Hoosier- who'd a thunk it?

When Chris opened his mouth at training the other day with the word "Hoosier", he never realized it would have triggered such a conversation. Where we are from, "Hoosier" is generally used as slang for trashy or backwoods. SORRY to whomever is from Indiana (or any others just offended), but it's just a local word that never caused reason for controversy. I guess there has always been a bit of good-fun teasing in the Midwest between states (especially WI and IL - if you are familiar with the FIB term?).

Everyone was puzzled by his choice of words and couldn't figure out what he meant. They questioned another classmate from the STL area who also confirmed its definition. The next day, someone came into class to confirm wikipedia's explanation of the previous day's topic:

Hoosier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hoosier (pronounced /ˈhuːʒər/) is the official demonym for a resident of the U.S. State of Indiana. Although residents of most U.S. states typically adopt a derivative of the state name, e.g., Indianan or Indianian, natives of Indiana never use these demonyms. The State of Indiana adopted the nickname "Hoosier State" more than 150 years ago.[1] "Hoosiers" is also the mascot for the Indiana University athletic teams. The word Hoosier is sometimes used in the names of Indiana-based businesses and organizations. In the Indiana High School Athletic Association, seven active athletic conferences and one disbanded conference have the word Hoosier in their names.

In other parts of the country, the word has been adapted for other uses (see Other uses). In St. Louis, Missouri, the word is used in a derogatory fashion in similar context to "hick" or "white trash".[2]

Well class, you're welcome for the new word to add to your vocabulary. Sorry if it's a little distasteful or hoosier! Guess we better work on our diplomacy :)