In Kansas, we’re a mix of Southern, Midwest, and a few farther dialects, so we sometimes have odd words mixed in with the normal lot. Some of the things people say here are just too “Kansas” to ignore. These words and phrases are fun little reminders of the great place we live. In no particular order, here are 11 Kansas-ey things you’ll hear us say. Do you know of any more?
1. "Do you want to come with?"
Apparently, it's not important to say who you're going with, but this is just one of those things Kansans have changed about their speech. The important part is the journey, right?
2. "Tore up"
With examples such as, "He tore up his room," there's not much explaining that has to be done. However, it does also apply to things that are actually torn to pieces, like dog toys. This one's just a multi purpose phrase!
3. Adding an "s" to the end of places.
You know the store is Aldi, but you say Aldis. The same also goes for JCPenney, where we add the same "s" to the end.
4. The "concrete"
It's thick like a blizzard, yet we in Kansas get them from Freddy's and other frozen treat stands. Most of America will think of cement structures, Kansans first think to ice cream. Yum!
5. "Cornhole"
Known in other states as something you shut when you're being noisy, here, it means a family game anyone can play regardless of age. It's simple, you take the beanbag, and get it in the hole for points. Careful, don't push someone else's beanbag in instead!
6. "Till the cows come home"
In addition to Kansas, this is said throughout the South as well, but you'll hear it this far North pretty often. Unless you're in Johnson County, that is.
7. "Burnt ends"
To some, this phrase is referring to bits of food you wouldn't like to eat. For Kansans, they're exactly what we want to eat! BBQ joints across the state specialize in this tasty creation, so make sure you've tried it!
8. Caddy/Catty-corner"
Whether you say it with t's or d's, this just means it's diagonal from you. However you say it, at least you're not saying Kitty-corner like some of America does! That would just be silly...
9. "Barking up the wrong tree"
Though you'll hear this one elsewhere besides Kansas as well, we use it pretty often.
10. "Puppy chow/Muddy buddies"
Odds are you've both heard and tasted this tantalizing treat, but did you know that it's not a common food everywhere? Puppy chow leads most Americans to think of dog food, whereas this one's just for the people.
11. That little "Op" noise you make when bumping into someone.
Whether you meant it or not, you've probably either made this noise or heard someone else say "op" as they nearly run into you. It's just a think we've picked up, and no one knows where it came from! However, they don't do it everywhere, and Kansas is just special like that.
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