10 Words or Terms You’ll Only Understand If You Are From Iowa

Having lived in Iowa I am familiar with many of these words and terms used by fellow Iowegians. How many do you know?

Just to clarify I have heard people use “Iowgian” as a derogatory word. But is it?

According to Urban Dictionary “Iowegian” is a term used to describe one who is more intelligent than a person from Missouri, more down to earth than a person from Illinois, and one who lacks any lame quality typical of those native to Minnesota and Nebraska.

That seems a bit harsh, but whatever.

To help those visiting the Hawkeye State here are 10 Words or Terms You'll Only Understand If You Are From Iowa...

Padiddle: It's an Iowan custom to punch the top of the car and yell "padiddle!" when you see a car with one headlight burnt out.

Crapids: Nickname for Cedar Rapids

Crick: No, it's not a baby cricket, this is what many Iowans call a "creek."

Cornhole: It's not what it sounds like, we promise. This is what we Iowans call the fun lawn game you play at family reunions.

Kybo: It's an Iowa name for an outdoor crapper or port-a-potty.

Puppy Chow: Out-of-towners will give you a concerned look when you offer them puppy chow until they see the delicious chocolaty goodness that is this Iowan treat.

RAGBRAI: It sounds like a dirty old bra, but it's actually a week-long festival of eating, drinking, camping, and biking across the whole state.

Pork Queen: In any other state, this might be an insult, but in Iowa, it's actually an honor.

Prairie Lights: No, this isn't some celestial phenomenon in the sky, it's actually a really popular bookstore where many high-profile authors do signings.

Squinnies: It's Iowa slang for a chipmunk or ground squirrel.