Refers to a person from the state of Indiana. Most people including Hoosiers themselves don’t even know how the term originated. Early folklore suggests it originated from early settlers who said “who’s yer” when answering their door. Another theory states that it came from early fierce rivermen called “hushers” who would “hush” or silence their adversaries. By the early 1800s "hoosier" was widely used in Indiana to refer to poor farmers or ignorant, rustic people in general. It is one of the most well-known of state nicknames. True, there are Buckeyes of Ohio and the Tarheels of North Carolina, but none has had the popular usage accorded Hoosier.
The culture of Hoosiers is conservative, laid-back and may seem like hicks by persons from either coast, but not anymore backwards than anywhere else. They are an average folk in America’s heartland who live in small towns, sizeable communities and their suburbs. Hoosiers are known for their deep love for basketball, but only at the high school and college level, despite having an NBA team (Pacers). It is practically a religion, especially at tournament time. The RCA Dome in Indianapolis fills to capacity as high school teams compete in the state’s basketball tournaments. Hoosiers are often divided in loyalty between the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers. The term “Hoosier Hysteria” describes the state’s love for basketball and was depicted in the movie Hoosiers. Auto racing is also big for Hoosiers and actually brings in more dollars than basketball. The Indy 500 and Brickyard 400 are held in Indianapolis and are the world’s two largest single-day sporting events. Hoosier dialect is diverse but may sound a bit southern to those from the upper Great Lakes, but not as distinct as Kentucky. Some with a southern draw live in and around the Indianapolis area and most points south. Hoosier culture, as of lately, has become famous for:
1. Complaining about your state of
Indiana rather than getting off your fat, lazy ass and doing something to
make it better.
2. Complaining about absolutely
everything, even the good that will
benefit their state.
3. Ignorantly complaining their state is the worst while not realizing it is average; some states are worse
and some are better.
4. Ignorantly complaining of the
alleged “lack of jobs,” while not
realizing it has faired better than
other regional states.
5. Refusing to adapt to change even for the better.
6. Ignorantly complaining about the alleged “lack of jobs” while also
complaining when a corporation wants
to expand in the state.
7. Blaming the good Governor for
everything, even the good.
8. Blaming the Governor for your
9. Blaming the Legislature for your shortcomings.
10. Complaining about the poor quality of roads while also complaining
about road construction to improve
Hoosiers are good people but constant whiners who act like they have no life.
Prices shown in USD.
Type your email address below to get our free Urban Word of the Day every morning!
Emails are sent from email@example.com. We'll never spam you.