11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in Kentucky Too Long—Can You Say Them?

Kentucky, the heart of the American South, is rich in culture, tradition, and regional flavor. From horse racing to bourbon distilleries, and of course, its famous bluegrass music, Kentucky is home to a unique lifestyle and a dialect that’s distinct to its people.

If you’ve spent any significant time in Kentucky, you’ll undoubtedly have picked up a few regional words and phrases. Here are 11 words that prove you’ve lived in Kentucky too long—can you say them?

1. Coke

In many parts of the U.S., people refer to carbonated drinks as “soda” or “pop,” but in Kentucky, it’s called a Coke. Whether you’re ordering a Pepsi, Sprite, or Mountain Dew, it’s all considered a Coke in Kentucky. The term is so widely used that it has become the default name for any soft drink, regardless of the brand.

2. Crick

If you’ve ever spent time in rural Kentucky, you’ve probably heard the word crick. This is the local term for a small stream or creek. So, next time you’re hiking in the hills of Kentucky, you’ll know that if someone mentions a crick, they’re not talking about a sound your back makes—they’re talking about the little stream nearby.

3. Y’all

One of the most iconic words of Southern dialect, y’all is the Kentucky version of “you all.” It’s the go-to way to address a group of people in a friendly, informal manner. Whether you’re at the grocery store or a family cookout, “y’all” will slip naturally into your conversations if you’ve been in Kentucky for long enough.

4. Fixin’ to

In Kentucky, when you’re about to do something, you might say you’re fixin’ to do it. This expression is used to describe an action you’re preparing or about to take. For example, “I’m fixin’ to go to the store,” means you’re getting ready to go to the store. It’s a charming and laid-back way to express future intentions, and once you adopt it, you’ll catch yourself saying it without even thinking.

5. Holler

If you’ve lived in Kentucky for any period of time, you’re likely familiar with the term holler. While it may sound like something you do when you’re shouting, in Kentucky, a “holler” refers to a narrow valley or small, secluded area often found in the Appalachian foothills. So, if someone says they live in a holler, you can bet they’re not talking about the noise, but the place they call home.

6. Tater

In Kentucky, tater is the affectionate, shortened form of “potato.” Whether you’re having mashed taters, fried taters, or tater salad, this word is an essential part of the Kentucky diet. It’s common at family meals, barbecues, and Southern-style feasts, and once you hear it enough, you’ll find yourself calling them taters too.

7. Bless Your Heart

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While it might sound like a sweet, Southern expression, bless your heart can have a few different meanings in Kentucky. It can be a term of sympathy or empathy, like when someone tells you their bad news, and you respond with “Oh, bless your heart.” However, it can also be used sarcastically, depending on the situation, particularly when someone does something silly or unexpected.

8. Shindig

When people get together for a social gathering in Kentucky, it’s often referred to as a shindig. It’s a fun, informal word for a party, barbecue, or any social event. If you’ve been invited to a shindig, expect good food, music, and plenty of Southern hospitality. You’ll probably also hear “We’re fixin’ to have a big ol’ shindig!” at least once in your Kentucky travels.

9. Kentucky Colonel

In Kentucky, a Kentucky Colonel is a term that refers to a special honorary title awarded by the governor of the state for noteworthy accomplishments. But, it’s not just a title—it’s a whole tradition, deeply ingrained in the state’s history. If you’ve lived in Kentucky long enough, you’ve probably heard of the title, even if you’re not one yourself. It’s a point of pride for many locals.

10. Reckon

Another word you’ll hear often in Kentucky is reckon. It means “to think” or “to suppose,” and it’s commonly used when you’re giving an opinion or making a guess. For example, “I reckon we could go to the store tomorrow,” or “I reckon it’s gonna rain today.” It’s a quintessential Kentucky expression that you’ll find yourself using after a while.

11. Supper

In Kentucky, supper is the word for the evening meal, rather than dinner. It’s what you call the meal you eat at the end of the day, especially in rural areas or traditional households. Whether it’s a hearty meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans, or a simpler dish, it’s always referred to as supper in Kentucky.

Kentucky is a place where tradition runs deep, and the language reflects that. From the iconic “y’all” to the laid-back way of saying you’re “fixin’ to” do something, these words are not just part of the state’s dialect—they’re part of its culture and charm.

If you’ve lived in Kentucky for any length of time, chances are you’ve adopted these expressions without even realizing it. So, the next time someone asks you if you’ve lived in Kentucky too long, just show them this list and proudly say, “I reckon I have!”

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