Speak Like a True Iowan: 10 Terms You’ll Need To Know!

If you are from Iowa you will know these words. If you are visiting Iowa you'll need to know these words. 

When I was a kid I lived on a farm in northeastern Iowa which may be why I recognize and understand every word and phrase in this list.

So I ran this list by my pal Patty. She is not from Iowa. And sure enough, she didn't know the meaning of many of these. 

Only In Your State put together are rather interesting list of the “10 Words You'll Only Understand If You Are From Iowa.”

So what do YOU think...can you speak fluent Iowan?

1. Padiddle: It's an Iowan custom to punch the top of the car and yell "padiddle!" when you see a car with one headlight burnt out.
2. Cornhole: It's not what it sounds like, we promise. This is what we Iowans call the fun lawn game you play at family reunions.
3. Pop: Quit calling it soda or cola, it's pop.
4. Crick: No, it's not a baby cricket, this is what many Iowans call a "creek."
5. Puppy Chow: Out-of-towners will give you a concerned look when you offer them puppy chow until they see the delicious chocolaty goodness that is this Iowan treat.
6. RAGBRAI: It sounds like a dirty old bra, but it's actually a week-long festivity of biking, camping, and drinking.
7. Pork Queen: In any other state, this might be an insult, but in Iowa, it's actually an honor.
8. Straw Poll: This is an event where a presidential straw poll is taken by Iowa Republicans. And yes, that is Mike Huckabee playing guitar with Elvis.
9. Prairie Lights: No, this isn't some celestial phenomenon in the sky, it's actually a really popular bookstore where many high-profile authors do signings.
10. Knee-high by the Fourth of July: This last one is more of a saying, but this farmer's phrase regarding corn growth can be confusing when mumbled to out-of-towners.