Indiana (UBM)- In addition to its extensive farmlands, the state of Indiana is well-known for its thriving sports culture (hello, Hoosiers! ), and of course, the Indianapolis 500.
However, there is another feature that distinguishes the state of Indiana from other states: its one-of-a-kind local language. In the event that you have resided in Indiana for a sufficient amount of time, it is highly unlikely that you have not acquired some of the local proverbs and pronunciations.
The mastery of these eleven terms is a guaranteed method to demonstrate that you have lived in the state of Indiana for an excessive amount of time, regardless of whether you were born and raised in the state or have called it home for years. Are you able to pronounce each one?
1. Pop (Not Soda!)
“Pop” is one of the most recognizable terms in the state of Indiana. It is not appropriate to ask for a soda or a soft drink if you wish to get a carbonated beverage; the locals will anticipate that you will ask for “pop.” Without a shadow of a doubt, if you go to any convenience shop and ask for “pop,” you will be immediately identified as a Hoosier.
2. Fry (Not “Fried”)
In the state of Indiana, the word “fry” is used as a verb to describe the process of frying food; yet, the word takes on a significantly different meaning when it is used to describe anything that has already been fried. Instead of saying “fried chicken,” locals can just say “fry chicken,” removing the past tense in the process. Once you have been here for a sufficient amount of time, you will become aware of this peculiarity.
3. The Region
When people talk about “The Region,” they are referring to the northwest part of Indiana, which is frequently recognized for its industrial history and its close proximity to Chicago. It is well known that the people who live in The territory have a distinctive accent and take pride in their territory. If you have lived in Indiana for a sufficient amount of time, you have most likely traveled to people from The Region or met someone from there, and you have most certainly heard the word used in discussion!
4. Caramel
In the state of Indiana, the name “Carmel” is pronounced Car-mul, which rhymes with the word “caramel.” A name like “Carmel” could appear to be uncomplicated. People who live there will stare at you with a perplexed expression if you pronounce it “Car-mel,” which is the usual pronunciation. It is one of those Hoosierisms that only people who are native to the area know how to correctly pronounce.
5. Indiana’s “Cinco de Mayo”
You have probably heard of “Cinco de Mayo” if you have lived in Indiana for a sufficient amount of time; nevertheless, we are not referring to the festival that is celebrated in Mexico. The term is used by Hoosiers to describe to a certain variety of tortilla chip that can be purchased at local supermarkets. These chips are typically included with a broader assortment of party snacks that are relatively handmade. It is said that the term is used with a certain degree of reverence and regard by the locals.
6. Wreck (Instead of “Accident”)
If you are from Indiana, you have most likely heard someone use the word “wreck” when referring to an automobile accident or collision. An accident is referred to as a “wreck” in Hoosier parlance, regardless of whether it is a tiny fender bender or a massive collision. Because it is such a widespread term, referring to it as a “wreck” may sound unusual to others with whom you are traveling outside of your home state.
7. Slaw
It is possible that you are familiar with the term “coleslaw” as a side dish that is served at picnics or barbecues; however, Hoosiers will frequently just reduce it to “slaw.” If you are in Indiana and you want a side of cabbage, you should be sure to mention “slaw” when you place your order. If you do not, the server may be confused and you will be faced with a blank stare of disinterest.
8. Hoosier
Now, if you live in Indiana, you just cannot stay ignorant of this word! Nevertheless, if you have been a resident of this region for a sufficient amount of time, you are aware that the term “Hoosier” refers to a great deal more than simply being from the state of Indiana. It is about pride, culture, and a passion for all that is local, whether it be the Indiana Pacers, Purdue University, or the Indianapolis Colts. You will understand exactly what it means to proudly bear the label of Hoosier if you are a true Hoosier.
9. Lafayette
It is simple to get this one wrong if you are not from the state of Indiana. It is more common for locals to pronounce “Lafayette” as Laff-ee-et rather than Laff-ay-et. Make sure that you pronounce it correctly whether you are providing directions to the city or if you are mentioning a visit to Purdue University. This will prevent you from seeming like someone who is not from the area.
10. steak.
Before placing an order for a steak in Indiana, you should be ready to answer the age-old question, “How would you like your steaks to be prepared?” On the other hand, in Indiana, the answer is most likely going to be “cooked all the way through” or “not pink,” in contrast to other states where you might hear phrases such as “medium-rare” or “well-done to describe the meat.” This terminology has become embedded in everyday conversation since the locals prefer their steaks to be cooked to a medium-well doneness.
11. Cummins
Cummins is a producer of engines that is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana. If you have lived in Indiana for a sufficient amount of time, you have undoubtedly heard of Cummins. This may appear to be a corporation name; nevertheless, in the state of Indiana, it is nearly a part of the local culture. It is synonymous with the pride that Hoosiers have for their state’s legacy in manufacturing and invention.
These eleven words are the actual markers of someone who has spent a significant amount of time living in Indiana. They are used in a variety of contexts, such as when ordering a pop, when going through Carmel, or when discussing a “wreck” on the highway among other things. If you are able to employ these expressions with self-assurance and without batting an eye, then you have most surely gained the right to call yourself a Hoosier.
The local vocabulary of Indiana reveals a great deal about the state and the pride that its residents feel in their location, from the pronunciations that are distinctive to the region to the peculiarities that are associated with food. Is it possible for you to pronounce each of these words without any restraint? In such case, you can now call yourself a Hoosier!
