Slang words of any origin are a fun way to liven up conversations. Indiana slang words and phrases are no exception!
Indiana natives often use Indiana-specific terms when talking with each other, whether in an informal or formal setting. Some Indiana slang words and phrases include
Indiana Slang Words And Phrases
Indiana has been home to many different cultures and languages over the centuries.
Indiana’s history, geography, and culture have contributed to developing unique Indiana slang words and phrases.
Indiana’s close-knit communities also played a role in creating regional dialects that are still used today.
Indiana’s German immigrants brought their dialect, eventually spreading throughout Indiana and the Midwest.
Indiana’s African American communities were also a major contributor to Indiana slang words and phrases.
These cultures heavily influenced the Indiana dialect, creating a unique mix of slang distinct from other US states.
Today, Indiana slang is still very much alive and used by many Indiana natives.
Indiana slang words and phrases often have a humorous, self-deprecating tone.
Indiana slang can express feelings of endearment or friendly teasing between Indiana natives.
Indiana locals also use Indiana slang to communicate with each other in more informal settings.
27 Famous Indiana Slang Words And Phrases
Though Indiana slang is not widely known outside of the Hoosier state, Indiana natives often use it to express themselves in a way that is uniquely Indiana.
Indiana slang words and phrases are derived from the Indiana dialect and range from playful terms of endearment to expressions of exasperation.
Here are some of the most famous Indiana slang words and phrases.
1. Hoosier:
No Indiana slang list would be complete without the word Hoosier, a term used to refer to Indiana natives or Indiana itself.
The term Hoosier was originally used as an insult but has since been embraced by Indiana residents.
An example of the term would be: “We’re proud to be Hoosiers!” The term originated from Indiana’s nickname, the “Hoosier State.”
2. Buggy:
Buggy is Indiana slang for a shopping cart. An example of this phrase would be: “Can you grab me a buggy? I need to do some grocery shopping.”
The term came from Indiana’s rural roots and the use of horse-drawn buggies for transportation.
3. Pop:
In Indiana, the word “pop” is used to refer to any carbonated beverage.
Pop is Indiana slang for soda. An example of this phrase would be: “I want a pop with my lunch.”
Indiana natives had used the term since the early 1900s when they first started drinking soda.
4. Spoonin’:
Spoonin’ is Indiana slang for snuggling. An example of this phrase would be: “We spent the night spoonin’ on the couch.”
This term originated in Indiana to describe couples snuggling together while watching a movie or TV show.
5. Bubbler:
The Indiana slang term bubbler is another word for a drinking fountain. An example of this phrase would be: “I need to find a bubbler so I can get a drink.”
Indiana natives have used the bubbler colloquialism since they first encountered public drinking fountains in the late 19th century.
6. Dag:
In Indiana, people use the term dag to refer to something odd.
An example of this phrase would be: “That outfit she’s wearing is so dag!” This Indiana slang word has existed since at least the early 20th century.
7. Stoplight City:
Indiana natives use the term Stoplight City to refer to Indianapolis. An example of this phrase would be: “I’m going to Stoplight City for a weekend getaway.”
Indiana locals have used this Indiana slang word since at least the 1940s when more lights were added to the streets in the city.
8. Jeet?:
This Indiana phrase is short for “Did you eat?” It’s a common greeting in Indiana, used when encountering someone.
Indiana residents have used this Indiana slang phrase since at least the late 19th century. An example of this phrase would be: “Hey there, jeet?”
9. Git Along:
This Indiana term is used to express encouragement or motivation.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since the early 20th century. An example of this phrase would be: “Come on, git along!”
10. Gooshy-Loo:
This Indiana term is used to express agreement or appreciation.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “That was a great idea, gooshy-loo!”
11. Gut-Buster:
This Indiana term is used to describe something really funny.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “That joke was a real gut-buster!”
12. Down Home:
This Indiana term is used to describe something comforting or homey.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “This restaurant has a down-home feel.”
13. Knee-High By The Fourth Of July:
This Indiana phrase describes how fast Indiana corn grows in the summertime.
The phrase implies that Indiana’s corn will be knee-high by the time July 4th arrives.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “I love seeing my corn knee-high by the fourth of July.”
14. Bibbity Bobbity:
This Indiana term is used to describe something that is done quickly or unexpectedly.
The phrase implies that something was easily done as if it were magical. Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “I finished my project bibbity bobbity.”
15. Nebby:
This Indiana term is used to describe someone nosy and overly curious.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “I don’t like that girl; she’s too nebby!”
16. Cattywampus:
This Indiana term describes something, not in its correct position or orientation.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “I dropped my phone, and now it’s all cattywampus!”
17. Dutch Treat:
This Indiana slang phrase is used when it’s understood that each person is responsible for their expenses.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “Let’s go out to eat tonight; it’ll be a Dutch treat.”
18. Toad Suckers:
This Indiana term is used to describe those who reside in Indiana.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “We are proud to be Toad Suckers!”
19. Ya Don’t Say:
Another popular phrase in Indiana is “ya don’t say”, which means you don’t say it, think it, or do it.
Indiana locals have been using this Indiana slang phrase since at least the early 20th century.
An example of this phrase would be: “Ya don’t say—that’s not the way to go about things!”
20. Peepers:
Another Indiana slang word that Indiana locals have been using since at least the early 20th century is “peepers”.
This Indiana term is used to describe big and round eyes, usually due to being tired or shocked.
An example of this phrase would be: “My peepers are so wide right now!”
21. Coose:
This Indiana slang phrase describes something easy or relatively small. It can also mean either “because” or “to”.
An example of this phrase would be: “I coose to go for a walk because I need some fresh air.”
22. Poke:
This Indiana slang phrase describes someone who is clumsy or slow, or in other words, not very sharp.
It can also mean something that is done slowly or not well.
An example of this phrase would be: “That person is such a poke; they can’t even tie their shoes!”
23. Gullywasher:
This Indiana slang phrase describes a heavy rainstorm that floods or washes away things in its path.
An example of this phrase would be: “It’s been raining for hours; it must have been some kind of gullywasher!”
This phrase originated from Indiana’s often unpredictable weather.
24. Slippery As An Eel:
This Indiana slang phrase describes someone who can’t stay put or keeps changing their mind.
An example of this phrase would be: “He’s so slippery as an eel, I never know what he’s thinking.”
This phrase originated from Indiana’s high population of eels in its rivers and lakes.
25. Grawsy:
This Indiana slang phrase is used to describe something very cold or uncomfortable.
It can also mean something disgusting or unpleasant. An example of this phrase would be: “This room is so grawsy, I can’t wait to leave.”
This phrase originated from Indiana’s cold winter climate.
26. Farklempt:
This Indiana slang phrase describes someone overcome with emotion or on the verge of tears.
An example of this phrase would be: “She was so farklempt that she couldn’t speak.”
This phrase originated from Indiana’s close-knit communities and the emotional bonds between people in those communities.
27. Yinz:
This Indiana slang phrase is plural of “you all” or “youse guys”. An example of this phrase would be: “Yinz need to clean up this mess.”
This phrase originated from Indiana’s large population of German immigrants who adopted the dialect and passed it on to subsequent generations.
Final Thoughts:
Indiana slang words and phrases are an important part of the Indiana dialect.
Indiana natives often use Indiana-specific terms to express themselves in a way that is uniquely Indiana.
When you hear someone speaking with Indiana slang, you know they’re from Indiana!
Whether you’re a Hoosier or just visiting the state, brushing up on Indiana slang words and phrases is always a good idea before you visit.
That way, you can join in on conversations and fit right in!
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