The state of Indiana in the Midwest is "the Crossroads of America" and has its own unique terms and phrases to describe our home and culture. We do love our corn, tenderloins, and the Colts while waiting for The 500 to come back around each year.

1. Pop

Our name for a carbonated soft drink. Any other name just sounds wrong.

2. Cornhole

Indiana's favorite pastime game played with bean bags. It is fun and competitive.

3. "Ope"

Simultaneously a word and a sound, it is the noise we make when people bump into each other and always occurs before "sorry" or "excuse me."

4. Big Ten

Chances are you know what a Boilermaker, the Irish, or B-Town is without needing an explanation.

5. Crawdads

Tiny freshwater lobsters people go fishing for.

6. Puppy Chow

This was the best snack during elementary school and you secretly wish you could eat it all the time as an adult.

7. "You guys"

The phrase that is the beginning of most conversations with large groups.

8. The Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are Indiana's professional football team. Speaking of, we still love you Peyton Manning.

9. Water fountain

The other popular term used is a drinking fountain.

10. Lightning bugs

Our favorite little harmless bugs to catch during summer nights or watch while hundreds of them light up the dark sky.

11. Rummage sale

These occur during the summer and are a way to find "treasures" or get rid of your old clutter.

12. Tennis shoes

The only time this term becomes a problem is when explaining the difference between regular tennis shoes for exercise and specific tennis shoes for playing tennis.

13. James Dean

A famous actor who grew up in Indiana. Chances are you have heard of him or seen others obsessed with him.

14. The Region

The northwest Indiana area near Chicago.

15. The 500

A nickname for the Indianapolis 500 race which occurs during Memorial weekend and is a popular event to celebrate.

16. The Circle

A nickname for the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis.

17. Sweeper

This is another name for a vacuum cleaner.

18. Car-mel (not Caramel)

In the Midwest, there are only two syllables.