Whether you’re a Cowtown native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Fort Worthian understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share Fort Worth’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Fort Worth, these might be a little difficult to explain.
The unspoken rules seemingly everyone knows
“Your ‘nice jeans’ are perfectly fitting attire for almost any nice restaurant.”
“Never pay for parking in the Stockyards. Sign up for the Stockyards Heritage Club to receive a monthly code for free parking in the Stockyards.”
“You can play by the Trinity — maybe even float in it — but you don’t swim in it. You may grow a tail.”
We’re kind to our neighbors
“Yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir are used when talking to just about everyone.”
“It is perfectly normal to have a conversation with a total stranger in the grocery store aisle, at the gas pump, or waiting for a table at a restaurant because Fort Worthians are friendly.”
Commuting and Parking
“Take Trinity Metro to DFW Airport to save money on parking and tolls.”
“Wave in the rearview mirror if someone kindly lets you into their lane.”
“Avoid I-35 at all costs during any high-traffic periods. Maybe add 287 to that list too.”
“The easiest downtown parking spots to find are near Montessori at Sundance Square.”
Food + drink
“When locals go to the Stockyards, they are usually not along East Exchange Avenue.”
“The brewery scene has become very dense, but most people’s favorite brewery is the one closest to their house.”
“Ask a local about the MoonTower, and he/she will fondly recall it.”
“The most affordable place in the 820 Loop still might be The Tub, outside of downtown across from Martin House.”
Sports
“If you’re going to live here, even if you came from another university, you need to own at least one purple piece of attire.”
“A diehard Frog fan is maybe not someone to invite to a quaint fall gathering.”
“There are three certain things in life: death, taxes, and the Cowboys letting you down after a good regular season.”
“TCU should be considered a baseball school, or really a rifle school, more than a football school.”
“Google ‘Texas Wesleyan table tennis’ to casually drop into conversations when you’re out.”
We turned to Instagram and let you all weigh in. Here’s some of what you added:
Our relationship with Dallas
“Don’t call it Dallas.” — Mitchell Martin
“These celebrities who come to town call it Dallas Fort Worth and we gotta cut it out.” — syzgy
The cowboy culture
“Most of the cowboys aren’t real.” — lalalillies
“No need for cowboy cosplay when you visit.” — Panther City Roller
Avoiding crowds
“Avoid the line at Joe T’s by simply eating inside.” — hilltopcoop
Speaking like a local
“The streets are pronounced Boo-wee, not Boh-wee; Hyew-len, not Hullen; Lankister, not Lan-cast-er. Also, it doesn’t matter what the compass says, you’re either on 820 West or 820 East, never North or South.” — jpettigrew_79
The Zoo
“Never go to the Zoo on a Wednesday.” — kimbellrealestate (Note: Zoo is half-priced on Wednesdays.)
“Get to the Zoo before opening. Also, avoid East Exchange Avenue during the day in the summer.” — thebenseger
And one to grow on
“Those butter sculptures at the State Fair are not for eating.” — kathymulch
