Growing up in Ohio comes with a unique set of quirks and experiences that might baffle those who didn’t share that journey – unless, of course, they also hail from the Buckeye State. Have you ever wondered how out-of-town guests perceive your accent? Does it really matter whether you know the exact distance to Columbus if you can estimate the travel time perfectly? And do people genuinely skip outings when the snow falls? Below are 13 peculiar thoughts, feelings, and observations that many Ohioans find relatable at some point in their lives. Take a look and see how many resonate with you:
1. You’ve long dismissed the concept of the “four seasons” as a mere illusion.
The idea of four distinct seasons might seem like a charming, storybook notion, reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland.” However, the truth is that in Ohio, the weather is unpredictable and can defy these seasonal labels. Here, any season can surprise you at any time of year—snow can fall in any month, and winter storms can even bring thunderstorms that catch residents off guard in the colder months. Mother Nature in Ohio certainly plays by her own rules, reminding us that her whims can disrupt the cycle we expect.
2. The Ohio State versus Michigan rivalry is one of the most intense in college sports, capable of straining relationships among family and friends. This fierce competition is so ingrained in the culture that it’s not only tolerated, but also celebrated.
Chances are, you’ve had to part ways with a few unreliable friends along the way—and that’s perfectly fine. As a Buckeye, you take pride in your identity, and you certainly don’t need any of that Michigan fan negativity surrounding you.
3. As you drive along, no matter where you are in the world, your gaze often wanders to the nearby forests and the stretch of road in front of you, constantly on the lookout for deer.
Highways are not immune to wildlife. In fact, these animals thrive even in densely populated areas. In Ohio alone, the deer population is estimated to be between 600,000 and 700,000, so it’s common to encounter some of these four-legged residents while on the road.
4. When providing directions, it’s common to reference a location’s closeness to a well-known city. Instead of using miles to convey distance, the practice often involves stating travel times. This method allows individuals to gauge how long it will take to reach a destination, making it easier to plan their journey. For example, one might say, “It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown,” rather than specifying the miles involved. This approach emphasizes convenience and a relatable understanding of distance, especially for those familiar with traffic patterns and travel conditions in urban areas.
When you ask us about our location, you’ll likely hear us say, “It’s about an hour away from Cincinnati.” That’s just how we communicate and, honestly, you shouldn’t expect anything different. While we can attempt to estimate the actual miles, we usually don’t operate with that mindset.
5. You’ll forever use the term “pop” instead of “soda.”
AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT, SO CUT THE ACT LIKE WE’RE FROM ANOTHER PLANET. Legend has it that the term “pop” comes from the noise a carbonated drink makes when you crack it open, making it a sort of onomatopoeia.
6. You firmly believe that you speak without any accent at all.
You probably don’t realize it, but if you reside near Lake Erie, it might be worth looking into the Northern Cities Vowel Shift. There’s a good chance you have a slight accent that you haven’t even noticed!
7. You refer to stores such as Meijer, Kroger and JC Penney in possessive form.
In writing, we often use possessive forms for store names, and that’s how we refer to places like Meijer, Kroger, and JC Penney. So, we say “Meijer’s,” “Kroger’s,” and “JC Penney’s.” Even if some might argue it’s grammatically incorrect, it feels completely natural to us. This tendency sometimes extends to the names of restaurants as well—how about “Chipotle’s” for dinner?
8. You’ve decided to let go of the struggle and annoyance associated with ongoing roadwork in your neighborhood.
What’s the point? Tomorrow, the same construction site will be there, possibly with even more orange barrels added to the scene. It seems the best course of action is to accept the situation and adapt. Hopefully, the arrival of winter will provide a much-needed break from all this construction chaos.
9. You possess a strong sense of loyalty that runs deep.
Regardless of past experiences, we’ve developed a strong sense of loyalty and resilience. In this state, we stand by each other no matter what challenges arise. We truly embody the spirit of unwavering support.
10. Embracing Winter Driving Conditions
In Ohio, snow is just part of the experience, and if you allow it to deter you, you’d find yourself cooped up indoors from November through late April. Residents of the Buckeye State come to accept and embrace the winter weather as a normal aspect of life.
11. You know how to have fun.
Ohio is surprisingly a wonderful vacation spot, especially with attractions like Cedar Point Amusement Park, famously known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. For residents, this is fantastic news, as they have the privilege of enjoying a wide array of exciting and enjoyable activities all year round.
12. And you know how to have a real adventure.
With stunning destinations like Old Man’s Cave and an impressive array of state parks, residents of Ohio are known for their adventurous spirit. There’s nothing like a refreshing hike to lift your spirits and chase away the blues.
13. You genuinely love where you come from.
There’s so much to appreciate about Ohio! It’s truly a wonderful place to live, enriched by its diverse landscapes and warm-hearted communities. Home is often said to be where the heart is, and Ohio certainly exemplifies that, overflowing with warmth and spirit.
Do you identify with this? What are some unique experiences you’ve had growing up in Ohio? We’d love to hear your thoughts!