Chapter 1
The wild frontier of animal nicknames
Chapter 2
Bizarre origins of famous insults
Chapter 3
Geography and the natural world
Chapter 4
Politics, history, and official battles
YOUR GOAL
Master of Secret histories of state nicknames
Ch 2 · Bizarre origins of famous insults
schopenhauer Cheesehead
It started as an Illinois tease, Now we proudly wear hats made of cheese!
schopenhauer Missouri's "Show-Me State" nickname reflects a cultural reputation for stubborn skepticism.
schopenhauer Connecticut is the "Nutmeg State" because of clever, dishonest peddlers who sold fake wooden spices.
BETA
schopenhauer Swipe the oddball out to learn the wildest history behind official state nicknames.
Fun Fact
Wooden nutmegs: Connecticut peddlers allegedly carved fake nutmegs out of wood to trick customers, giving rise to the "Nutmeg State" nickname.
Glossary
cheesehead (noun)
A native or inhabitant of the U.S. state of Wisconsin, or a supporter of its sports teams. Illinois sports fans coined the term as an insult in 1985, but Wisconsinites later proudly embraced it.
A native or inhabitant of the U.S. state of Wisconsin, or a supporter of its sports teams. Illinois sports fans coined the term as an insult in 1985, but Wisconsinites later proudly embraced it.
Quiz
The "Tar Heel" nickname became a badge of honor during which historical American conflict?
Quiz
Who is credited with popularizing Missouri's "Show-Me State" slogan in an 1899 speech?
Quiz
Which state is known as the "Sucker State," possibly due to migratory miners or a type of fish?
Quiz
Which state is nicknamed the "Nutmeg State" due to historical rumors of fake wooden spices?
Quiz
What does the nickname "Show-Me State" imply about the character of Missourians?