If You've Said This 'Slang' Word, You're Probably From Alabama

By Jason Hall

August 25, 2021

USA states on map: Alabama
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:

  1. Alabama- Roll Tide
  2. Alaska- Sourdough and cheechako
  3. Arizona- Snowbirds
  4. Arkansas- Blinky
  5. California- Hella
  6. Colorado- Gaper
  7. Connecticut- Package store
  8. Delaware- Baggin' up
  9. Florida- No-see-ums
  10. Georgia- Buggy
  11. Hawaii- Da kine
  12. Idaho- Jockey box
  13. Illinois- Gym shoes
  14. Indiana- Hoosier
  15. Iowa- Padiddle
  16. Kansas- Get loaded
  17. Kentucky- Kentucky waterfall
  18. Louisiana- Sha
  19. Maine- Ayuh
  20. Maryland- Sice
  21. Massachusetts- Wicked
  22. Michigan- Ope!
  23. Minnesota- Uff'da!
  24. Mississippi- Fixin'
  25. Missouri- Put out
  26. Montana- Cowboy up
  27. Nebraska- Hay-waddy
  28. Nevada- Toke
  29. New Hampshire- Hornpout
  30. New Jersey- Jug handle
  31. New Mexico- Christmas
  32. New York- Schvitzing
  33. North Carolina- Yonder
  34. North Dakota- Hotdish
  35. Ohio- Sweeper
  36. Oklahoma- Quakenado
  37. Oregon- Spendy
  38. Pennsylvania- Jawn
  39. Rhode Island- Bubbler
  40. South Carolina- Cackalacky
  41. South Dakota- Pert'near
  42. Tennessee- Meat and three
  43. Texas- Piddle'o
  44. Utah- Sluff
  45. Vermont- Creemee
  46. Virginia- Ji
  47. Washington- Skookum
  48. West Virginia- Biggidy
  49. Wisconsin- Recombobulation
  50. Wyoming- Silk
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