Idahoans don’t have an accent — at least that we know of — but we do have our own language of sorts. Truth be told, it can be hard to pinpoint unique language qualities and phrases that are unique to Idaho as a state, rather than to one specific part, but there are are few habits many of us seem to share. Sure, our colloquialisms and tendencies may befuddle outsiders and urban-dwellers every now and then, but that’s simply because all those skyscrapers affect their ability to speak correctly, right? Yep, here in Idaho, we pronounce things, name things, and navigate by things using their proper linguistic form… most of the time.
Here are some unique things you might just hear fellow Idahoans say.
It's pronounced exactly how it's spelled, and I don't see a 'z' in there, do you? Say it after me, "BOY-SEE." And while you're at it, Mos-COW is in Russia; Mos-COH is in Idaho. Don't let the spelling fool you!
... when in fact we most definitely weren't sitting. As in, "There I was, jus' sittin' there, when this giant trout flailing around nearly broke my rod in half." (I'm sure your fishing stories are better than mine, though!)
We nearly redeemed ourselves with the pronunciation of Pend Orielle, but then we went and named that other city Ponderay as a pronunciation reminder... but it's the thought that counts, right?
"Hai-AL-dee" is the proper pronunciation, but since not everyone has the awesome Basque culture that we do, it's understandable to get this one wrong. We've all eaten at the Basque Block in BoDo enough that we just get it.
A term of endearment for our beloved state, a clever play on words, and a realization of state pride, "Idahome" simply means beautiful Idaho, no matter our language oddities.
Jockeybox, switchbacks, 4-Wheeler vs. Quad… the list goes on! Yay or nay? What are some words or sayings that evoke a feeling of Idaho nostalgia for you?? Share them below!
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