Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
Utah is a place like no other and if you've spent enough time here, certain words and phrases become second nature.
Whether it's the unique slang, cultural quirks or devotion to specific beverages and get-rich-quick marketing schemes, these expressions will immediately reveal a person's Utah roots.
Here are words and phrases that set long-time Utah residents apart from the rest of the world.
Oh my heck!
A Utah classic. Too polite to use the Biblical place for pain and suffering — and an alternative to the too-close-to-real-swearing phrase — "Oh my gosh," this phrase is the ultimate Utah exclamation for just about any circumstance. It's so famous that it was even on an Olympics pin that is now a collector's item on eBay.
Sluffing
If you skipped school in Utah, you didn't "ditch," "cut class" or "dip" — you "sluffed," Even if no one outside the state — or on Dictionary.com — understands what you're saying, your classmates and even your Utahn grandpa know exactly what you mean.
Point of the Mountain
More than just a geographical landmark, the jutting mountainside with homes precariously placed along its skyline is the invisible dividing line between Salt Lake and Utah counties. It also determines where the terrible traffic is on I-15, where the most tech-bro billboards are placed and where frequent road rage incidents occur, caused by families having spent far too long in Ikea. Read more about Utah's tech companies on Indeed.
Holy War
No, it's not a historical battle — sorry, Ridley Scott — it's the legendary football rivalry between the University of Utah and BYU football teams. Frequently noted by ESPN as one of the most intense rivalries in college football, this is what happens when passionate, devoted fans of millionaire teenage athletes get taken too far.
Elder/sister
No, it's not a greeting for your great grandfather at his assisted living center. It's a title bestowed on missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the Salt Lake City airport or perhaps even in your neighbor's yard you've perhaps seen homemade signs welcoming Elder (Last Name) or Sister (Last Name) back from their missionary service.
You're fine!
This is Utah's go-to phrase for everything. Someone bumps into you? One Reddit user recommends using, "You're fine." Your kid falls down? "You're fine." Someone apologizes for running over your foot with a shopping cart? "You're fine." It's the ultimate phrase. Try it out!
Funeral potatoes
This cheesy, creamy, crunchy-topped potato dish isn't just for funerals, even if it is the ultimate comfort food. It's also a staple at potlucks, family gatherings and Sunday dinners with the in-laws and their over-cooked roast. If you don't know what funeral potatoes are, you might not actually be from Utah.
As one Reddit user said, "NGL … I was low-key obsessed with funeral potatoes the first time I had them. I grew up in California, joined the church when I was 18, went to a ward potluck Relief Society activity and grabbed some ordinary looking (but tasty looking) potato casserole. First bite in my mouth, I'm like, what wizardry is this? Might have been the buttery cornflake topping, combined with the cream-of-whatever soup. Gonna guess chicken? I have yet to find a recipe that really duplicates that and wins my heart, but I know it's out there."
The 'Greatest Snow on Earth'
The "Greatest Snow on Earth" isn't just a slogan, it's the truth as Visit Utah explains. Utahns will proudly tell you that their powder (or as some would say, "pow-pow") is the best in the world, and skiers come from all over the world to experience it. It is also officially registered as a state trademark, although there is some dispute about when that actually occurred.
Provo bro
If you know them, you know. The Provo Bros, or as Urban Dictionary refers to them, "Provo All Stars" are an unmistakable species. They are typically spotted showing off their "gains," wearing the latest trendy clothes and driving a lifted truck their dad paid for. They might also work in "summer sales" (see below).
Summer sales
If a college-age friend or family member suddenly made six figures over the summer they were likely door-to-door selling pest control, solar panels, blood transfusions, hair transplants, security systems or any other number of goods to unsuspecting residents in Texas. "Summer sales" is practically a rite of passage for young Utahns wanting to make some money in a short amount of time but as the Deseret News reported, the practice is mired in morally grey sales techniques.
Temple Square
The literal historical center of downtown Salt Lake City, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Temple Square is both a spiritual and tourist hub for millions of visitors each year. It's open and free to visit, and is a special highlight of the Christmas season when it's lit up with thousands of Christmas lights.
Dirty Diet Coke
Yes, Utahns love their soda so much they've turned it into a craft beverage. A "dirty" Diet Coke, as described by Taste of Home, means adding coconut syrup, lime and sometimes cream — because why not?
You bet!
A phrase used instead of a simple "yes." A Reddit thread explains that it's often paired with an enthusiastic nod and occasionally followed by "have a good one!"
Talk to the bishop
A phrase often heard among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Need to confess something? You may need or want to "talk to the bishop." Want to get married in the temple? Talk to the bishop. Need advice on big decisions? You guessed it — talk to the bishop.
Biffed it
If you trip, fall or wipe out spectacularly in Utah, you, as Reddit reports, "biffed it." Bonus points if it happens on a ski slope.
I'm waiting for a missionary
This phrase is used by young singles who are romantically connected to another young person serving as a missionary. It usually comes with a lot of letters, emails and now, FaceTime calls and possibly, social media stalking. Missionaries are expected to serve their full length of called service. Some at home will wait, some will move on, but every Utah high school and college has young people in this situation.
Siegfried & Jensen
Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.
5 secure and secret Utah sites you aren't allowed to visit
From military installations to private facilities, doomsday communities and dangerous caves, Utah has plenty of mysterious locales to capture thrill seeker's imaginations. While the following places might sound tantalizing to the inner explorer in you, they are 100% off-limits, so don't even try to pay a visit.The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.
Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.
