19 Unique Sayings That Only Make Sense in Iowa

Iowa may be known for its endless cornfields and being the home of the Iowa State Fair, but it’s also a place where the people speak in a way that’s as warm and welcoming as the sunsets over the plains. From rural sayings to city slang, here are 19 unique phrases you’ll only hear in Iowa—and trust us, they make perfect sense once you’re in the Hawkeye State!

“That’s corn-fed”

When someone’s big, strong, or just downright hearty, they’re “corn-fed.” It’s a compliment to Iowans’ robust and down-to-earth lifestyle. “He’s a big guy—definitely corn-fed!”

“You betcha!”

It’s an enthusiastic way of saying “yes” or “of course.” Need a quick affirmation in Iowa? This is the go-to reply. “You want some more pie? You betcha!”

“Just a hop, skip, and a jump”

If something is close by, it’s “just a hop, skip, and a jump away.” You’ll hear this when you’re looking for a neighbor’s house or the local diner. “Oh, that’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from here!”

“Pop”

You want a soda? In Iowa, you want a pop. “I’m thirsty, pass me a pop, will ya?”

“That’ll put hair on your chest”

If something is strong or powerful—like a hearty meal or a tough drink—this saying is often used. “This chili will put hair on your chest!”

“The state that grows ‘em tall”

Referring to the corn stalks, but also used to talk about Iowans. The idea is that everything in Iowa seems to grow bigger—whether it’s crops or people. “We come from the state that grows ‘em tall!”

“It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack”

When something is really difficult, this saying applies. It’s the Midwest way of describing how tough a situation might be. “Looking for that lost penny is like trying to find a needle in a haystack!”

“Hawkeye pride”

A phrase you’ll hear often around the University of Iowa. Whether it’s a sports team or just the local community, “Hawkeye pride” runs deep. “You better believe we’ve got some serious Hawkeye pride!”

“It’s gonna be a hoot”

When something’s going to be fun, exciting, or just plain entertaining, Iowans say it’s going to be a hoot. “This party’s gonna be a hoot!”

“You can’t swing a cat without hitting a cornfield”

When you’re talking about how many cornfields there are in Iowa (which is basically all of Iowa), this saying is a humorous exaggeration. “Iowa’s got so many cornfields, you can’t swing a cat without hitting one!”

“Busy as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest”

If someone’s running around like crazy, this saying describes their chaotic schedule. “I’ve been working all day, I’m as busy as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest!”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself”

If someone is rushing things or getting too excited about the future, this saying will come into play. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, we’ve still got plenty of time!”

“Like two peas in a pod”

This phrase describes two people who are very alike or inseparable, just like those well-matched peas. “Those two are like two peas in a pod.”

“It’s all good in the hood”

A way of reassuring someone that everything is fine and there’s no need to worry. “Had a long week? Don’t worry, it’s all good in the hood.”

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

Iowans tend to stick with what works, and this saying captures that perfectly. “It’s been working fine for years, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“C’mon over and set a spell”

When inviting someone to relax or hang out, this phrase is the go-to. “You’re always welcome here, c’mon over and set a spell.”

“Just around the bend”

Something that’s not too far away, but you might still have to do a little walking or driving. “The store’s just around the bend, you can’t miss it.”

“Stop and smell the roses”

This is a reminder to take your time and enjoy life, even if you’re caught up in work or responsibilities. “You’re working too hard—stop and smell the roses for a bit.”

“More than you can shake a stick at”

When there’s a lot of something—whether it’s corn, cars, or people—this saying applies. “We’ve got more corn in this state than you can shake a stick at!”

Iowa may be small in population, but it’s big on personality and charm. The way Iowans talk reflects the state’s values—simple, straightforward, and full of heart. So next time you’re in Iowa, remember to toss out a few of these sayings—you’ll fit right in like a true Hawkeye!

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