It's an Iowa Thing

I am from Iowa and I make it known. I went to Hawaii about 10 years ago and sat next to some dudes on the plane from California. We had a good conversation and they informed me they had never been to my home state. All they knew was that "Field of Dreams" was set in Iowa.

They also said I had a funny accent. I was confused because I've never heard it.

I came across a article on onlyinyourstate.com and it made me think about the exchange between myself and these two guys.

There are words we as Iowans understand. I guarantee when you read them, you'll say "oh yeah, I know that one!"

1. 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.

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

3. Pop: Quit calling it soda or cola, it's pop.

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

5. 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.

6. RAGBRAI: It sounds like a dirty old bra, but it's actually a week-long festivity of biking, camping and drinking.

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

8. Straw Poll: This is an event where a presidential straw poll is taken by Iowa Republicans. And yes, that is Mike Huckabee playing guitar with Elvis.

9. 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.

10. Knee high by fourth of July: This last one is more of a saying, but this farmer's phrase regarding corn growth can be confusing when mumbled to out-of-towners.

Are there any other words only we Iowans understand?

Categories: Articles, Original Features

It’s an Iowa Thing