I happened to mention in an earlier post that Delta’s roots are in Southern hospitality…and then I remembered that sometimes there’s this negative perception of Southerners that I, being born and raised in Atlanta, think is somewhat undeserved.
Sure, we talk funny. We speak slowly and drop the g’s off the end of our words. And, at times you may hear a Delta flight attendant or gate agent from Atlanta use words like “y’all.” So, I said to myself (in my very best Southern drawl, of course), “Self—in the interest of bridging the cultural gap, perhaps you should explain.” Here we go…
The Drawl
It’s just hot down here. And, it’s really humid. In the days before central A/C, if you did anything too quickly, you might just expire on the spot! That included communication. The pace of life, including speaking, varies based on climate. Ponder that for a moment…and you may agree. Also, in spite of whatever accent you may encounter, some of our folks speak multiple languages, and all of us are encouraged to remember that we serve customers all around the globe.
Y’all
This one’s just the product of a basic flaw with the English language. Human nature makes us uncomfortable with the ambiguity of “you” being singular and plural. I’ve studied Spanish, French, and Russian just enough to know that they’ve successfully solved for this. In English-speaking countries, we create workarounds. There are some workarounds that I can’t even spell, so in defense of “y’all,” at least it’s a proper contraction of two words: “you” and “all.” It’s the Southern solution for second person, plural. Makes perfect sense, right?
You may find our ways a little strange, but on the upside, we Southerners are raised to say “Ma’am” and “Sir” and be respectful, and the hospitality thing is no lie. It’s in our DNA to stop to lend a hand or advice if you let us know you need help (and oftentimes, even if you don’t!)
So, there’s a little glimpse into why we are the way we are “down here.” I hope you found it enlightening, thought-provoking, or at the very least, vaguely amusing. If so, let me know and I’ll shed some light on other mysterious terms like “fixin’ to.” 
Julie Palmer
Manager – Website Content
delta.com & self-service
October 10th, 2007 at 11:56 am
This topic struck a huge cord with me. You see, I was born in the midwest and raised on a farm and my family grew corn & soybeans then made a swith to livestock and produce. So, I’m fairly familiar with the Ma’am and Sir’s thingy. Then several months after High school graduation, I flew to ATL for my Delta interview with the company. The flight attendant serving First Class asked me if she could hang-up “y’all’s” jacket. HUH???? I am JUST one person here and not a plural person. Oh, the sweet memories of the southern-delta-style service. I love it!
October 12th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I’m married to a wonderful southern lady – and equating the way she treats me to the way Delta treats cutomers is laughable!!
Southern “hostility” is par for the course if you dare complain about anything. As long as you’re all “happy happy joy joy” then you are accomodated. If you’re stranded and unhappy – there is no time for you . . . . . .
October 13th, 2007 at 4:06 am
I can relate as well.
I recently received an email about “Southernisms” from a friend who lives in New Orleans. Let us also remember:
- The Southern summer weather report: Humid, humid, humid
- The three seasons of the South: Spring, summer, football
- That there is a difference between a “hissie fit” and a “conniption.” And that you don’t “have” them, you “pitch” them.
I also remember, quite fondly, how Delta would serve pecan pie dessert with almost every meal, in what was then referred to as “Tourist Class.” That pie was pretty decent, too. The sole exception: From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the pecan pie was replaced by a piece of fruit cake (I’m convinced the half-life of that fruit cake has not yet occurred).
October 16th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
As a Newnan native (for those who don’t know it’s a Atlanta suburb with a lot of Delta people there) I appreciate your comments , we don’t talk funny, everyone else does, you know ……that’s why Delta has been our family’s airline and frankly, it has been so nice to get back on board a Delta flight and hear “y’all” spoken.BTW, never heard of the southern “hostility” and never experienced in on Delta after plenty of flights over 50 years, we only got that on some AAirline!I always thought the “hostility” was what the late and greatly missed Lewis Grizzard would call the “recent unpleasantness”as in the civil war.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
I worked in the hotel industry as a supplier for a number of years, so I get the hospitality. But could you explain…Sweet Tea. A long funny story that I’m sure is shared by many foreigners; sitting red-faced in a restaurant thinking the waitress just called you “sweetie”.