Here are 26 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Nebraska

Embark on a humorous journey through the Cornhusker State, where laughter echoes across the prairies and reverberates through the heartland. Nebraskans, with their down-to-earth charm and agricultural pride, have cultivated a lexicon of wit that’s as rich as their fertile fields. Join us in unraveling 26 uniquely amusing slang terms, each a testament to the warm humor and distinct culture that define the laughs in Nebraska.

Cornhusker Chuckle

A laugh shared among Nebraskans, referencing the state’s nickname, the “Cornhusker State.”

Red Beer

Beer + Tomato Juice

Omaha Guffaw

Humorous banter associated with Nebraska’s largest city, Omaha.

Huskers

Nickname for the Nebraska Cornhusker football team.

Husker Hilarity

Laughter inspired by the University of Nebraska’s mascot, the Cornhusker, particularly during football season.

Runza

A runza is a bread pocket with a filling of beef, cabbage or sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings.

Oracle of Omaha

Nickname for Warren Buffet. The famous investor lives and works in Omaha, Nebraska.

Sandhills Snicker

Amusement related to the Sandhills region, a unique landscape in Nebraska.

Doodinkus

Nickname for an object. Mostly used only by the older generation – a term for ‘thingamabob’.

Detasseling

Summer job. Common first summer job in Nebraska, which involves removing the immature pollen-producing bodies, the tassel, from the tops of corn (maize) plants and placing them on the ground.

Beef Country Banter

Jokes and humor related to Nebraska’s significant beef industry and ranching culture.

Buggy

This one isn’t reserved only for Nebraskans — but it’s worth mentioning. Many of us have adopted the Southern slang of “buggy” for what many call a shopping cart. But we think it has a certain charm to it!

Platte River Quip

A witty remark associated with the Platte River, a prominent waterway in Nebraska.

Pioneer Prairie Chuckle

Humor reflecting Nebraska’s pioneer history and its vast prairie landscapes.

Dorothy Lynch

Dorothy Lynch may just be a brand of salad dressing — but it’s a fridge must-have in Nebraska. After all, the dressing was created by a woman named Dorothy Lynch, who served it at their family restaurant at the Legion Club in Saint Paul in the 1940s. This signature reddish-orange dressing is used as a condiment and dip to this day. It’s similar to French dressing but is seasoned with celery seed and other flavorings.

Chimney Rock Chortle

A laugh inspired by Chimney Rock, a famous landmark along the Oregon Trail in Nebraska.

Market Rat

This one’s unique to Omaha! The term Market Rat refers to the kids and teenager who would linger around the stoops of the Old Market in the ‘90s, possibly planning mischief — or simply enjoying a life of little responsibilities.

Kool-Aid Comedy

Jokes related to the invention of Kool-Aid in Hastings, Nebraska.

Puppy Chow

If someone says they are bringing puppy chow to the potluck, don’t be alarmed — you won’t be forced to snack on kibble. Puppy chow is what we call that delicious homemade dessert, made with Chex Mix, peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar!

Loess Hills Laugh

Amusement related to the unique Loess Hills in eastern Nebraska.

Buffalo Bill Belly Laugh

Humorous tales associated with Buffalo Bill Cody, a famous figure with ties to Nebraska.

Lakeside Lightheartedness

Jokes and humor inspired by the lakes and recreation areas in the state.

Sandhiller

Here in eastern Nebraska, we often refer to those living to the west as Sandhillers. This is a nod to the Sandhills, a region in north-central Nebraska of mixed-grass prairie on grass-stabilized sand dunes. This large region covers more than one-quarter of the state!

Gateway Banter

A playful exchange of jokes referring to Nebraska’s location as a gateway to the Great Plains.

Sodbuster Snicker

Amusement associated with the term “sodbuster,” historically used to describe Nebraska farmers.

Plainsman Pleasantry

Light-hearted banter reflecting the state’s location on the Great Plains.