Here in the Buckeye State, there are a few basic things you're going to need to know before you become an official Ohioan. If you know the answers to the following 11 questions before you move here, you will have a much smoother transition and a lot less confusion.
(You can thank us later.)
1. Do Ohioans have accents?
Yes, BUT we will passionately deny it. You can usually tell what part of Ohio someone is from based on the sound of their accent. One thing is for certain though: We can’t seem to agree on the way that "wash" is pronounced. Sometimes there’s a "r." Sometimes there isn’t.
2. Is it "pop" or "soda"?
Listen. It's pop. If you say "soda," we're just going to assume you think you're better than us.
3. Does it really snow that much in Ohio?
It honestly just depends on where you're referring to. Southern Ohio won't see snow until mid-March. Northern Ohio will see snow as early as November and it can last until April.
4. When the forecast calls for snow, what's the proper protocol?
You rush to buy milk and bread, obviously.
5. Are snow days common?
Ehhh, it depends. We'd like to think that the standards for what calls for a snow day are consistent, but they really aren't. The logic varies on the day.
6. What's the deal with this chili on top of spaghetti thing?
Skyline isn't for everyone — but please don't knock it until you try it.
7. Does the street construction ever end?
Nope.
8. Will the potholes ever get filled?
Again, nope.
9. What do you do when you hear someone randomly yell "O-H" ?
You reply with "I-O." (Is that so hard?)
10. How do you describe where you live?
You give directions based on a location’s proximity to a major city and you give them in time increments, not miles. Example: "It’s an hour outside of Cleveland." (Anything else would just confuse the rest of us.)
11. Is it OK to make fun of Ohio if you live here?
Yes, but ONLY if you live here. Anyone else who does so is a jerk.
Ohioans, what other questions (and answers) would you add to this list?
For more advice related to living in Ohio, check out our previous article: 7 Things No One Tells You About Surviving An Ohio Winter.
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