Here in Ohio, we tend to speak our own language that’s different from the other 49 states—but we’re fine with that, thank you very much. Other states might find us to be a little weird, but our words make everyday life make sense to us. The following are 11 words, phrases and unusual sayings that will only make sense if you’re from Ohio.
See how many you use:
- The sudden and occasional “O-H”…
Peas/Flickr …which simply means we’re waiting on an “I-O” reply.
- “The Three C’s”
Caribb/Flickr Do we really have to explain this one? The Three C’s = Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
- “Who Dey”
Tony Alter/Flickr It’s simply how we cheer.
- “The Shoe”
Mike Smail/Flickr It’s a proper noun here in Ohio. And it doesn’t go on your foot.
- B-Dub’s = BW3’s = Buffalo Wild Wings
Mike Mozart/Flickr It’s all the same. And it’s not really that complicated.
- “JC Penney’s, “Kroger’s” and “Meijer’s” are exactly what you think they are.
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr We just like to make them possessive.
- “You’re fine,” means “No problem” or “No worries.”
Michael Coghlan/Flickr We’re not complimenting you.
- “Tennis shoes” doesn’t necessarily refer to shoes for playing tennis.
rc!/Flickr FYI: This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
- When we say, “Put that up” we don’t always mean you need to physically place the object in an upward direction.
Hector E Balcazar/Flickr We actually just mean, “Put that away.”
- “The boot” refers to the trunk of a car…
brownpau/Flickr …but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
- Grabbing the “sweeper” so we can “sweep” the floors doesn’t mean we’re referring to a broom and dust pan.
JK’s/Flickr “Sweeper” refers to a vacuum cleaner. Don’t act so confused. If you tell us to get out the “vacuum cleaner” we’ll just marvel at your use of what we consider to be its fancy, scientific name.
What other words or sayings would you add to this list? Let us know!
Peas/Flickr
…which simply means we’re waiting on an “I-O” reply.
Caribb/Flickr
Do we really have to explain this one? The Three C’s = Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Tony Alter/Flickr
It’s simply how we cheer.
Mike Smail/Flickr
It’s a proper noun here in Ohio. And it doesn’t go on your foot.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
It’s all the same. And it’s not really that complicated.
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr
We just like to make them possessive.
Michael Coghlan/Flickr
We’re not complimenting you.
rc!/Flickr
FYI: This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
Hector E Balcazar/Flickr
We actually just mean, “Put that away.”
brownpau/Flickr
…but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
JK’s/Flickr
“Sweeper” refers to a vacuum cleaner. Don’t act so confused. If you tell us to get out the “vacuum cleaner” we’ll just marvel at your use of what we consider to be its fancy, scientific name.
For more habits that are unique to Ohioans, check out our previous article: 12 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Ohio Do.
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