The 10 Most Misinterpreted Slang Words in America
Let’s unpack some fun regional expressions that might just throw you for a loop unless you’re from around there. Ever been offered a “tavern” in South Dakota? You might be surprised to find yourself biting into a meaty sandwich rather than walking into a bar. Over in Maine, being “right out straight” means you’re swamped, not straightforward. And while New Yorkers might “grill” you with a hard stare, in Mississippi, “carry” could simply mean giving someone a lift. Ready to talk the talk as the locals do?
South Dakota: Tavern Smackdown
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Most folks think a “tavern” means a bar. South Dakotans? They might be offering you a ground beef sandwich, similar to a sloppy joe. The debate between the two gets heated, with some arguing tomato sauce defines a sloppy joe while taverns typically skip it. But hey, some tavern recipes include ketchup, blurring the lines even further!
Right Out Straight… But Stuck in Maine?
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Preply’s survey says “right out straight” means telling the truth. That makes sense, right? Well, in Maine, if you’re “right out straight,” you’re swamped with work – the opposite of getting something straight!
Carrying More Than a Tune in Mississippi
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“Carry” in Mississippi? Most folks guessed a gun. And they’d be right, but it can also mean “to drive someone,” like offering your mom a lift to the airport.
The New York State: Not Just a Cliche
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New Yorkers use “grill” to mean “stare rudely,” unlike the more common definition of asking a lot of questions. So, if a New Yorker grills you, they might not be after information – just giving you the evil eye!
Gnarly Waves, Not Vibes, in California
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We all know “gnarly” from the 1980s as a synonym for cool. But for Californians (especially surfers), a gnarly wave is a giant, intimidating one – anything but chill!
Dirty Bird Takes Flight (and Lands in Your KFC Bucket)
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“Dirty bird” can mean an unpleasant person, but Kentuckians also use it for… KFC! Seems like finger-lickin’ good can have a double meaning in the Bluegrass State.
Hawaii’s Grinds: Food, Not the Daily Grind
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Survey-takers thought “grinds” meant working hard in Hawaii, just like everywhere else. But in the Aloha State, it’s actually slang for food, often spelled “grindz.”
Borrowing More Than a Book: Montana’s Borrow Pit
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A borrow pit is a hole created by removing material (borrowing it!) for use elsewhere. It can also be a drainage ditch by the road. Survey-takers, though, got creative and called it a “donation box.”
Feeling Put Out in Missouri? Not That Way!
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“Put out” usually has a spicy meaning, but in Missouri, it describes someone who’s angry or peeved.
Blucifer: Not Your Average Blue Devil
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Never heard of Blucifer? You’re not alone. Survey-takers guessed it was another term for a blue devil. But Blucifer is the actual nickname for the imposing 32-foot-tall blue fiberglass horse statue looming over Denver International Airport. Talk about a local legend!