Los Angeles is a cultural mecca — full of incredible art, people, culture, and history. It’s the home of many pop culture legends and it’s often where dreams are made. It’s no wonder why so many flock here, but this also begs the question, “Who is really from here and how can you tell?” So, we decided to ask our audience of certified born and raised locals — and their answers did not disappoint. Whether it’s being unfazed by earthquakes or freezing when it’s 60 degrees out — here are telltale signs someone’s actually from L.A. according to our audience! (Along with some of our own.) ⬇️
1. “We don’t get out of bed for any earthquake smaller than a 4.8.”
2. “Love when it rains, but don’t know how to drive in it.”
3. “We’re culturally diverse so we all have friends from every culture and religious background, so it’s easy for us to feel at home anywhere in the world!”
4. “They say ‘it’s freezing!‘ when it’s in the 60s.”
5. “They talk distance in time and not miles.”
6. “We respect our street vendors.”
7. “Knowing LA isn’t just Hollywood. Dig all cultures.”
8. “Die hard Dodgers fan.”
9. “‘This is the worst heatwave we’ve ever had.’ …we say this every summer.”
10. “Knowing Spanglish.”
11. “They have a Lakers shirt and Dodger cap in their wardrobe.”
12. “They know the difference when pronouncing the “la” in La Cieniga and La Brea.”
13. “They’re sure to let you know they were born and raised here.”
14. “You say THE before freeway numbers. The 405 to the 605 to the 5.”
15. “You know all the words to every song by Tupac, Snoop Dogg, NWA, etc.”
16. “Loving Tito’s Tacos and Porto’s for the nostalgia.”
17. “They know who Spanto is.”
18. “Acting casual and unfazed by a celebrity sighting.”
19. “They always brag that they have the best tacos.”
20. “Recognizing immediately when an area is getting gentry.”
21. “Loving oldies.”
22. “Instantly recognizing Vin Scully’s voice.”
23. “Dreaming of being photographed by Estevan Oriol.”
24. “Ironically don’t go to the beach often.”
25. “If you move the west side, I will never see you again. Good luck in your future endeavors.”
26. “You know that Tommy’s is better than In n Out”
27. “You’ve been to the OG Night of The Blaxican parties.”
28. “They’re always friendly.”
29. “A lifetime of $65 tickets for not moving my car on Wednesday”
30. “We’re all hustlers and dreamers.”
Did we miss anything? Feel free to submit your own answer to our Instagram @secret.losangeles!