If you’ve ever been to Indiana, you’ll know that people there have a unique way of speaking. Their phrases are full of humour, small-town charm, and a lot of personality.
Whether it’s about the unpredictable weather or their love for basketball, Hoosiers (people from Indiana) know how to keep conversations fun and colourful. Here are 17 funny and unique sayings you’ll mostly hear only in Indiana!
1. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”
Indiana summers can get super sticky. People often say this when they’re sweating buckets—not because it’s hot, but because the air feels thick and wet.
2. “Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.”
This one’s popular because Indiana weather changes fast. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain!
3. “I’m full as a tick.”
When someone in Indiana eats a lot, they say this to describe how stuffed they feel. A little weird, but definitely funny.
4. “He’s slower than molasses in January.”
This is used to describe someone who’s moving way too slow, especially when it’s cold and you want things done fast.
5. “Madder than a wet hen.”
A classic Hoosier way to say someone is extremely angry. Chickens really don’t like getting wet!
6. “It’s colder than a well digger’s behind.”
When winters hit hard, you’ll hear this strange phrase to describe the freezing temperature.
7. “She’s about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
This is how Hoosiers jokingly say someone or something is completely useless.
8. “He couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag.”
A funny way to say someone is really confused or not very sharp.
9. “I’m fixin’ to go to the store.”
Yes, in Indiana, “fixin’ to” means “getting ready to.” Sounds strange but it’s used a lot.
10. “That dog won’t hunt.”
This saying means an idea or excuse just won’t work. You’ll hear it during serious talks or arguments.
11. “Grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater.”
When someone is smiling widely and looks really happy, Hoosiers love using this strange but cheerful phrase.
12. “You’re not from around here, are ya?”
Often said in small towns when someone new shows up or does something different. It’s not rude—just a classic Hoosier curiosity.
13. “Hotter than blue blazes.”
Used to describe a very hot day. No one’s sure what “blue blazes” are, but it definitely sounds fiery!
14. “I gotta red up the room.”
In some parts of Indiana, people use “red up” instead of “clean up.” It comes from old German influence in the region.
15. “More nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
If someone is really anxious or jumpy, you’ll hear this long but hilarious comparison.
16. “He’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal.”
This one’s a clever way of saying someone isn’t thinking straight or is a little bit silly.
17. “Bless your heart.”
Sounds sweet, right? But in Indiana, it’s often used to gently mock someone who just made a silly mistake—especially by grandmas.
These phrases show the funny, kind, and quirky spirit of people in Indiana. While they might sound odd to outsiders, they reflect local culture, family values, and the sense of humour that Hoosiers are proud of. So next time you hear one of these, just smile and enjoy the local flavour!
SOURCES
- (https://wheninyourstate.com/indiana/19-unique-sayings-that-only-make-sense-in-indiana/)
- (https://b1057.com/513668/things-only-people-from-indiana-say/)
- (https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/circle-city/indiana-quotations-hoosier-hall-of-fame/)
