Hook Em culture explained for transplants who just moved to Austin

You just moved to Austin. Everything is burnt orange. Everyone is doing a weird hand gesture. Here's what you need to know.

The hand sign: The Hook 'Em Horns sign: extend your index and pinky finger, fold down your middle and ring finger with your thumb. It represents the horns of a Texas Longhorn. You do it when Texas scores, when you see another Texas fan, when you're at a bar, when you're taking a photo, basically whenever.

The song: "The Eyes of Texas" plays after every game (win or lose), at graduation, and at random moments around campus. You stand and sing. Everyone around you knows the words. Learn them.

The rivalry: OU (Oklahoma) is the enemy. Red River Shootout (or Showdown, or Rivalry, depending on who paid for the naming rights) happens every October at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Texas State Fair is happening simultaneously. It's the best rivalry week in college football.

What you need to own:

• A burnt orange shirt. Not red. Not rust. BURNT ORANGE. Pantone 159. Texas fans take the shade seriously.
• A Bevo XV (the live mascot) appreciation. He's a longhorn steer. He's on the sideline. He once charged a Georgia bulldog. Legend.

What NOT to do:

• Don't call it "UT Austin" in casual conversation. It's just "Texas" or "UT."
• Don't wear Aggie maroon in Austin. You'll survive but you'll get looks.
• Don't leave a game early. Win or lose, you stay for "The Eyes."

Source: Austin since birth, Longhorn since the womb