"Vieux Carré"

Pronounced “Voo Ca Ray”, it is French for “Old Quarter”, and is a term used for the French Quarter of New Orleans. (Note: Vieux Carré is also the name of a drink made with rye, Cognac, sweet vermouth, and bitters.)

St Louis Cathedral in the Vieux Carré (French Quarter)

"N'awlins"

Shorthand for “New Orleans”, allegedly emulating a southern accent. The truth is, NOBODY says this, and you will never hear a local say this … don’t say this.

From top, left to right: Central Business District, a streetcar in New Orleans, St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, University of New Orleans, Crescent City Connection

"Holy Trinity"

In New Orleans and Cajun cooking, the holy trinity consists of onions, bell peppers, and celery. All good gumbo, jambalaya, or étouffée starts with the holy trinity.

"Go-cup"

A go-cup is a plastic cup used to transport what remains of your alcoholic beverage when you’re ready to leave the bar or restaurant; it’s like a to-go box you get to carry your leftovers when you’re ready to leave a restaurant. Or, sometimes, you just belly up to a bar and get a go-cup for the road (as long as you’re walking).

"Fais do-do"

Pronounced “fay dough dough”, it is a Cajun dance party, after the children have gone to sleep. “Fais do-do” means “go to sleep,” and it is believed to have been used by parents who would put their children to sleep before going to town to dance all night. Also, some say “fais do-do” refers to a special room at a dance hall reserved for children to sleep where they couldn’t hear the raucous party going on in the next room, where their parents were dancing their hearts out.

"Beaucoup"

Pronounced “bow-koo” or “boo-koo” it means “a lot” or “big”. If you have you have “beaucoup bucks,” that means you’re wealthy.