So, just what does being a Hoosier mean?

First, there are many theories about where the word "Hoosier" came from. Here are some possibilities:

• Indiana Historical Society Facts Page Off Site New Window
• The word "Hoosier" (PDF) Off Site New Window
• "What is a Hoosier" Off Site New Window
• "What's a Hoosier" Off Site New Window

If you've checked the links above, you realize that "Hoosier" is basically a nickname for anyone born in, or who live or have lived in Indiana Off Site New Window for most of their lives (though some will dispute the latter). It's used derogatorily in other states, most likely because many dictionary definitions include the words "backwoods", "hick", "hillbilly", and no one knows its origin. In fact, there are people who leave the state (mostly for jobs) who will stop using the term to describe themselves. It's also the nickname of the Indiana University Off Site New Window sports teams.

Now, having spent most of my formative years in Greater Lafayette (Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana) Off Site New Window, Indiana (West Lafayette is the home of Purdue University Off Site New Window, for those that don't know), and being a Purdue Alumnus, we WILL use the term with a sneer in our voices when talking about IU Off Site New Window, as they do when talking about Boilermakers (Purdue's nickname). Remember, though, it's a friendly rivalry (except in sports). If you get a group of Indianans together from both universities, and someone from out-of-state calls any of them "Hoosier Hicks" or say "Hoosier" the wrong way, WATCH OUT!

As for those who leave the state and stop calling themselves "Hoosiers", they probably never really understood what being a Hoosier means ...  Some may even actually have BELIEVED the dictionary definitions (very old-school)! They may stop calling themselves Hoosiers so they can "fit in" wherever they moved. Maybe they want to be called whatever people are being called there. What they don't understand is that if they were born and/or raised in Indiana, they are HOOSIERS. That there's NOTHING to be ashamed of when someone is called a "Hoosier".

Those who DO understand know about the definitions, and could care less. They also know that being a Hoosier is being loyal - to themselves, their families, their friends, their employers (or employees), their cities, counties, states and their country. Most of their values are built around "Midwest Bible-Belt" tenets, whether they went to church (as most did and do) or not - Their parents did, and most have "imparted their wisdom" and experiences to their children, and most still do.

• Hoosiers believe in work, many in hard, physical labor, and if they can't or don't do that, hard, MENTAL labor.
• Hoosiers work hard to make sure their children get a "better" life than they had. They want their children to "go to school" from Day-Care through College. and more if they wish.
• Hoosiers believe in "fair play", and HATE injustice.
• Hoosiers are compassionate and will help their neighbors in times of need.
• Hoosiers believe in children and pets.
• Hoosiers abhor violence of any kind, especially spousal and child abuse. They believe in trying to work out problems through compromise rather than resorting to violence, though if it comes to that...
• Hoosiers are loyal and steadfast friends, even if it's "been a while" since they heard from or saw their friend. They will "stay up late" and "chew the fat" with those friends when they DO see them again.
• Hoosiers are Patriotic and believe in the United States of America, despite world views or who is President.
• Hoosiers are Democratic, Republican, Liberal and Conservative, sometimes all at the same time.
• Hoosiers are passionate in their beliefs, but most will try to see "the other side" as much as they possibly can. And, most would rather "agree to disagree" rather than get into a heated, hateful shouting match, where nothing is accomplished.
• Hoosiers are also able to laugh - at themselves and at funny people.
• Most REAL Hoosiers could care less about someone's race or religion, as long as that someone has Hoosier values, despite the fact that in 2003 Indiana had the largest contingent of KKK members (6000 - see Indiana State History and Other Information, Little Known Facts Section Off Site New Window),

Yes, "there are those..." as there are everywhere, but they are few and far between. And since Indiana has such great universities (and this piece only mentions two of them), people from all over the world come here for education. Some stay. Some don't. Some who stay don't have those "Hoosier Values", but most who stay do.

To be honest, all of the above COULD be my IDEAL of what a Hoosier is. Most of it is from my own values and experiences and is the way I, myself, think. Then again, it's also from many of the people I know and respect, all Hoosiers.

Besides that KKK thing, what in any of this is there to be ashamed of?

Wear the badge of your "Hoosierism" proudly!

by Bill Sanders © June 20, 2006 - email:

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