General
hoosier
What does hoosier mean?
In St. Louis usage, a derogatory term for a low-class, unsophisticated person, the local equivalent of 'redneck' or 'white trash.' Unrelated to the Indiana sense.
"Only a hoosier would leave a couch on the porch all year."
Origin
St. Louis lore ties it to non-union workers brought from Indiana during a brewery strike.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'hoosier' mean in St. Louis?
It's an insult for a low-class, unrefined person — roughly the local equivalent of 'redneck' or 'white trash.'
Isn't a Hoosier someone from Indiana?
Yes, in most of the country a Hoosier is an Indianan, but St. Louis uses it as a putdown with a completely different, negative meaning.
Where does the St. Louis meaning come from?
Local lore ties it to non-union workers reportedly brought in from Indiana during a brewery strike, though the exact origin is uncertain.
Is it offensive?
Yes, in St. Louis it's a genuine insult, so it's not something you'd call someone politely.
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