Posted in Iowa June 26, 2021 by Michaela Kendall

Here Are 10 Words You’ll Only Understand If You’re From Iowa

If you’re an Iowan, you’re used to out-of-towners giving you confused, somewhat concerned looks when you say things like “cornhole” and “padiddle” during a normal conversation. We Iowans know we say some strange things, but they make sense to us, so here are ten wacky words you’ll understand if you’re from Iowa.

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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.

Can you think of any more words that only Iowans will understand? Share them in the comments below!

For more fun from the Hawkeye State, read 10 Weird And Wacky Holiday Traditions You’ll Only Get If You’re From Iowa.

The OIYS Visitor Center

words you'll understand if you're from Iowa

July 02, 2021

Kim Magaraci

What stereotypes are there about Iowa?

If you aren’t from Iowa, chances are you’ve got some preconceived notions about life here in the Hawkeye State. Let us be the first to tell you – there is so much more than corn out here! We also have… soybeans, cows, and pigs! Despite the common idea that Iowa is all farmland, more Iowans live in urban areas than rural areas, though it’s hard to convince outsiders that the Hawkeye State is an urban state. Some other stereotypes about Iowa are a little more flattering – like how we’re all “Iowa Nice” and that our small towns are so safe, nobody locks their doors.

Is Iowa a great place to live?

Iowa is a wonderful place to settle down! There’s a little bit of everything, and you’ll find bustling cities, quiet farm towns, world-class resorts, and hiking trails that rival any other you’ll find. The food in Iowa is what really stands out – small mom-and-pop restaurants serve up delicious meals from the Loess Hills to the Mississippi River. The weather can be a little rough, and the cold winters and stormy summers can be tricky to deal with if you aren’t used to blizzards and tornadoes occasionally coming through.

What are the most popular foods in Iowa?

Thanks to our strong agriculture industry, Iowa has some of the freshest food in the country! Our most well-known farm product is pork, and Iowa’s breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches are a hallmark of the state’s culinary scene. Maid-Rites or Taverns are another popular type of sandwich – these ones are made with seasoned loose beef. Not many people realize that Steak de Burgo – an elegant beef dish – was created in Des Moines, and our capital city is the best place in the world to find the dish. Other popular Iowa foods include prime rib, puppy chow (a snack mix for parties), taco pizza, Maytag cheeses, and Blue Bunny Ice Cream.