11 Classic Oklahoma Words That Only Locals Can Understand
If you’ve spent a significant amount of time living in Oklahoma, chances are you’ve adopted some unique words and phrases that make locals smile, scratch their heads, or even giggle. From the charming Southern drawl to the blend of Native American, Western, and rural influences, Oklahoma’s vocabulary has its own special flavor.
Here are 11 words that prove you’ve been in the Sooner State long enough—and you might just catch yourself saying them without even realizing it!
1. Fixing to
This phrase is a quintessential part of Oklahoma speech. If you’re “fixing to” do something, you’re about to do it—whether that’s heading to the store or starting dinner. It’s a way of letting people know your plans are in the near future, often with a bit of southern flair.
Example: “I’m fixing to go get some lunch.”
2. Y’all
While many people outside the South might only know “y’all” from TV shows or movies, if you’ve lived in Oklahoma long enough, it’s an everyday word. Used to address a group of people, “y’all” is friendly and inclusive, making it easy to spot an Oklahoman in a crowd.
Example: “How are y’all doing today?”
3. Coke (for soda)
No, not the beverage most people associate with the word, but rather, every soda you drink. Whether it’s Dr. Pepper or Sprite, Oklahomans often use “Coke” to refer to any carbonated soft drink, a tradition passed down from the early days of the state’s culture.
Example: “I’ll have a Coke. Make it a Diet Coke, please.”
4. Tump Over
If you hear someone say “tump over,” they’re probably referring to something that has tipped over or fallen over. It’s one of those delightful regional expressions that just sticks.
Example: “Be careful with that jug; it’ll tump over!”
5. Holler
A “holler” in Oklahoma is a hollow or small valley, typically used when giving directions or describing a location. If someone tells you to “turn right at the holler,” they’re referring to a small dip in the land or a rural area.
Example: “The farm’s just up the holler.”
6. Poke
In Oklahoma, a “poke” isn’t just a prod with your finger. It’s also used to refer to a bag or sack—often a grocery bag. If someone tells you to “grab a poke of potatoes,” they mean to get a bag full.
Example: “I need a poke of onions from the store.”
7. Slap Full
When someone says something is “slap full,” it means it’s completely full. Whether it’s a plate of food or your schedule, “slap full” means there’s no more room to fit anything else.
Example: “That dish is slap full of deliciousness!”
8. Plumb
This versatile word can mean completely, totally, or entirely, and it’s often used for emphasis. It’s common to hear it in phrases that suggest something is extreme or beyond expectation.
Example: “That storm plumb knocked the power out.”
9. Fixin’
This is another word that has roots in Southern speech but has firmly taken hold in Oklahoma. If someone’s “fixin’ to” do something, they’re about to begin or prepare to do it. This word is so ingrained in Oklahoman speech, it’s often shortened to just “fixin’.”
Example: “I’m fixin’ to head out to the barn.”
10. Piddling
“Piddling” in Oklahoma means to waste time or go about doing things aimlessly. It’s often used to describe someone who is puttering around without much purpose—like when you’re puttering around the house on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Example: “I was just piddling around the yard when I found that old coin.”
11. Come Monday
This phrase is a favorite among Oklahomans, often used to describe something that will happen soon or in the near future. It’s a warm way of expressing that something’s just around the corner.
Example: “We’re heading to the lake come Monday.”
Oklahoma’s language is a mix of rural, Native American, and Southern influences, and it’s what makes the Sooner State feel so uniquely homey. If you find yourself saying any (or all!) of these words, there’s a good chance you’ve truly soaked in the local charm. So, the next time you’re in Oklahoma, don’t be shy—embrace the lingo and show everyone you’re one of the locals!