If you're not from Ohio, there are many things you won't understand. Centered in America's heartland, there isn't much to do but Ohio still finds its way into relevance. Through its Midwestern charm and various quirks, it makes its way into the hearts of its residents and somehow manages to stay there.
1. The YMCA isn’t the only arm movement you know.
If you see someone taking a photo of four people making letters with their arms, they’re from Ohio. The spelling of O-H-I-O symbolizes The Ohio State University, but has become such a wide spread phenomenon over the years that every Ohioan knows it, whether they went to Ohio State or not.
2. “Cincinnati chili” supersedes all other kinds.
Coming from Cincinnati, “Cincinnati chili” joints like Gold Star, and more famously Skyline, have redefined the chili game. It’s both savory and sweet, including ingredients like cinnamon and cocoa powder. And if that isn’t weird enough to outsiders, it’s eaten over noodles and topped with a tower of cheese. The weirdest part about it is it’s actually good.
3. This is a familiar image.
In between the three major cities – Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland – this is what you find.
4. Professional sports are disappointing.
Ohio has no shortage of professional teams – at least one from every major sport – and they excel more at disappointing their fans, rather than winning championships. Out of the six major teams, the Cincinnati Reds’ World Series win in 1990 is the most recent national title belonging to Ohio. Not to mention, half of these six major teams have never championed their respective leagues.
5. Kentucky isn’t all that bad.
It’s a state that gets a bad reputation from outsiders, but people from Ohio know of the beauty in and fun that can be had in Kentucky.
6. Cleveland isn’t all that bad either.
Cleveland is the stereotypical Midwestern, boring city. It’s referenced negatively all throughout popular culture, but people from Ohio know this reputation isn’t true. Cleveland has culture and everyone there is nice. There are a lot of things to do, and even though the weather is terrible, it’s a pretty fun place to be.
7. LeBron James isn’t perfect.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the only NBA team in Ohio, so hearts broke all across the state when he left the team for Miami in 2010. Even though he returned in 2014 and led the team to the NBA Finals, many are still bitter about the way he left the team.
8. Buckeyes aren't just nuts.
Buckeyes are delicious chocolate and peanut butter candies that resemble the nut itself. They are like Reese’s, but with more peanut butter and less chocolate, and thus significantly better.
9. Your vote matters.
Ohio is often considered to be the most important swing state. A president has been elected without winning Ohio less than 10 times. People from Ohio know their important position in elections very well. Candidates coming to speak and political ads on everything are just a part of our reality.
10. Amusement parks are downright important.
Between Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island in Cincinnati, people in Ohio know amusement parks better than everybody else. They are a part of your childhood and you still get excited when you hear a new roller coaster is being built.
11. Carbonated beverages are called “pop.”
Bordered by “soda” to the east and “Coke” to the south, Ohioans say “pop” and offer no apologies. We know that’s what it’s called and we have no remorse and we will argue if you call it “soda.”
12. Ice cream is a part of the culture.
Between Jeni’s in Columbus and Graeter’s in Cincinnati, Ohio does ice cream right and everyone - even in the dead of winter, enjoys it.
13. Only people from Ohio are allowed to talk bad about Ohio.
People from Ohio are the first people to complain about Ohio, and also the first people to come to its defense. It’s a place we love to hate and a place that will always be in our hearts. It can be annoying and boring, but all in all you’re glad you’re from Ohio.
