10 Funny Things Iowans Do That No One Else Understands
Michaela Kendall
Author
People-watching is an art. Some people can pick a person out from a crowd and tell you exactly where they’re from, just based on their appearance, speech, and body language. But you don’t have to be psychic to do it, you just have to know a little bit about each state’s culture. To make it easier on you, here are 10 funny things Iowans do that no one else understands:
1. They will give you a friendly wave, and make it a point to say "Hello," even if they don't know you
2. They are masters of small talk
3. When they go to a restaurant, they order a pop
4. If you tell them to bring a treat, you can expect either puppy chow or scotcharoos
5. They are the ones wearing shorts while everyone else is bundled up in winter jackets - your winter is their summer!
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6. You can find them rocking an Iowa shirt just about anywhere they go
7. They always dress in layers because they're used to Iowa weather, where they never know what to expect
8. When it comes to avoiding deer and other critters on the road, they have ninja-like driving skills
9. They will ask you for directions in minutes, or by landmarks
10. When they tell you they're from Iowa, they will crack a joke about their state, tell you where they would like to live, and then tell you why they love Iowa, and would never leave
What else would you add to the list of funny things Iowans do? Leave your funny Iowa quirks in the comments. And if you’re feeling all.the.state.pride right now, you’ll love these reasons why living in Iowa is the best. You are sure to find a few more Iowa funny things.
10 Reasons Why Living In Iowa Is The Best – And Everyone Should Move Here
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Funny Things Iowans Do
What is Iowa known for?
Iowa is known for some amazing and quirky things. Here are a few of our favorite surprising things about Iowa:
- The Hawkeye State is certainly best known for its sweeping landscapes of endless golden cornfields, producing more corn than any other state in the U.S.
- Another world-famous thing Iowa is known for is the bridges of Madison County. These iconic covered bridges have been featured in books and movies for generations - and you can take a guided tour of many of them!
- Also notably, the state of Iowa is host to the largest and most famous annual state fair in the country.
- But a lesser-known and more whimsical fact is that Iowa is the home of the invention of sliced bread. In 1927 an inventor and Davenport native, Otto Rohwedder designed a machine that efficiently sliced and wrapped bread for the first time in history-making this modern device...the best thing since sliced bread!
What unique words and phrases do people in Iowa say?
Our midwestern roots have birthed plenty of unique regional colloquialisms, special word pronunciations, and old-timey terms you’ll only hear around the great state of Iowa:
- For those who hail from rural regions, you may describe someone in a bad mood as having a “holler tail” or judge the success of a corn crop by saying “Knee-high by the Fourth of July”.
- Playing in our yards you’ll spot adorable “squinnies”, “grinnies”, “stripers”, or “chippers”, but never “squirrels”.
- But perhaps the best known and most beloved Iowan pronunciation is heard on cleaning day when it’s time to do our “warsh”.
Oh, the funny things Iowans say that others find confusing!
What are the most popular foods in Iowa?
Naturally, Iowa serves some of the best pork and corn-fed beef in the country, but so many of our favorite dishes are unique only to The Hawkeye State. Here are some of the most popular foods in Iowa:
- If you're native to Iowa, a hearty serving of our iconic breaded pork tenderloin or maid-rites will make you nostalgic for the flavors of home.
- Visitors to our state may be surprised by the creative offerings on the menus of our local pizzerias, taco pizza being a favorite.
- A beloved Iowan pastime in the spring is hunting for wild Morel mushrooms used in tasty, traditional family recipes.
- Make your meal complete like a true Iowan with a Twin Bing sweet treat for dessert.