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”
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 1 shutterstock 666019414 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_666019414-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 2 shutterstock 1478916125 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1478916125-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 3 shutterstock 508609954](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_508609954.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 4 shutterstock 114802060](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_114802060.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 5 shutterstock 613739555](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_613739555.jpg)
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!
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 6 shutterstock 2153711619 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_2153711619-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 7 shutterstock 1850422495 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1850422495-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund
In Ohio, Friday nights are for football. High school games are practically holidays.
8. Saying “The” Before Highway Numbers
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 8 shutterstock 1230916417 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1230916417-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 9 shutterstock 1829686103](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1829686103.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Julia Mikhaylova
Not what it sounds like outside Ohio. It’s spaghetti, chili, and cheese — and it’s dinner.
10. “Please?”
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 10 shutterstock 1498900184](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1498900184.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 11 shutterstock 2367548453](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2367548453.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 12 shutterstock 535266562 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_535266562-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo
Pride in Ohio’s music scene runs deep, especially for these hometown heroes.
13. Wearing Shorts in 50-Degree Weather
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 13 shutterstock 1772881289 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1772881289-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / grandbrothers
After a long winter, 50 degrees is practically tropical for Ohioans.
14. Constant Construction Complaints
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 14 shutterstock 1038834505 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1038834505-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 15 shutterstock 1633665163](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1633665163.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalie Shane
From ghost tours to haunted houses, Ohioans love a good scare.
16. Tomato Juice With Breakfast
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 16 shutterstock 1307328829 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_1307328829-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / THANAN KONGDOUNG
A strange but cherished tradition, especially in diners across the state.
17. Amish Country Excursions
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 17 shutterstock 217604539 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_217604539-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 18 shutterstock 652880257 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_652880257-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 19 shutterstock 1195786825 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1195786825-1.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 20 shutterstock 1826350790](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1826350790.jpg)
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
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 21 shutterstock 1257364093](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1257364093.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Visuta
Whether it’s for a football game or a concert, Ohioans take tailgating to the next level.
Gain an Understanding
![It's an Ohio Thing! 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State 22 shutterstock 214169 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_214169-1.jpg)
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 Trip
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.