Midwestern American Slang

Name:

Date:

Instructions: How well do you know the friendly expressions of America's Heartland?

1.
In the Midwest, what does 'ope' express?
A
Disappointment
B
A mild exclamation of surprise (like 'oops')
C
A greeting
D
Open the door
2.
What does 'pop' refer to in the Midwest?
A
Popcorn
B
A father
C
Soda or soft drink
D
A sudden noise
3.
In Midwestern English, what does 'you betcha' mean?
A
You better not
B
I bet against you
C
I dare you
D
You're absolutely right / Yes, of course
4.
What does 'hotdish' refer to in the Upper Midwest?
A
A spicy food
B
An attractive person
C
A heated plate
D
A casserole or baked one-dish meal
5.
In the Midwest, what is a 'bubbler'?
A
A drinking fountain (especially in Wisconsin)
B
A jacuzzi
C
A baby
D
A washing machine
6.
What does 'the Midwest goodbye' refer to?
A
Saying goodbye by phone
B
Leaving without saying goodbye
C
An extended, prolonged farewell that can last 30+ minutes
D
A quick wave
7.
In Midwestern English, what does 'come with' mean (as in 'Do you want to come with?')?
A
Come along or join us
B
Come inside
C
Come back later
D
Bring something
8.
What is a 'jello salad' in Midwestern culture?
A
A green salad
B
A children's dessert
C
A gelatin-based dish with fruit, vegetables, or other mix-ins served as a side
D
A soup
9.
In the Midwest, what does 'oh, for cute!' mean?
A
That's silly
B
For children only
C
How adorable!
D
That's ugly
10.
What does 'kitty-corner' (or 'catty-corner') mean in Midwestern English?
A
Diagonally opposite
B
A pet store
C
A sharp turn
D
Where the cat sits
11.
In the Midwest, what does 'could you borrow me' something mean?
A
Give me permanently
B
Return something
C
Lend me (a common Midwestern phrasing)
D
Buy me
12.
What is a 'sack' in Midwestern grocery vocabulary?
A
A large container
B
A lunch box
C
A grocery bag
D
A bed
13.
In the Midwest, what does 'dontcha know' function as?
A
A command
B
An actual question
C
An insult
D
A conversational filler or emphasis phrase
14.
What does 'supper' typically mean in the Midwest (as distinct from 'dinner')?
A
Lunch
B
Breakfast
C
The evening meal (dinner is the midday meal for some)
D
A late-night snack
15.
In Midwestern English, what does 'real quick' mean in 'I'm gonna stop real quick'?
A
Suddenly
B
Briefly or for a short time
C
Very fast driving
D
Urgently

Answer Key

Question 1

B. A mild exclamation of surprise (like 'oops')

Question 2

C. Soda or soft drink

Question 3

D. You're absolutely right / Yes, of course

Question 4

D. A casserole or baked one-dish meal

Question 5

A. A drinking fountain (especially in Wisconsin)

Question 6

C. An extended, prolonged farewell that can last 30+ minutes

Question 7

A. Come along or join us

Question 8

C. A gelatin-based dish with fruit, vegetables, or other mix-ins served as a side

Question 9

C. How adorable!

Question 10

A. Diagonally opposite

Question 11

C. Lend me (a common Midwestern phrasing)

Question 12

C. A grocery bag

Question 13

D. A conversational filler or emphasis phrase

Question 14

C. The evening meal (dinner is the midday meal for some)

Question 15

B. Briefly or for a short time

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