10 Words That Mean Something Different to People from the Midwest

To everyone else, 'ice' is simply a sheet of frozen ice that hockey players use. But for those of us who live in the Midwest, 'ice' is that thing that makes every time you leave your house in the winter a matter of life or death.

To people outside of the Midwest, the term 'lakes' usually conjures up the image of dirty, fish-filled bodies of water. But 'lakes' to those of us from the Midwest are the best place for summer fun. Swimming, boating, tubing, water-skiing and fishing - all in one location!

Say the word 'beach' and people from the Midwest think of a sandy, seashell filled area between the ocean and land. A 'beach' to someone in the Midwest, however, is any strip of land--whether rocky, slightly sandy, muddy and dirty--that's at the edge of any kind of water: a lake, river, pond, dug-out or puddle.

If you make good decisions, you are 'fair'. Yes, that's true in the Midwest, too, but 'fair' also means the place where you can have some of the best times you'll ever have in your life!

Yes, 'cheese' is more than just a dairy food that comes in various colors, shapes and tastes. To us in the Midwest however, it's the word put in front of anything pertaining to one of the most loyal fan bases of any professional sports team ever.

When using the term 'cornhole' in anyplace other than the Midwest, it usually has the words 'Shut your' in front of it. But, 'cornhole' to us in the Midwest is probably the best lawn game ever!

Normally the word 'pop' refers to a noise that can annoy someone, or even scare them if they aren't expecting it. But everyone in the Midwest knows that 'pop' is a tasty carbonated beverage.

Others may think that 'ranch' is simply a type of dressing for your salad. In the Midwest, it could take on a couple meanings. Yes, 'ranch' could be a place where people live and raise cattle. But also, most people are aware that 'ranch' is not only a condiment, but a way of life!

Ok, I know that it's technically two words, but everyone in the Midwest is aware of what puppy chow is. This sweet treat, often shaken in a plastic grocery bag, is so good even real puppies might think of stealing some.

And because we are talking about words from the Midwest, many consider this area of the country empty and boring. You know, the area that simply takes up space between New York and California. But those of us who are from the Midwest all know what it means: hands down/no competition for the best place ever!