1. The Big O
What it means everywhere else: A Japanese animated series, or something that was discussed often and at great length on Sex and the City.
What it means in Omaha: A nickname for the best city in Nebraska.
2. Old Market
What it means everywhere else: An old… well… market.
What it means in Omaha: A super cool downtown neighborhood where there is always something going on.
3. Steak
What it means everywhere else: A high quality cut of beef that’s usually eaten on special occasions.
What it means in Omaha: A high quality cut of beef that Omaha basically reinvented and now does better than anyone else.
4. Lincoln
What it means everywhere else: A beloved American president, a luxury car brand, and oh yeah…the capital of Nebraska.
What it means in Omaha: Some little college town/your uncool kid sister.
5. Football
What it means everywhere else: The most popular sport in America… and technically everywhere else if by football you mean soccer.
What it means in Omaha: The only thing Lincoln is good for. Go Huskers!
6. Ted And Wally
What it means everywhere else: Two guys you know.
What it means in Omaha: The best ice cream ever.
7. Stella
What it means everywhere else: What Marlon Brando as Stanley famously yells in the film adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
What it means in Omaha: What Omaha residents yell when they’re really craving one of the awesome burgers from Stella’s Bar & Grill.
8. Street
What it means everywhere else: A public road that you drive on to get from one place to another.
What it means in Omaha: A public road that changes names about fifteen times before you reach your destination.
9. Stranger
What it means everywhere else: Someone you don’t know.
What it means in Omaha: Someone you might not personally know, but who you’re definitely connected to by one degree since everyone knows everyone in Omaha.
10. Climate Change
What it means everywhere else: A change in global climate patterns over several years or decades.
What it means in Omaha: Something you experience every other hour of the day.
11. Tech Startup
What it means everywhere else: A new company based on using new technology in interesting and innovative ways.
What it means in Omaha: How half of your city—AKA the Silicon Prairie—makes a living.
12. Reuben
What it means everywhere else: A hot corned beef sandwich.
What it means in Omaha: The sandwich Omaha invented, and still does better than anywhere else. Thousand Island dressing on this sandwich is mandatory.
13. The Mall
What it means everywhere else: A place where you go to shop.
What it means in Omaha: Shorthand for the Gene Leahy Mall, which is actually one of Omaha’s best parks.
14. Fast Food
What it means everywhere else: Kind of junk, but really quick and cheap food that can be taken out of the restaurant.
What it means in Omaha: Runza for life!
15. Warren Buffett
What it means everywhere else: One of America’s richest and most successful investors.
What it means in Omaha: An actual saint and/or demigod.
16. Woodstock
What it means everywhere else: A wild and historic music festival that was first held in 1969.
What it means in Omaha: Woodstock for Capitalists, AKA Warren Buffett’s annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway.
17. Playing With Fire
What it means everywhere else: Literally, something your parents warn you not to do. Figuratively, to do something risky.
What it means in Omaha: An awesome free summer music festival, featuring blues, rock, funk and soul.
18. Pop
What it means everywhere else: The sound when you open champagne.
What it means in Omaha: The only thing you’re ever allowed to call soft drinks without being corrected.
19. Conor Oberst
What it means everywhere else: The musician best known for his work in Bright Eyes and totally and completely understanding you in high school.
What it means in Omaha: The musician you use to play Six Degrees of… at parties.
20. Push Pin
What it means everywhere else: A small tack you use on a bulletin board.
What it means in Omaha: Eight foot high statues that show you where all the tourists are going to be.
21. SLAM
What it means everywhere else: To shut something with a lot of force.
What it means in Omaha: A local organization and site, Support Local Art/Music, that is dedicated to bringing attention to Omaha’s awesome music scene.
What other words mean something completely different in Omaha? Tell us in the comments below!
