Here in Ohio, we tend to pronounce words the way we want to pronounce them—even if that means we add letters that don’t technically belong. If you’ve lived in the Buckeye State long enough, you’ve likely developed this one-of-a-kind language overtime without even noticing it. The following are 9 words Ohioans pronounce in a unique way. See which ones you say and let us know what others should be added to the list:
- O-H…I-O
Peas/Flickr We don’t simply say “Ohio.” The sudden and occasional “O-H” simply means we’re waiting on an “I-O” reply.
- Pop
Rex Sorgatz/Flickr We know that “soda” is really just a fancy way of saying “pop.” You’re not fooling us.
- Tennis shoes
rc!/Flickr “Tennis shoes” doesn’t necessarily refer to shoes for playing tennis. This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
- Who Dey
Tony Alter/Flickr It’s simply how we cheer.
- Warsh
Tim Dorr/Flickr “Warsh” is just “wash” with style.
- B-Dub’s = BW3’s = Buffalo Wild Wings
Mike Mozart/Flickr It’s all the same.
- JC Penney’s, Kroger’s and Meijer’s
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr “JC Penney’s”, “Kroger’s” and “Meijer’s” are exactly what you think they are. We just like to make them possessive.
- Sweeper
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
brownpau/Flickr “The boot” refers to the trunk of a car—but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
Do you pronounce these words the Ohio way? What others would you add to this list? Let us know!
Peas/Flickr
We don’t simply say “Ohio.” The sudden and occasional “O-H” simply means we’re waiting on an “I-O” reply.
Rex Sorgatz/Flickr
We know that “soda” is really just a fancy way of saying “pop.” You’re not fooling us.
rc!/Flickr
“Tennis shoes” doesn’t necessarily refer to shoes for playing tennis. This term refers to all sneakers and athletic footwear.
Tony Alter/Flickr
It’s simply how we cheer.
Tim Dorr/Flickr
“Warsh” is just “wash” with style.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
It’s all the same.
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr
“JC Penney’s”, “Kroger’s” and “Meijer’s” are exactly what you think they are. We just like to make them possessive.
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
“The boot” refers to the trunk of a car—but that doesn’t mean we’re claiming we’re European or anything.
For more strange Ohioan habits, check out our previous article: 12 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Ohio Do.
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Address: Ohio, USA
