9 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Cincinnati Do
By Andrea Limke|Updated on April 30, 2024(Originally published August 27, 2017)
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Every city can be considered odd for one reason or another. Here in Cincinnati, we have our own set of weird quirks that may seem peculiar or even annoying to outsiders. But to those who have roots in Cincinnati, it’s just the way of life here in Queen City. People from Cincinnati may eat a little differently, celebrate in our own way, and even speak our own language, but that’s what makes Cincinnati home.
If you're from Cincinnati, there's no twirling your spaghetti or eating it as if you are a character from Lady and the Tramp. First of all, we eat it smothered in Cincinnati-style chili and a pile of cheese. And then we use the side of that fork there to cut it and make sure we get a little bit of everything in one delicious bite.
This Cincinnati phenomenon does seem to improve with each generation, but it's still generally true that most locals tend to stick to their original side of town. If you grew up on the west side, you probably don't have many memories of hanging out in Ault Park. Likewise, if you grew up on the east side, bowling at Western Bowl probably wasn't your Friday night activity. We like what we like, but at least we can call a truce when we meet downtown to cheer on our Bengals and Reds.
In fact, we gather with all of our closest friends - AKA all of Cincinnati - and perform the biggest Chicken Dance in the world at our annual Oktoberfest. It's the party of the year and this silly dance is just one of the weird traditions that we just can't get enough of.
Cincinnatians tend to be polite with that midwestern hospitality, but when we say "please," it may just mean we are confused. Most people would say, "Excuse me?" or "Come again?" but in Cincinnati we respond with a simple "please?" Rumor has it that it has to do with our German heritage.
And we mean it in the most endearing way possible. And not just any type of pig - Flying Pigs to be exact. Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon is a huge party to celebrate the accomplishments of our city's runners and it's one of the most festive and inspiring events in the city.
Of course we celebrate this love of outdoor eating in a big way with the Taste of Cincinnati every Memorial Day weekend. But with the growing popularity of food trucks, the legendary status of Findlay Market and many other food-oriented festivals, it's safe to say Cincy is a food-lover's paradise.
If your city had a cemetery as beautiful and historic as our Spring Grove, then you would, too. Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is a natural oasis in the middle of the city and a popular spot for photographers, as well as those locals looking for a peaceful stroll and a relaxing afternoon.
It's not official, but it should be. Opening Day for our Cincinnati Reds is a can't miss event and it seems that most locals don't. Kids skip school, adults call in sick, and everyone heads downtown for the best parade of the year and to welcome in a new season for our home team.
Because if we did leave, who would understand our weirdness? Cincinnati is a great place to live, filled with its own quirks and traditions. Most locals tend to stay put, or if they do leave, they find their way back to where they belong, right here in the Queen City.
If you’re from Cincinnati, how many of these weird characteristics do you share? What did we miss? Share your thoughts with us in the comments about more things people from Cincinnati do!
