Missouri has its own unique set of slang words and phrases. If you’re visiting Missouri or just chatting with a Missouri resident, below are some of the most popular Missouri slang words and phrases you should know
The slang of a region is always fun to learn, and Missouri’s slang is no different. From Missourians saying “dadgum” instead of swearing to call someone a “dang ol’ coot,” there are many regional sayings you’ll only hear in Missouri.
Missouri Slang Words And Phrases
Missouri is known for its unique dialect, and the Missouri slang words and phrases are part of that.
When you visit Missouri, it’s important to be familiar with the Missouri slang vocabulary so that you don’t accidentally offend anyone.
Missouri slang words and phrases come from the Missouri Valley area.
Missouri was settled by many French, German, and Spanish-speaking immigrants who brought their dialects to Missouri.
This mix of languages has resulted in Missouri’s unique slang language. Some common Missouri slang words and phrases include “pop“, which means soda; “hizous“, which is Missouri for hello; and “dagnabbit“, an expression of annoyance.
Missouri also has its own set of sayings, such as “I’m fixin’ to do something” (meaning I’m about to do something) and “we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Missourians also like to say “shut up and fish” when referring to someone who talks too much.
25 Popular Missouri Slang Words And Phrases
If you’re a Missouri native or just visiting, it helps to know the local dialect. From the Missouri Bootheel to St. Louis and Springfield, Missourians have their own unique way of expressing themselves.
Those include slang words and phrases that might take some getting used to! Here’s a list of Missouri slang words and phrases you should know:
1. Knee-High By The Fourth Of July:
Missourians use this phrase to describe something growing rapidly, especially crops in the fields.
For example, you might say, “The corn is knee-high by the Fourth of July!”
The term comes from the Missouri tradition of measuring the height of cornstalks in late June and early July.
It became a Missouri tradition because the soil in Missouri is especially fertile and conducive to growing corn.
2. Paddle Your Own Canoe:
This phrase indicates that someone should take responsibility for their actions and not rely on anyone else for help.
It’s similar to the expression, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”
Missourians are known for their independence and self-reliance, so this phrase is especially popular there.
3. Missouri Mule:
This term describes someone who is stubborn and unwilling to change their opinion or behavior.
For example, if you ask someone to do something and they refuse, they might be called a Missouri Mule.
It can also refer to someone with an unusually strong opinion about a particular matter.
Missourians have been using this phrase since the mid-1800s when mules were used to plow the fields of Missouri, which is known for being especially fertile.
4. Missouri Plate:
This term describes food that’s particularly large or hearty in size.
Missourians are known for their love of big, hearty meals, and Missouri Plate is a playful way to describe the amount of food they enjoy.
Usually, these meals include a combination of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, green beans, and other vegetables.
5. Missouri Hickory:
This phrase is used to refer to someone who is from Missouri but acts differently from the usual Missourians.
Missouri Hickory usually refers to someone who is a bit harsher, more conservative, and not as welcoming.
For example, Missouri Hickory may refer to someone who is too old-fashioned or serious for the Missouri crowd.
6. Bootheelers:
Missourians from the Bootheel region of Missouri (the southeast corner of Missouri) are often referred to as “bootheelers”.
They are known for their hard-working nature and loyalty. In addition, the term has been used to show respect for Missourians from the Bootheel.
It also refers to Missourians from the other rural areas of Missouri.
7. Skeet:
This word is used to describe something or someone who is cool, awesome, or impressive. It can also be used as an exclamation of joy or excitement.
For example, Missourians often use the phrase “That’s skeet!” when they are impressed or excited about something.
The term was first used in Missouri and has since spread to other parts of the United States.
8. Bears Fans:
This term refers to a group of people who are fans of the Missouri football team, The Missouri Bears.
Missourians often use this term when referring to someone who is passionate about Missouri sports teams.
It is also used as a term of endearment for Missouri sports fans. For example, Missourians might say, “Go Bears Fans!” when cheering on Missouri teams.
9. Hootenanny:
This phrase is used to describe a fun gathering or party, usually with good music and lots of food.
Missourians love to get together for a hootenanny, and it’s often used as an invitation to a party or event.
Such as, “We’re having a hootenanny this weekend – come join us!” The term is also used to describe a type of folk music that is popular in Missouri.
10. Sweep The Carpets:
This phrase is often used to describe a Missouri tradition of going out and picking up the carpets from homes or businesses for cleaning.
It’s said that Missourians like to keep their carpets looking nice and clean, so they are known for doing this on a regular basis.
Such as the Missouri saying goes, “Sweep the carpets, and you’ll have a clean Missouri house!”
11. Miz-zourah:
This is another term used to describe Missourians. It’s often used in the same context as Missouri Mule.
It refers to someone who is stubborn and opinionated but with a hint of admiration for their strong stance.
Missourians are known for their strong opinions and values, so this phrase is often used to show respect for their beliefs.
12. Sundaes On Tuesday:
This Missouri slang phrase means something is extra special or amazing – usually referring to events or situations that Missourians treasure above all else.
It’s a sign of appreciation and celebration for Missourians, who enjoy coming together and having a great time.
So if someone says “Sundaes on Tuesday,” they usually express how much they love something or how excited they are about it.
13. Hooky:
This Missouri slang phrase is used to describe someone who is widely known for their mischievous or rebellious nature.
Missourians use this term to refer to someone who bucks authority or do something wild – usually in a joking manner.
You might hear someone say, “Don’t be so hooky!” when they see someone taking a risk or doing something risky.
14. Gummin’:
This Missouri slang phrase is used to indicate agreement with an idea or suggestion.
Missourians use this phrase to mean “yes” or to express support for a plan. You might hear someone say, “I’m gummin’,” when they agree with what is happening.
15. Sac:
This Missouri slang phrase is used to describe something that is extremely bad or unpleasant.
Missourians use this term to indicate a situation has taken a turn for the worse – usually in a joking manner.
You might hear someone say, “That’s sac!” when they are describing an unfortunate event. The term is often used when something goes wrong, or a plan backfires.
16. Takin’ A Missouri:
This Missouri slang phrase is used to describe taking a risk or doing something risky.
Missourians use this phrase to indicate they are willing to try something new or take a chance, usually in the face of uncertainty.
You might hear someone say, “I’m Takin’ a Missouri!” when they are about to make a bold move or take an unexpected step.
17. Fixin’ To:
This Missouri slang phrase describes the process of preparing for something. Missourians use this phrase to refer to getting ready for an event, task, or activity.
You might hear someone say, “I’m fixin’ to go grocery shopping” or “We’re fixin’ to have a barbecue.”
The term has a sense of urgency and anticipation as if Missourians are anxious to get started.
18. Daggone It:
This phrase is used in Missouri to express frustration or disappointment.
Missourians often use this phrase when they make a mistake or if something goes wrong unexpectedly.
You might hear someone say, “Daggone it! I forgot my keys!” or “Daggone it, this printer isn’t working.”
The term can be used in both a lighthearted way or as an exclamation of annoyance.
19. Haint:
Missourians use this term to refer to a ghost or supernatural being.
Missourians have long believed in the existence of ghosts and other supernatural creatures, so they use this phrase in conversation.
You might hear Missourians say something like, “I saw a haint in the graveyard last night!”
The term comes from the phrase “ain’t they,” which itself is a contraction of “are they not?”
20. Fetch:
Missourians will often use this term to describe something that’s cool or awesome.
Missourians typically won’t say something is “cool” or “awesome;” instead, they’ll say it’s “fetch.”
You might hear Missourians say something like, “This new phone is really fetch.” The term comes from “fetching,” which means attractive or appealing.
21. You Guys:
Missourians often use this term to refer to a group of people, regardless of gender.
Missourians don’t use the phrases “you all” or “y’all” but instead opt for the gender-neutral version, “you guys.”
This can confuse people from other parts of the country who are used to using the phrase “y’all”!
The term is a reflection of Missourians’ laid-back attitude and friendly culture.
22. Pop:
Missourians also use the term “pop” instead of soda or soft drinks. So if you’re out with friends and someone orders a drink, they might say, “Can I get a pop?”
This phrase is another example of Missourians’ unique slang! The term “pop” is used throughout the midwest, but Missourians use it more than other states in the region.
23. Don’t Care To:
Missourians also use the phrase “don’t care to” in place of the phrase “don’t want to.”
For example, if someone is asked if they’d like to go somewhere and they don’t want to, they might say, “Nah, I don’t care to.”
The term is used instead of “don’t want to” because Missourians are known for their laid-back and easygoing nature.
24. Kitty-Corner:
When Missourians say something is kitty-corner, they mean it’s diagonally opposite from where they’re standing.
For example, if someone is standing at a crossroads, one thing might be direct to the north, another may be directly east, and another might be kitty-corner.
The term is often used to describe how far away something is.
25. Hoot ‘n Holler:
This Missouri slang phrase is used to describe a big, loud celebration. Missourians use this term when discussing a party that’s especially boisterous and rowdy!
For example, if Missourians hear about a big wedding or birthday celebration, they might say, “It’s going to be quite the hoot ‘n holler!”
The term “hoot ‘n holler” is also used in Missouri to describe a rowdy bar or club.
Final Thoughts:
Missouri has its unique way of speaking, and these are just a few of the Missouri slang words and phrases you’re likely to encounter if you visit Missouri.
From “don’t be so hooky” to “I’m gummin'”, Missouri’s way of communicating can add fun and flavor to conversations.
So if you want to spice up your Missouri conversations, these Missouri slang words and phrases are worth trying!
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