If you are traveling or visiting that great state of Kentucky, then welcome to the Commonwealth. Whether you are here for the Derby, home for the holidays to see family and friends or just traveling and want to explore the state, you need to be able to talk and understand a few of the things we say around here.

Let’s take a look at the ways us Kentuckians talk and how you can sound like a Kentuckian too.

Big Red

No, it’s not the hot cinnamon gum you are used to chewing.

Big Red is the official mascot of Western Kentucky University located in Bowling Green created in 1979 by student Ralph Carey. He brings joy and excitement to all those around him.

Loo-A-Vul

It’s pronounced just like that. It’s not LEW-EE-VILLE or LEWIS-VILLE.

Buggy

It’s not a shopping cart you’re pushing around the local IGA, it’s a buggy.

Kentucky Derby

The 2 minute race you see on TV is the biggest party of the year. The infield is the wildest place to be for the event.

The Kentucky Derby is ran on a 1.5 mile track at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It is longest running sporting event in the US, having started in 1875.

Tump

When you tip something over, it’s “tump”.

“Now listen here, don’t tump over your cup of milk”

Y’all

A very common word used for addressing a group of people. It’s even on the Florence, Kentucky water tower. This is one of the most used words you’ll hear around Kentucky.

Bluegrass

When we address our own state, we typically call it Bluegrass. The grass is really blue in some parts of the state if you look at just right.

Bourbon

We are known for making 95% of the world’s bourbon and we give it a sweet taste.

Bardstown, Kentucky is known as the bourbon capital of the world. It has over 20+ bourbon distilleries making some of the worlds finest bourbons.