Alaskans commonly label the remaining contiguous states of the U.S. as the ‘lower 48,’ excluding Hawaii. A quick glance at the U.S. map will shed light on the reasoning behind this term. Interestingly, it’s true that from a specific location in Alaska, one can indeed see Russia.

It appears that snowbirds are individuals who migrate to the Phoenix area to escape the winter months. Given the ease of crossing over, it’s understandable – why endure the cold when you can bask in the warmth of the sun?

If you ever find yourself in Arkansas, be aware that locals might use the expression ‘up yonder’ to provide directions, and it could encompass anywhere from one mile to 20. Exercise caution when seeking guidance and consider relying on Google, your best friend in these parts.

Individuals who have resided in both Northern and Southern California often note that the term ‘hella’ is distinctly Northern Californian. However, the usage of ‘dude’ is a more universal California slang term that you’ll likely encounter throughout various regions in the state.

In Colorado, when you hear about ‘fourteeners’ or ‘doing a fourteener,’ it refers to a hike that takes you to an elevation of 14,000 feet. Before embarking on such a trek, make sure your lungs and legs are prepared. Additionally, ample rest, perhaps even fourteen hours of sleep, is advisable to acclimate to the high altitude.

When visiting Connecticut, don’t be surprised if locals refer to beer or liquor stores as ‘package stores.’ This term may puzzle those from outside the state. The origin traces back to the Prohibition era when people would purchase bootleg booze at a package store. Clerks would discreetly wrap up the alcohol to avoid drawing attention, contributing to the unconventional name.

When driving to northern Delaware (and Philly), you might catch locals saying ‘jeet,’ which is a contraction of ‘did you eat?’ The phrase is often spoken quickly, resembling a rapid, blurred stream of words, like a speeding car passing by.

In Florida, residents might describe someone who has done something messed up as ‘flaw’ or ‘green.’ For instance, you might hear phrases like ‘that’s flaw AF’ or ‘you greeeeen.’ The use of these terms may draw inspiration from the abundant plants and crocodiles in the area, adding a local touch to the expressions.

Georgia offers a wealth of historical and entertaining sites to explore, making it a great state to visit. If you’ve seen what you came for and it’s time to leave, adopt the local phrase ‘Get to gettin’,’ conveying that it’s time to go. They’re expecting you to hit the road and embark on your next adventure.

The term ‘da kine’ serves as a universal descriptor for something over there, especially when someone can’t recall its specific name. For example, “Where’s my wallet?” “It’s on da kine points to table.” Visiting Hawaii is a no-brainer, given its unique culture and natural beauty.

To be fair, the term ‘rig’ can be heard in different parts of the planet now. It is the word for any vehicle larger than a sedan, like a large truck or SUV.

Maybe the locals had such a huge influence, who knows.

No one knows if this is specific to people from Illinois, but ‘gym shoes’ is not a universal term. Others may call them sneakers but they don’t use the word ‘sneakers’ when referring to the shoes you wear in the gym.

Head on over to Indiana, walk in to a store and remember that vacuum cleaners are called ‘sweepers.’

Like you would be sweeping the house but with a vacuum cleaner. Yup, that’s confusing.

Padiddle’ is what the people from Iowa yell when there’s a car with one working headlight before promptly slapping the roof of the car. Now that’s a unique way of carrying a slang term.

Kansas natives may use the word ‘ornery’ to describe a troublemaker or even a curious one regardless of age. It is pronounced ‘awwn-ree’, so you’ll know if someone calls you this word.

If you are in Kentucky, then all soft drinks and sodas are coke. So a conversation would be something like,

‘What kind of coke do you want?’

‘Umm a Dr. Pepper.’

So how about ordering a real coke, you ask? You call it ‘regular coke.’

Gotta’ love Louisiana. Such a vibrant place, and they will say ‘cher’ which is pronounced, and even written, as ‘sha’ sometimes, which means ‘cute’ or endearing.

The common use is ‘cher bebe,’ which means, ‘what a cute baby.’

It’s a term that originated from Cajun French.

Lobster and blueberries usually have people coming back to visit Maine, so they must be used to hearing the locals say ‘ayuh’ instead of ‘yes.’

It’s a term you’ll use when going for the lobsters so that’s one added to your vocabulary.

It’s one of those underrated states to visit (depending on your opinion) but they will say “sice” when someone exaggerates or when you want someone to get you something like,

‘She siced it’ or ‘Hey, can you sice me that?’

Nothing at all odd about this one. Folks from Massachusetts say ‘wicked,’ synonymous with the word ‘very.’

So it’s just like, ‘Going to the Red Sox game yesterday was wicked fun!’

Find yourself in Michigan, walk around for the sights, and when you get thirsty use the term ‘pop’ for soda when buying one from a store. Though you could be more specific with the brand.

The men and women from Minnesota like to say ‘Ohfer’. It’s literally ‘oh for,’ like ‘Oh, for heaven’s sakes.’

They will use it with almost anything as a way to emphasize what they’re saying. So you will hear ‘Ohfer silly,’ ‘Ohfer stupid,’ ‘Ohfer nice,’ ‘Ohfer sure.’

In Mississippi, there’s a term that actually means the opposite. It’s pretty foul but ‘bless your/his/her/their heart’ means ‘fuck you/him/her/them.’

What a bunch of sweethearts.

The term is derogatory and discriminatory, referring usually to those from the country. There are many definitions for it but they basically come out meaning the same.

In the evenings, when you find yourself wanting a drink, look for a bar but instead of ordering a ‘whiskey and water,’ say ‘whiskey ditch’ like the locals do. Not a bad place to have a drink either.

The lovely men and women of Nebraska will exclaim, ‘You betcha!’ when experiencing something good for them. It’s a positive reaction to anything so go check out the state and hear, ‘Youuuuuuuu betcha!’

We all know what you can find in Nevada. A “slot zombie” is basically someone so obsessed with gambling machines that they lose touch with reality. You can’t talk with them or even get them to eat.

For those who grew up in New Hampshire, and basically all of New England, they will say, ‘wicked’ when something is really good or awesome for them, be it food, a drink, a nice car, and whatever else it may be.

In New Jersey, they will refer to the beach as ‘down the shore.’ And that’s for every beach in South Jersey, including Long Branch, Lavallette, and Long Beach Island.

That’s a lot of shores to cover.

New Mexico has its residents saying ‘all’ instead of words like ‘very,’ so it comes out as ‘It’s all hot today’ or ‘He was all mad yesterday.’

They can also end questions with ‘or no?’ or ‘or what?’ Like, ‘Do you want to eat, or no?’

You’ll get used to it.

New Yorkers will say ‘deadass’ a lot whether in a question, a confirmation, or to describe the severity of a situation or event. But hey, New York’s demographic is pretty diverse too, so even the Asians over there may use the term.

Stunning North Carolina has its locals referring to a place as ‘yonder.’ And that can mean across the street or across town, or who knows where else. But it’s worth looking around when you’re there anyway.

This one sounds a little strange but the locals of north Dakota use ‘uff da’ whenever they’re exasperated, surprised or upset. At least it doesn’t start with an F.

In Ohio, you may find the locals constantly saying ‘please.’

Like if a person says something and you can’t hear them clearly, you say, ‘please?’

Pretty polite state.

This one’s pretty easy to remember and even adopt. They usually say ‘Fixin’ to,’ which means ‘getting ready to.’

Like they’re “fixin’ to” go to the big football game in a few.

The good people from this state like to refer to the beach as ‘the coast.’

Not that tourists and visitors would care since everyone loves the beach and endless coastlines.

‘Jagoff,’ pretty much means a douchebag so be careful not to drive like a lunatic or show attitude in public areas. You’ll know it’s you once you hear this word.

Friends from Rhode Island say ‘bubbler’ instead of ‘water fountain.’

That will cause a bit of confusion for first time visitors but the locals aren’t exactly wrong, are they?

Here’s more confusion for newbie guests and toursits. They will hear South Carolinians say ‘might could’ instead of just ‘could.’

An example would be, ‘We might could do that, if you want to.’

Apparently, in South Dakota, sloppy joes are called ‘taverns’, so do remember this should you be ordering one. Of course we’re now wondering what they call other items on the menu.

Tennessee shoppers say ‘buggy’ instead of ‘shopping cart’, like they’re actual toys. It’s the norm over there too so as a tourist and guest, you’ll have to learn how to use it.

Now for something even more country and cool. ‘Y’all’d’ve’ is literally ‘You all would have.’

And here’s a sentence, ‘Y’all’d’ve loved the movie last night.’

Rolls of the tongue easily.

Students in Utah won’t say they skipped class, instead going for ‘sluffed’ class. That’s a unique way of putting it, but seriously, stay in school.

Don’t “sluff”.

Vermont calls a soft serve a ‘creemee.’

All those wide open spaces will surely have you looking for one. It’s a stunning state that will have you taking pictures before ordering one.

No, it’s not the one used for building houses or throwing at that annoying neighbor who likes to start petty fights.

‘Brick’ over at Virginia actually means a long time, far away, etc.

So it goes something like, ‘I haven’t seen you in a brick.’

‘Hella’ is a Washington word often thrown around. It’s almost like they adore Loki’s daughter but with a different spelling.

Yup, that’s right, she’s Loki’s daughter and not Odin’s. But we digress.

The folks over in West Virginia call roads ‘hollers.’ You read that right.

So they will say something to the effect of, ‘We’re gonna run up the holler to Tudor’s.’

Similar to Rhode Island, Wisconsin locals will refer to a water/drinking fountain as a ‘bubbler.’

Hey at least that’s better than calling them a “sprayer”.

Prairie dogs. So yes you’re forgiven for scratching your head and wondering what on earth those could be. At least they’re not the size of cars.