not ED-is-toe. Mispronounce it, and a polite local will correct you—with a side of silent judgment.
The Great BBQ Debate That Will Tear Families Apart
Whether you love mustard-based, vinegar-based, or tomato-based sauce, you’d better pick a side and defend it like it’s your alma mater. BBQ pride runs deep here.
The Palmetto Moon Appearing on Literally Everything
If it exists, we’ve slapped a palmetto tree and crescent moon on it—shirts, cars, crocs, cakes, and yes, even tattoos.
Snow That Sends Everyone Into Full-Blown Panic
One snowflake and suddenly school’s out, bread’s sold out, and people are driving like they’ve never seen ice in their lives.
Fire Ants That Show No Mercy
Step in a mound once, and you’ll never forget it. These tiny terrorists bite with fury and leave you scratching for days.
Road Construction That’s Older Than Your Kids
Signs that say “Improving Since 2014” are just wishful thinking. Nothing moves slower than roadwork in South Carolina—except molasses in January.
Roundabouts Where the Rules Are… Suggestions
Yield? Signal? We prefer chaos. South Carolina drivers treat roundabouts like NASCAR warm-ups, minus the helmets.
Weather That Can’t Decide What Season It’s In
In the morning, it’s freezing. By noon, it’s a heatwave. Add a 4 p.m. thunderstorm for flavor. That’s just February, y’all.
Constantly Explaining How South Carolina Is Not North Carolina
No, we’re not the same. Yes, we get that question a lot. Ours has the beaches, the barbecue, and the better hospitality. Just saying.
Sweet Tea That’s Basically Syrup
If you can taste the tea more than the sugar, it’s not from here. Real sweet tea is so sugary it could double as pancake syrup.
Loving to Complain—Because It’s How We Show We Care
Whether it’s bugs, tourists, or the weather, our gripes are full of love. Complaining is just our way of saying, “We live here, we know it’s wild, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
South Carolina isn’t perfect—it’s muggy, buggy, and often a little bit loud—but it’s ours. Underneath all the sweat and sarcasm is a deep love for a state that’s as unpredictable as its weather and as sweet as its tea.
So if you’ve ever swatted a gnat while arguing about BBQ and dodging beach traffic in flip-flops, congratulations: You’re definitely one of us.
