Here in Ohio, some of our common terms and phrases can get some strange looks when we’re out of state. That’s OK though. We can’t expect everyone to know the true origin of Buffalo Wild Wings or the correct way to refer to a carbonated beverage without ice cream. The following are 10 words and phrases that will make you swear Ohioans have their own language. 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.
- 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.
- “The boot” refers to the trunk of a car…
brownpau/Flickr …but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
- “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.
- B-Dub’s = BW3’s = Buffalo Wild Wings
Mike Mozart/Flickr It’s all the same.
- “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.
- “Tennis shoes” doesn’t necessarily refer to shoes for playing tennis.
rc!/Flickr FYI: This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
- “Pop” is the dead giveaway of an Ohioan.
Rex Sorgatz/Flickr Because we know that “soda” is really just a fancy way of saying “pop.” You’re not fooling us.
What else 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.
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.
brownpau/Flickr
…but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr
We just like to make them possessive.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
It’s all the same.
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.
rc!/Flickr
FYI: This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
Rex Sorgatz/Flickr
Because we know that “soda” is really just a fancy way of saying “pop.” You’re not fooling us.
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