It’s an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State

Ohio: a place where quirks and charms blend seamlessly into the daily life of those who call it home. From unique culinary choices to peculiar ways of speaking, Ohioans have habits that might just leave outsiders scratching their heads. Here’s a dive into the Buckeye State’s most beloved oddities.

1. Calling Every Soda “Pop”

shutterstock 666019414 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Viacheslav Lopatin

In Ohio, it’s not soda, cola, or soft drink — it’s “pop.” And that’s non-negotiable.

2. Obsessive Weather Talk

shutterstock 1478916125 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Ohioans are known to discuss the weather as if it’s a competitive sport, thanks to its unpredictability.

3. The Great Debate: Skyline vs. Gold Star

shutterstock 508609954

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cory Woodruff

Chili in Ohio isn’t just a meal; it’s a divisive topic. Are you Team Skyline or Team Gold Star?

4. Buckeye Everything

shutterstock 114802060

Image Credit: Shutterstock / cvm

From candy to clothing, if it can be shaped like a buckeye or named after one, Ohioans are on it.

5. Sweetcorn Celebrations

shutterstock 613739555

Image Credit: Shutterstock / naramit

Come summer, it’s not just about eating sweet corn; it’s about festivals dedicated to it.

6. O-H! I-O!

shutterstock 2153711619 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini

The call and response that unites the state. It’s not just for game day; it’s for any day.

7. Devotion to High School Football

shutterstock 1850422495 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund

In Ohio, Friday nights are for football. High school games are practically holidays.

8. Saying “The” Before Highway Numbers

shutterstock 1230916417 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olena Yakobchuk

It’s not just I-75, it’s “The 75,” making every interstate sound infinitely more important.

9. The Three-Way Meal

shutterstock 1829686103

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Julia Mikhaylova

Not what it sounds like outside Ohio. It’s spaghetti, chili, and cheese — and it’s dinner.

10. “Please?”

shutterstock 1498900184

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi

If an Ohioan didn’t hear you, they’ll say “Please?” instead of “What?” or “Excuse me?”

11. The Love of Drive-Thrus

shutterstock 2367548453

Image Credit: Shutterstock / kckate16

Ohio loves a good drive-thru, not just for food, but for coffee, banking, and even convenience stores.

12. Rocking Out to the Black Keys or Twenty One Pilots

shutterstock 535266562 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo

Pride in Ohio’s music scene runs deep, especially for these hometown heroes.

13. Wearing Shorts in 50-Degree Weather

shutterstock 1772881289 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / grandbrothers

After a long winter, 50 degrees is practically tropical for Ohioans.

14. Constant Construction Complaints

shutterstock 1038834505 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kichigin

Construction season is the unofficial fifth season in Ohio, much to the dismay of its residents.

15. The Haunted Ohio Obsession

shutterstock 1633665163

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalie Shane

From ghost tours to haunted houses, Ohioans love a good scare.

16. Tomato Juice With Breakfast

shutterstock 1307328829 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / THANAN KONGDOUNG

A strange but cherished tradition, especially in diners across the state.

17. Amish Country Excursions

shutterstock 217604539 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / hutch photography

A weekend trip to Amish Country is a treat for many Ohioans, with promises of cheese, furniture, and peaceful scenery.

18. Cedar Point Bragging Rights

shutterstock 652880257 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / David McGill 71

Home to some of the world’s best roller coasters, Ohioans love to brag about Cedar Point.

19. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Treats

shutterstock 1195786825 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Shyripa Alexandr

Inspired by the Buckeye candy, this combo is a state-wide obsession.

20. The Politeness Dance at Four-Way Stops

shutterstock 1826350790

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmytrenko Vlad

An endless loop of “You go.” “No, you go.” Ohioans are too polite at intersections.

21. Tailgating Is a Fine Art

shutterstock 1257364093

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Visuta

Whether it’s for a football game or a concert, Ohioans take tailgating to the next level.

Gain an Understanding

shutterstock 214169 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Weldon Schlonege

In Ohio, these habits aren’t just oddities; they’re a way of life. From celebrating the seemingly mundane to fierce loyalty to local traditions, it’s clear Ohioans cherish their unique way of living. So, if you find yourself in the Buckeye State, join in the fun and maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave understanding why Ohio is truly a state like no other.

More Articles Like This…

Mastering Underwater Photography on Your Travels

One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations According to Tripadvisor 2024

The post It’s an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Patricia Elaine Thomas.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

03a9a9872ea4140f9e8c4d7fd9ee74b3?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts