I spend way too much time trolling the internet.  I realized this after I discovered Google search trends. It can be endlessly fascinating looking at the top searches at any given moment. Even more revealing, are some of the words that get searched for and the top searches in specific areas.

A case in point, is the top google searches for "How Do You Spell....?" by state.

You can see the chart here:

Photo: Google Trends
Photo: Google Trends
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Oddly enough, the most searched for how to spell word in Texas is "normal". For some of us, this is no surprise. The idea that we Texans might have difficulty with that word should astound no one.  After all, "normal" in Texas hits a little differently.

Generally speaking, "normal" in Texas is a little bigger, spicier, friendlier, and cheaper than anywhere else. Normal in Texas is warmer, wilder, and happier. Frankly, the fact that Texans might have trouble spelling the word "normal" is a badge of honor. There's nothing normal about the Dallas Cowboys or the spectacular sunsets of San Angelo.

If you break down spelling searches in the state of Texas further, you will find that there were more google searches for how to spell words here in the San Angelo area than in any other city in Texas, except, Corpus Christi.

Even more, how-to-spell searches happen in Cristoval and Grape Creek than in San Angelo. There are more google how-to-spell searches in little ole Junction than there were in Houston.

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
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Compared to some other states, I think the top how-to-spell search word in Texas is perfect. How embarrassing to be Iowa.  Their #1 searched word is "cousin". I am not going to say another word about that. Arkansas is "therapy".  I'm glad they're getting the help they need.  In West Virginia, they can't even spell the name of their state. Yes, there, "West Virginia" is the most searched how-to-spell word.

I'm thinking that here in Texas, we need a whole new word for "normal".  Maybe, that's really what all the spell searches for "normal" are really all about.  The other 49 states can have normal. We'll come up with a new word that comes a little closer to capturing the superlatives needed to adequately express "Texas normal."

Things Where Texas is #1

Here are the things Where Texas Leads All Other States