It stems from an ancient tradition of when two people passed on a road, they raised their hands in greeting and said hello in their native tongue to demonstrate 1) they had no weapons in their hands, and 2) their intentions were friendly. This tradition still exists in the South, in the form of people saying "Hey" or "Good Morning" and waving their hand(s). It was one of the things about Auburn that particularly charmed a man who moved to Auburn from Jones Beach on Long Island in 1953, to teach Chemical Engineering at API. That man is my father. So when people in the South greet you that way, consider it as if they are saying "Hey, I have no gun/knife/sword/grenade/rocket launcher/IED aimed at you".
Have a nice day.
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"If he's from Auburn and he lines up behind the quarterback, just keep him healthy and give him the ball. Swiss watches, Palm Springs sunshine, blue-chip mutuals, Auburn running backs."
Paul Daugherty, The Cinncinnati Enquirer Online
I will try not to, because of love for a person (or thing), ignore lies told by that person (or thing).
I will try not to, because of dislike for a person (or thing), disdain truth told by that person (or thing).
