Idahoans speak in a unique way that combines small-town warmth, community pride, and a bit of potato-fueled humor. If you’re ever in the Gem State, you’ll only hear these funny and unique sayings and slang:
Classic Idaho Sayings & Slang
- “Crick”
Idahoans don’t cross a creek—they cross a crick. It’s a running body of water, shallower and calmer than a creek, at least according to locals. - “Coyote”
Pronounced “kai-oat,” never “kai-o-tee.” Outsiders beware: mispronounce at your own risk. - “Pop”
Soda is always called “pop” in Idaho. If you ask for a soda, you might get a funny look. - “Jockey Box”
What most people call a glove box, Idahoans call a “jockey box.” And they’ll defend that term with pride. - “Let’s do Potato Drop for New Year’s!”
Instead of a ball drop, Boise drops a massive potato to ring in the New Year. It’s as magical (and potato-centric) as it sounds. - “Finger Steaks”
Idaho’s signature dish: battered and fried steak strips you eat with your fingers. Newcomers are often baffled until they try them. - “You goin’ to Treefort?”
Refers to Boise’s beloved Treefort Music Fest, not a childhood hideout. - “BoDo”
Short for Boise Downtown—because two syllables are better than four. - “Rig”
Any vehicle larger than a sedan is a “rig” in Idaho. Trucks, SUVs, and even big family vans qualify. - “IF-Town”
The cool nickname for Idaho Falls.
Potato Humor & Puns
Idahoans are famous for their potatoes and even more famous for their potato puns. Here are some you’re likely to hear:
- “Idaho is so great, it really knows how to ‘mash’ up a good time!”
- “When the potato started his own band, they called it ‘The Frying Taters.’”
- “I tried to make a joke about potatoes, but it just fell flat like a bad spud.”
- “You know you’re in Idaho when every meal is a spud-tastic affair!”
- “When life gives you potatoes, make Idaho fries and enjoy a spud-tacular day!”
- “The secret to Idaho’s happiness? They always keep their spuds close and their friends closer!”
- “I asked the Idaho potato how it was doing. It said, ‘I’m feeling mash-tastic!’”
- “Why did the potato cross the road? To get to the other side of the ‘tater’ patch!”
- “Idaho: where the potatoes are large and the puns are a-peeling!”
Local Pride & Pronunciations
- “Boise”
Pronounced “Boy-see,” not “Boy-zee.” Locals will instantly notice if you get it wrong. - “Spud”
Potatoes are affectionately called “spuds,” and being a “spud farmer” is a point of pride. - “The Gem State”
Idaho’s official nickname, often dropped into conversation as a reminder that there’s more to the state than potatoes.
Other Idaho-isms
- “Bleed Blue”
Hardcore Boise State fans say they “bleed blue”—a nod to the famous blue turf at BSU’s football stadium. - “Huckleberry”
Huckleberries are everywhere in Idaho, from jams to vodka. “Huckleberry everything” is a real thing. - “Freak Alley”
Refers to Boise’s famous outdoor art gallery, not a scary street.
Idaho Sayings Table
| Saying/Phrase | Meaning/Context |
|---|---|
| Crick | Small stream or creek |
| Jockey Box | Glove compartment in a car |
| Let’s do Potato Drop | Boise’s New Year’s Eve event |
| Finger Steaks | Fried steak strips, Idaho specialty |
| IF-Town | Nickname for Idaho Falls |
| Rig | Any large vehicle |
| Bleed Blue | Boise State University pride |
| Huckleberry everything | Local obsession with huckleberry flavor |
| Spud | Potato; also a term of endearment |
| BoDo | Boise Downtown |
| “Boy-see” | Correct pronunciation of Boise |
