Memes & Humor

Things DFW transplants say vs what DFW natives hear

A translation guide for the recently relocated.

What transplants say: "DFW is so spread out!" What natives hear: "I am weak and unfamiliar with the concept of driving."

What transplants say: "Is there good public transit?" What natives hear: "I have never been to Texas before and I have unrealistic expectations."

What transplants say: "Where's the nightlife?" What natives hear: "I have not discovered Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville, West 7th, or Sundance Square yet."

What transplants say: "The food scene is just BBQ and Tex-Mex right?" What natives hear: "I am about to have my mind blown."

What transplants say: "It's so flat here." What natives hear: mountains are overrated anyway

What transplants say: "Nobody walks anywhere!" What natives hear: "It is 105 degrees and you want me to WALK?"

What transplants say: "Why is everyone so friendly?" What natives hear: Normal human behavior.

What transplants say: "I miss seasons." What natives hear: "I have not experienced a DFW February tornado followed by a March ice storm yet."

What transplants say: "DFW is growing so fast!" What natives hear: "I am the reason my rent went up."

Welcome to DFW. We're glad you're here. Please learn to merge.

DFW, what say you?

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 2, 2026, 12:25 AM

5 Comments

"Please learn to merge" should be on the DFW welcome sign instead of whatever they have now.

The public transit question... I love the optimism. I really do. DART is trying but this city was built for cars and that is a permanent condition.

The "food scene is just BBQ and Tex-Mex" one triggers me every time. DFW has some of the best Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, and Ethiopian food in the country.

u/budget_dfw·

The "I am the reason your rent went up" translation is painfully accurate. Please stop moving here. But also welcome. But also stop.

Transplant here. I said "where's the nightlife" my first week. Then I found Deep Ellum. I now go out more than I did in Chicago.