No matter where Ohioans go, whether it’s somewhere else in the U.S. or overseas, we always seem to stand out. Our passionate sports allegiances never fade, and our peculiar pronunciations often leave people from other regions scratching their heads. For those unfamiliar, it can be quite puzzling to figure out “What’s quirky about Ohio?” However, after some time spent in the Buckeye State, the signs that someone hails from Ohio become all too clear. Here are a few unmistakable (and somewhat odd) indicators that show if someone is truly an Ohio native—though we’ll likely dismiss any notion that they’re peculiar. How many of these amusing Ohio traits can you relate to?
1. We frequently shout “O-H” and eagerly expect a response of “I-O.”
No matter the location, our primary concern is to connect with our fellow Ohioans.
2. Wherever we find ourselves, we proudly display the name of our state using our arms and capture the moment in a photo.
We accomplish this because we have the ability to. Give it a shot and see if you can manage to form the letters of Michigan using just your arms. It might be more challenging than it seems!
3. We steer clear of everything that is blue and yellow.
(Are Michigan Fans Really That Passionate?)
4. The term “pop” is commonly used by many people in place of “soda.”
AND YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN SO STOP ACTING LIKE WE’RE ALIENS.
5. We eat large amounts of shredded cheese and chili on top of spaghetti…
…because we embrace uniqueness.
6. We’ve been enjoying our French fries with Wendy’s Frosty for a while now…
…and we started this delicious combo long before it became a trendy thing to do.
7. We know the truth: the idea of four distinct seasons is simply a fabrication.
There are days when we flip between the air conditioning and heating in the same 24-hour period. It’s a clear indication that our climate doesn’t adhere to traditional seasonal boundaries.
8. The pronunciation of “wash” remains a topic of debate.
At times, it seems to include an “r” sound, while at other times, it doesn’t.
9. We often provide directions using a nearby city’s distance as a reference point, focusing more on time estimates than actual mileage.
For instance, you might hear someone say, “It’s about an hour away from Cleveland.” This is just the way we communicate, and it’s what you can typically expect.
10. Buffalo Wild Wings is affectionately known as “B-Dubs” by many of us.
There’s no need to question it; that’s simply how we refer to it.
11. Retailers like Meijer, Kroger, and JC Penney are often expressed in the possessive way.
So, we say “Meijer’s,” “Kroger’s,” and “JC Penney’s.” While some may argue that’s incorrect, it simply resonates with us.
12. Ohio: a state we can’t help but feel torn about. We often poke fun at it while simultaneously holding it up as the shining example of all that’s good in the Midwest.
It’s a complicated affair, but that’s just part of Ohio’s quirky charm.
What are some other amusing traits unique to Ohio? There are quite a few that I readily embrace, even if outsiders might regard them as odd. Can you think of additional indicators that you’re a true Ohioan? We’d love to hear your thoughts!