If You've Said This 'Slang' Word, You're Probably From Alabama
By Jason Hall
August 25, 2021
Photo: Getty Images
Every state in the U.S. has its own distinct slang.
All 50 states each have their won jargon that exudes state pride and Stacker.com compiled a local slang for each state.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that "Roll Tide" was chosen for Alabama, although it may be argued by the Auburn fanbase within the state.
The term derives from a cheer in support the University of Alabama's athletic program -- specifically football -- but has branched out to have numerous alternative meanings such as greetings, farewells and numerous other usages, as depicted in a 2010 ESPN commercial.
"Roll tide is one of those phrases that doesn't have a specific meaning, but is used for just about anything," Stacker's Madison Troyer wrote. "It can be used as an excited greeting, in response to a question, or to express anger, excitement, disbelief, or shock. The phrase originated with the University of Alabama football team, the Crimson Tide, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly when it became a part of the state's vernacular."
Here is Stacker's full list of local slang for each state in every state:
- Alabama- Roll Tide
- Alaska- Sourdough and cheechako
- Arizona- Snowbirds
- Arkansas- Blinky
- California- Hella
- Colorado- Gaper
- Connecticut- Package store
- Delaware- Baggin' up
- Florida- No-see-ums
- Georgia- Buggy
- Hawaii- Da kine
- Idaho- Jockey box
- Illinois- Gym shoes
- Indiana- Hoosier
- Iowa- Padiddle
- Kansas- Get loaded
- Kentucky- Kentucky waterfall
- Louisiana- Sha
- Maine- Ayuh
- Maryland- Sice
- Massachusetts- Wicked
- Michigan- Ope!
- Minnesota- Uff'da!
- Mississippi- Fixin'
- Missouri- Put out
- Montana- Cowboy up
- Nebraska- Hay-waddy
- Nevada- Toke
- New Hampshire- Hornpout
- New Jersey- Jug handle
- New Mexico- Christmas
- New York- Schvitzing
- North Carolina- Yonder
- North Dakota- Hotdish
- Ohio- Sweeper
- Oklahoma- Quakenado
- Oregon- Spendy
- Pennsylvania- Jawn
- Rhode Island- Bubbler
- South Carolina- Cackalacky
- South Dakota- Pert'near
- Tennessee- Meat and three
- Texas- Piddle'o
- Utah- Sluff
- Vermont- Creemee
- Virginia- Ji
- Washington- Skookum
- West Virginia- Biggidy
- Wisconsin- Recombobulation
- Wyoming- Silk