Even when Ohioans travel to other states or countries, we’re pretty easy to spot. From diehard sports rivalries we’ll never let go of to strange pronunciations, there are some undeniable trademarks of those of us who live in Ohio that you won’t always find in other states. Once you’ve lived in the Buckeye State long enough, it’s not hard to spot signs you’re from Ohio. The following are just a few definite (and slightly strange) tip-offs that indicate if someone is from Ohio—and we’ll wholeheartedly deny the weirdness of them.

1. We often randomly yell out “O-H” and fully anticipate an “I-O” reply.
Katrina Cole/Flickr
It doesn't matter where we are. We want to know where our Ohioans at.
2. We spell our state’s name with our arms and take a photo—no matter where we are.
Brandon Doan/Flickr
We do this because WE CAN. You try spelling out Michigan with your arms and see how that goes.
3. We avoid ALL things blue and yellow.
erocka/Flickr
(Is that Michigan fan for real right now?!)
4. Many of us use the term “pop” instead of “soda.”
Mike Mozart/Flickr
AND YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN SO STOP ACTING LIKE WE’RE ALIENS.
5. We eat large amounts of shredded cheese and chili on top of spaghetti…
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
…because we dare to be different.
6. We also dip our French fries in our Wendy’s frosty…
h.r. williams/Flickr
…and we were doing it way before it was cool/socially acceptable.
7. We sometimes use the AC and heat in the same day.
Jason Eppink/Flickr
You don't have us fooled. We know the concept of four designated seasons is an absolute myth.
8. We can’t seem to agree on the way that “wash” is pronounced.
Tim Regan/Flickr
Sometimes there’s a "r." Sometimes there isn’t.
9. We usually give directions based on a location’s proximity to a major city and we give them in time increments, not miles.
Mr. Tin DC/Flickr
"It’s an hour outside of Cleveland" will be the sort of answers you get from us and you really can’t expect anything else.
10. Buffalo Wild Wings is “B-Dubs” to us.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
Don’t ask for an explanation. That’s just the way it is.
11. Stores such as Meijer, Kroger and JC Penney are referred to in possessive form.
Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr
It’s "Meijer’s," "Kroger’s" and "JC Penney’s" here and we don’t care if that’s wrong because it just feels right to us.
12. We have the epitome of a love/hate relationship with our state. We relentlessly make fun of Ohio while claiming it’s the best state there is.
Arno Hoyer/Flickr
It's complicated.

What are some other weird things people in Ohio do? Can you think of any other telltale signs you’re from Ohio? Share your thoughts with us!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Signs You're From Ohio

April Dray | November 07, 2019

What are the most popular Ohio stereotypes?

Ohio stereotypes typically involve cornfields, farming and Ohio State football. While most Ohio stereotypes are humorous, they’re not always accurate. (For instance, we don’t ALL hate Michigan fans or the state itself.) Other times, Ohio stereotypes are dead on—and we will likely laugh along with you. Ohioans have a sense of humor that makes them love their state, no matter how much they might make fun of it. Check out our previous article for another humorous list many Ohio natives can relate to called 14 Totally True Stereotypes Ohioans Should Just Accept As Fact.

What are the weirdest things to do in Ohio?

Ohio is a truly unique state. There are several strange but fun things to see only in Ohio, such as the World’s Largest Basket in Newark and The Great Serpent Mound in Peebles. Other unusual attractions hiding in Ohio include Cornhenge in Dublin, The Troll Hole in Alliance and Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield. For some neat day trip ideas, check out our previous article called The 11 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In Ohio. 

What activities can I only do in Ohio?

The Buckeye State is home to several world renowned and one-of-a-kind attractions. Some must-see attractions that you can only visit in Ohio include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, America’s Oldest Concrete Street in Bellefontaine, the Glacial Grooves Memorial on Kelleys Island, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, known as Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. For a list of places and things you can do only in Ohio, click here. 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Ohio, USA