A lot of people say that folks from the Midwest are some of the nicest around.
Having grown up on the East Coast, I can attest to a difference between the people from where I grew up and the people in the Midwest. I’ve sometimes observed a greater sense of friendliness and closeness in the middle of America than where I came from. That is only my experience, of course, but many others have said the very same thing!
Those same friendly folks also have developed a little subset of language to go around with their cheery personalities. The slang that comes out of the Midwest is ever-so fun, and I bet you that if you didn’t grow up with it, you’ll wish you had!
These 11 Midwest slang terms are sure to bring all Midwesterners back to their childhood, especially if they have since moved away. They’re also guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face, no matter where they came from.
Do you think that you’ll be incorporating any of these terms into your vocabulary? Did we miss any important Midwest slang? Let us know in the comments!
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1. Bubbler
To Midwesterners, “bubbler” means water fountain. Now, if you ask me, that is way, way more fun! Where did the rest of the country go wrong?
2. Holler Tail
More specifically, “He’s got the holler tail,” meaning he’s looking unwell or under the weather. Farmers used to think that lethargic cows literally had hollow tails that were making them unwell. Hollow turned to holler, and here we are with this fun slang phrase for someone who’s in a bad mood.
3. Sweeper
No, “sweeper” does not mean broom, or dust pan, or the big truck that goes around cleaning the streets. It means vacuum. I suppose if you’re looking at the vacuum as an evolution of a broom, the tool used to sweep, this slang mainly from Ohio and Indiana has some foundations in logic. Besides, sucker was already taken by lollipops and sore losers.
4. Puppy Chow
No, not the stuff you feed your young dog, but a tasty, chocolatey, peanut buttery rice cereal snack that others of us know as “muddy buddies.” I’m not exactly sure which term for the tasty snack is better, cuter, or more appealing. I think it may be a tie on this particular slang term.
5. Jeet?
Instead of taking all the trouble to ask the full question, “Did you eat already?” Midwesterners mash it all together into one word, “Jeet?” This is a much more efficient way to figure out if you’re going to grab breakfast with your friend or if you’re left to get a bagel on the go on your lonesome.
6. Schnookered
This might be the most appropriate slang term of all time. Meaning, well, drunk or inebriated, “schnookered” is the ultimate onomatopoeia. Next time I have more than one glass of wine with dinner, I’m going to pull this Midwestern slang out of my back pocket for sure.|
7. Hair Binder
Coming from the East Coast, this term sounds like some creepy trapper-keeper full of hair. However, if you’re from the Midwest, “hair binder” simply means hair tie, the little elastic used to pull your hair back. The Midwest version is arguably much more important sounding, so you better say it with authority!
8. Pop
Soda, cola, Coke, and then “pop.” The Midwest stakes claim on possibly the best term for a sweet carbonated beverage out there. If you think about it, it really does make sense, with all those little bubbles popping in your mouth.
9. Tough Tomatoes
Meaning tough luck, “tough tomatoes” is much more fun to say. Aside from the alliteration of the double T’s, equating someone’s bad fortune with an unripe red fruit is way more appealing than with luck, because those tomatoes will soon turn ripe and therefore, un-tough. That luck is sure to turn around!
10. Stop And Go Light
This slang for a traffic light is much more fun. Mainly used in Wisconsin, it sounds like a game that a little toddler would play. Maybe more people would abide by a the red and green lights if they looked at it more like a game than the law.
11. Don't Cha Know
We all know this term from Minnesota, but it is quite possibly the best sang term to come out of the Midwest. This doesn’t really mean anything in particular; it’s more of an add-on for emphasis. It’s a perfect (and adorable) term that I personally would love to see incorporated into everyday conversation.
Did you grow up in the Midwest using any of these terms? Let us know if we missed any in the comments, and please SHARE with your family and friends!
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