If you are heading to Baton Rouge this weekend, you will be introduced (or reintroduced) to the chant "Tiger Bait!" This is what groups of LSU fans incessantly chant at their visitors. It is designed to chastise and intimidate their opponents, similar to "Gator Bait!" in Jacksonville. It's usually harmless, but can be unnerving when chanted about a foot from your face by tens of drunk Cajuns.
The problem is that, if you think about it, the chant makes no sense. Bait, after all, is something used to lure a hunted animal with. I understand that the bait dies in the end, but so does the animal, right? So, I guess the point is that we will die first, but immediately before they do? It seems silly to me, but the LSU fans have been at it for years.
With that said, I caution you: Do not confront LSU fan with logic. Explaining this bait concept to them, even though every one of them understands it (a few even rely on it to eat), is not a wise practice. Most LSU fans are mildly to egregiously hospitable, albeit initially volitile and hostile. Other LSU fans, however, would like to gut you like a giant catfish or crush your windpipe with a wooden pirogue paddle if you wear any color other than purple and gold. What is so frightening about Baton Rouge is that it is impossible to tell a good LSU fan from a potentially deadly one. Enjoy your trip!
Quinton
