Idahoans are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. It must be something in our blood. However, there are a handful of things that are bound to make the people from Idaho cringe. If you do one of these things in front of an Idahoan, you might just discover a side to us that you never knew existed. Check out these nine foolproof ways to make people from Idaho cringe and avoid doing any of them at all costs.

  1. Tell us you just moved here.

Pablo/Flickr A surefire way to make an Idahoan’s blood boil is to tell us you just moved here. Add “from California” and “for the cheap housing prices” for an extra bonus. Don’t get us wrong. We’re welcoming people but we have our limits.

  1. Disrespect our natural areas.

Linda Paul/Flickr Here in Idaho, we respect our natural areas more than anything. We consider ourselves lucky to have access to pristine, untouched landscapes. However, they’ve stayed pristine because we keep them that way. “Leave no trace” isn’t just a saying here — it’s a way of life that you better abide by.

  1. Mispronounce our town names.

Chan360/Flickr Peopel from Idaho will know right away if you’re new to the Gem State by the way you pronounce places like “Moscow,” “Coeur d’Alene,” or even “Boise.” Before moving to Idaho, maybe you should study up on your pronounciations.

  1. Complain about the weather.

Roadsidepictures/Flickr Yep, our summers are hot and our winters are cold. Complaining about the weather just isn’t something we do here, especially since it’s known to change in an instant. We’re just thankful to experience four distinct seasons!

  1. Assume that we all live on a potato farm.

Sakeeb Sabakka/Flickr Every Idahoan has told somebody where they are from, only to get “So do you, like, live on a potato farm?” in return. Not only is this a totally preposterous idea (why would everybody in Idaho live on a potato farm?), it’s just downright ignorant. Yes, we are famous for potatoes, but there’s a lot more to Idaho than that.

  1. Claim that Idaho is “boring.”

BLM/Flickr Another question that Idahoans are familiar with is, “So, what do you do there?” It is as if Idaho is some distant, remote island that lacks electricity, running water, and other signs of civilization. Nope. If anything, there is an endless amount of things to do and recreational opportunities here in the Gem State. If you find yourself bored, you’re probably doing it wrong.

  1. Confuse us for Iowa … or worse, Ohio.

Wikipedia/Flickr How is it possible for some people to go their entire lives without hearing about Idaho? Every Idahoan has experienced what it’s like to have their home state confused for Iowa or Ohio.

  1. Have bad manners.

Harold/Flickr Idahoans are well-mannered people who will say hello to you on the street and hold the door open for you. It’s just the way we do things around here, so be sure to take note if you visit our state.

  1. Insult our wonderful state.

junaidrao/Flickr As we just mentioned, the people from Idaho are nice. However, we won’t hesitate to show you our “not-so-nice” side if you insult our home. Idaho isn’t just a place to live for many of us. It’s part of who we are and we couldn’t be more proud of it.

What do you think? Is there anything you would add to this list? If so, please share! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Pablo/Flickr

A surefire way to make an Idahoan’s blood boil is to tell us you just moved here. Add “from California” and “for the cheap housing prices” for an extra bonus. Don’t get us wrong. We’re welcoming people but we have our limits.

Linda Paul/Flickr

Here in Idaho, we respect our natural areas more than anything. We consider ourselves lucky to have access to pristine, untouched landscapes. However, they’ve stayed pristine because we keep them that way. “Leave no trace” isn’t just a saying here — it’s a way of life that you better abide by.

Chan360/Flickr

Peopel from Idaho will know right away if you’re new to the Gem State by the way you pronounce places like “Moscow,” “Coeur d’Alene,” or even “Boise.” Before moving to Idaho, maybe you should study up on your pronounciations.

Roadsidepictures/Flickr

Yep, our summers are hot and our winters are cold. Complaining about the weather just isn’t something we do here, especially since it’s known to change in an instant. We’re just thankful to experience four distinct seasons!

Sakeeb Sabakka/Flickr

Every Idahoan has told somebody where they are from, only to get “So do you, like, live on a potato farm?” in return. Not only is this a totally preposterous idea (why would everybody in Idaho live on a potato farm?), it’s just downright ignorant. Yes, we are famous for potatoes, but there’s a lot more to Idaho than that.

BLM/Flickr

Another question that Idahoans are familiar with is, “So, what do you do there?” It is as if Idaho is some distant, remote island that lacks electricity, running water, and other signs of civilization. Nope. If anything, there is an endless amount of things to do and recreational opportunities here in the Gem State. If you find yourself bored, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Wikipedia/Flickr

How is it possible for some people to go their entire lives without hearing about Idaho? Every Idahoan has experienced what it’s like to have their home state confused for Iowa or Ohio.

Harold/Flickr

Idahoans are well-mannered people who will say hello to you on the street and hold the door open for you. It’s just the way we do things around here, so be sure to take note if you visit our state.

junaidrao/Flickr

As we just mentioned, the people from Idaho are nice. However, we won’t hesitate to show you our “not-so-nice” side if you insult our home. Idaho isn’t just a place to live for many of us. It’s part of who we are and we couldn’t be more proud of it.

If you enjoyed this list of foolproof ways to make someone from Idaho cringe, you’re bound to love 12 Things No Self-Respecting Idahoan Would Ever Do.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

People From Idaho May 29, 2021 Courtnie Erickson When living in Idaho, what fun road trips should I take? It doesn’t matter if you have been living in Idaho for years or have just recently moved to the Gem State, you should take the time to explore this incredible area. This state offers some incredible sights, delicious food, and interesting history that will make you want to explore every inch of it. Fortunately, we’ve created several road trips that people from Idaho and out-of-staters will want to enjoy. If you are searching for some hidden gems and unique features of Idaho, check out this road trip. You will start in the panhandle and work your way to eastern Idaho. Make sure you take this road trip to visit several ghost towns in Idaho if you love history and are up for a spooky adventure. For individuals who want to spend time outdoors and immersed in nature, make sure you check out the ultimate Southern Idaho road trip that will take you to seven breathtaking waterfalls in the Gem State. What are the best small towns in Idaho? If you are moving to Idaho or simply want to know more about what it’s like to live in Idaho, visit a small town in the Gem State. Idaho is filled with charming, safe, and beautiful small towns that you need to visit. For example, Hailey was voted as one of America’s top 50 small towns. This gorgeous community is truly a delight and is home to some remarkable festivals such as the Northern Rockies Music Festival. Ketchum is a popular small town with great dining establishments and it is next to the awe-inspiring Sun Valley Resort. If you are looking for a small town that is beautiful and photo-worthy, you must visit Wallace. This entire town is on the National Historic Register. For a town with gorgeous rolling hills, plenty of attractions, and lots of school spirit, visit Moscow. Just make sure when living in Idaho that you can pronounce this small town correctly.

The OIYS Visitor Center

People From Idaho

May 29, 2021

Courtnie Erickson

When living in Idaho, what fun road trips should I take? It doesn’t matter if you have been living in Idaho for years or have just recently moved to the Gem State, you should take the time to explore this incredible area. This state offers some incredible sights, delicious food, and interesting history that will make you want to explore every inch of it. Fortunately, we’ve created several road trips that people from Idaho and out-of-staters will want to enjoy. If you are searching for some hidden gems and unique features of Idaho, check out this road trip. You will start in the panhandle and work your way to eastern Idaho. Make sure you take this road trip to visit several ghost towns in Idaho if you love history and are up for a spooky adventure. For individuals who want to spend time outdoors and immersed in nature, make sure you check out the ultimate Southern Idaho road trip that will take you to seven breathtaking waterfalls in the Gem State. What are the best small towns in Idaho? If you are moving to Idaho or simply want to know more about what it’s like to live in Idaho, visit a small town in the Gem State. Idaho is filled with charming, safe, and beautiful small towns that you need to visit. For example, Hailey was voted as one of America’s top 50 small towns. This gorgeous community is truly a delight and is home to some remarkable festivals such as the Northern Rockies Music Festival. Ketchum is a popular small town with great dining establishments and it is next to the awe-inspiring Sun Valley Resort. If you are looking for a small town that is beautiful and photo-worthy, you must visit Wallace. This entire town is on the National Historic Register. For a town with gorgeous rolling hills, plenty of attractions, and lots of school spirit, visit Moscow. Just make sure when living in Idaho that you can pronounce this small town correctly.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

It doesn’t matter if you have been living in Idaho for years or have just recently moved to the Gem State, you should take the time to explore this incredible area. This state offers some incredible sights, delicious food, and interesting history that will make you want to explore every inch of it. Fortunately, we’ve created several road trips that people from Idaho and out-of-staters will want to enjoy.

If you are searching for some hidden gems and unique features of Idaho, check out this road trip. You will start in the panhandle and work your way to eastern Idaho. Make sure you take this road trip to visit several ghost towns in Idaho if you love history and are up for a spooky adventure. For individuals who want to spend time outdoors and immersed in nature, make sure you check out the ultimate Southern Idaho road trip that will take you to seven breathtaking waterfalls in the Gem State.

What are the best small towns in Idaho?

If you are moving to Idaho or simply want to know more about what it’s like to live in Idaho, visit a small town in the Gem State. Idaho is filled with charming, safe, and beautiful small towns that you need to visit. For example, Hailey was voted as one of America’s top 50 small towns. This gorgeous community is truly a delight and is home to some remarkable festivals such as the Northern Rockies Music Festival. Ketchum is a popular small town with great dining establishments and it is next to the awe-inspiring Sun Valley Resort.

If you are looking for a small town that is beautiful and photo-worthy, you must visit Wallace. This entire town is on the National Historic Register. For a town with gorgeous rolling hills, plenty of attractions, and lots of school spirit, visit Moscow. Just make sure when living in Idaho that you can pronounce this small town correctly.