It's been a year since I moved to the Quad Cities from Arkansas and I've definitely expanded my vocabulary.

There are a bunch of Southern-isms that are also used in the Midwest so several things did translate. But there are a few terms that I was definitely unfamiliar with until I moved to the Quad Cities last January.

So without further ado, here's what you've taught me in the last year, my dear QC.

10. Ragbrai

Sarah Stringer
Sarah Stringer
loading...

If you would've asked me what "Ragbrai" was a year ago, I would've thought you were speaking a different language. I had no idea it was a big bike race.

9. Bix

Davenport Facebook
Davenport Facebook
loading...

I figured out quick that "Bix" doesn't only mean the name of the race. It also (most importantly) includes the tons of parties that happen on Bix weekend.

8. Knee High By The Fourth Of July

Canva
Canva
loading...

I had never heard this phrase before moving to the QC. My homeland's main exports are rice and soybeans. Unless they're mutant, they don't get knee-high at any point.

7. Ope

Canva
Canva
loading...

I had heard this and said it but never as much as I have since moving here.

6. Parking Ramp

Canva
Canva
loading...

This is a big one. I've only ever heard these things called parking garages, not parking ramps. The first time I heard someone say I could use a parking ramp when it snowed, I thought "what's a ramp going to do about it??"

5. Pop

Sarah Stringer
Sarah Stringer
loading...

Even though the gas station registers here call it a 'fountain pop', I will never call a soda or a Coke 'pop'. I don't think I could if I tried.

4. Bags (Cornhole)

Canva
Canva
loading...

I had never heard cornhole called "bags" until I moved here but whatever you call the game, it's definitely much more of a popular thing here than it is in Arkansas.

3. Midwest Sushi

julieseatsandtreats.com
julieseatsandtreats.com
loading...

I had no idea this snack existed before I moved to the QC. I'm not a big pickle fan so it's not my fave but it's a cute idea and so signature to the Midwest.

2. Maid-rite

Canva
Canva
loading...

I've never had one of these and I thought Maid-Rite was just a grocery store chain. I asked my pals if they were like sloppy joe's and was met with a hard and fast no.

1. Iowa Nice

Sarah Stringer
Sarah Stringer
loading...

I had never heard this phrase until I first visited the QC and I can confirm it tracks. People in Iowa really are just about Canada-level nice.

The 20 Best Meals In The Quad Cities

Are you one of those people who know they want something to eat, but don't know exactly WHAT you want to eat? You know you don't want to stay home and cook, and you know you want to go out to a restaurant, but maybe you don't know exactly what you're craving. Where does one find good food in the Quad Cities?

WORRY NO MORE! We are here to help!


We asked a question on our Facebook page "What is the best meal in the Quad Cities" and many people shared their favorite restaurants and dishes in the comments. We have put together a list of the 20 Best Meals in the Quad Cities so that you can get out and try something new!


These restaurants are a place of good times, great food, and reasonable prices!


Check out all the restaurant's websites by clicking on the green wording!
Have fun scrolling!

This Iowa "Bargain Mansion" Has Captured TikTok's Attention

A home for sale in Ottumwa, Iowa was featured in a TikTok because of it's size and it's very light price tag.

More From B100