13 Words That Have A Different Meaning in St. Louis

Jan 28, 2015 at 7:00 am

Sometimes it feels like St. Louis has its own language.

Sure, the words may be the same as English words, but the meanings are totally different. You'll see what we mean after reading a few of our favorite words with a unique St. Louis meaning:

1. Ravioli

What it really means: An Italian dumpling with cheese, meat or veggie filling inside pasta dough.

What it means in St. Louis: A breaded, deep-fried treat. The ultimate appetizer.

2. Hoosier

What it really means: A person from Indiana.

What it means in St. Louis: A hick, redneck, backward country bumpkin.

3. Landing

What it really means: Arriving. Docking on the shore from a boat, or on the ground from a plane, or on the moon from a spaceship.

What it means in St. Louis: The place where bachelorette parties used to get shitfaced until Ballpark Village opened.

4. Washers

What it really means: A machine that washes clothes. Often accompanied by a dryer.

What it means in St. Louis: The best game ever.

5. Arch

What it really means: An architectural structure used in bridges, aqueducts, buildings, etc.

What it means in St. Louis: A monument with "scenic" views of the east side.

6. Boat

What it really means: A seafaring vessel.

What it means in St. Louis: Casinos. "Let's go down to the boat!"

Seven more words from the "St. Louis dialect" on the next page!