There’s a rhythm to life on the Alabama Gulf Coast—and if you listen closely, it’s not just in the waves. It’s in the way we talk. From Gulf Shores to Orange Beach, Fort Morgan to Perdido Key, our local lingo is as much a part of the experience as fresh Gulf shrimp and sunset sails. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or practically a regular, consider this your insider’s guide to speaking the local language—complete with a few quirks, a little flair, and a whole lot of coastal charm. These sayings will help you blend in like sweet tea at a fish fry.

“On the Island”

If someone says, “We live on the island,” they’re not talking about some far-off tropical place—they mean the barrier island that holds Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. To locals, “the island” is home. And if you’re staying anywhere from West Beach to Cotton Bayou, congratulations—you’re on it.

“’Bama Breeze”

More than just a Jimmy Buffett tune (though we do have a little Parrothead in our DNA), a ‘Bama breeze is that sweet, salty wind you feel right before sunset while sitting out on a balcony with a cold drink in hand. It’s a lifestyle. You’ll find it blowing across the porch at Fort Morgan, through the palmettos in Orange Beach, or rolling off the waves in Perdido.

When someone says, “Let’s go catch a ‘Bama breeze,” they’re not in a rush. They’re talking about slow moments, sand between your toes, and not a care in the world.

“Red Snapper Capital of the World”

Welcome to Orange Beach, y’all—the red snapper capital of the world. And yes, we do say that with pride. If you’re visiting during snapper season (usually June through early August), you’ll see boats heading out before sun-up from Zeke’s Landing or SanRoc Cay, chasing the prized fish.

Not into fishing? No worries. You can still order a snapper sandwich at lunch and tell folks you “caught it fresh”—we won’t tell.

“Beachin’”

Around here, beach isn’t just a place—it’s a verb. Ask someone what they’re up to and you might hear, “Just beachin’.” That could mean stretched out on the sand, floating in the Gulf, or relaxing poolside with a good book and a cold drink. However you do it, beachin’ counts as a perfectly acceptable—and highly recommended—way to spend the day.

“Lagniappe”

Straight outta nearby Louisiana but used all along the coast, lagniappe (lan-yap) means “a little something extra.” It could be an extra scoop of royal reds at your favorite dockside joint in Perdido or a sunset that lasts five minutes longer than expected. It’s that surprise bonus that makes you smile—and around here, we try to sprinkle it everywhere.

“The Pass”

If someone says they’re headed to The Pass, they’re talking about Perdido Pass, the channel that connects Perdido Bay to the Gulf of America, right at the eastern tip of Orange Beach. Locals fish there, boat there, and know the current can be as wild as a raccoon in a cooler. It’s beautiful—but not for rookie swimmers. Consider this your friendly neighborhood PSA.

“Boiled, Not Fried”

We take seafood seriously, and if you’re on the Gulf Coast ordering shrimp, someone might ask, “Boiled or fried?” True locals know: Royal Reds—those sweet, deep-water shrimp—should be boiled, not fried. It’s a rite of passage. Toss ‘em in butter, grab some lemon, and you’ll be talking with your mouth full before you know it.

“Let’s Grab a Bushwacker”

If someone invites you to “grab a Bushwacker,” don’t be shy—they’re not talking about a cowboy or a wrestler. They mean the frozen adult milkshake of the coast—a chocolatey, coconutty, boozy concoction that’s become as iconic as white sand and sea oats. You’ll find them everywhere from the Flora-Bama to Tacky Jack’s, and yes—you only need one. (Okay, maybe two.)

“Meet Me at The ‘Bama”

If someone says, “We’re heading to The ‘Bama,” they’re talking about the one and only Flora-Bama Lounge & Package Store, straddling the Alabama-Florida line since 1964. It’s equal parts dive bar, honky-tonk, and cultural institution. You can catch live music, toss a mullet during the famous Interstate Mullet Toss, or sip a bushwacker in a swimsuit and flip-flops. Around here, it’s more than a bar—it’s a rite of passage.

“Island Time”

You may think you know what “island time” means—until you get here. On the Alabama Gulf Coast, island time means slow mornings, long lunches, and not a single soul getting in a hurry. Dinner plans might start at 6, but if you show up at 6:45 with salty hair and sand on your feet, you’re still early. Time bends a little differently when the Gulf is glittering and the tide’s rolling in.

You’re Practically a Local Now

So whether you’re chasing sunsets, sipping a bushwacker, or just beachin’ your heart out, know that down here, we do things a little slower, a little sweeter, and with a whole lotta heart. Our local lingo isn’t just about the words—it’s about the way of life they reflect. And once you’ve spent a few days on the island, you might just find yourself talking like you’ve been here forever.

Ready to live like a local? Come stay with us at BEACHBALL PROPERTIES, where the only thing more welcoming than our rentals is the Southern hospitality. We’ve got front-row seats to the ‘Bama breeze, sunset views worth staying up for, and plenty of porch space to practice your drawl. Y’all come on—your beach story’s just getting started.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson