Ohio has become an unexpected target for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to poke fun at, with the term “Ohio” being used as slang for anything considered weird or absurd. Search phrases related to Ohio have seen an increase in popularity on Google, with phrases like “Only in Ohio” and “You’re so Ohio” being commonly used. This trend has even extended to a gen Alpha word, “skibidi,” which is tied to brain rot-style videos that kids watch online. The trend of using Ohio as an insult is widespread among kids who have never even been to the state.
KnowYourMeme editor Owen Carry explained that most people creating memes about Ohio have never actually visited the state, but are targeting others who also haven’t been there. This trend of mocking Ohio is not new, as the internet has a history of poking fun at the Rust Belt state. Various viral videos and songs have been created over the years that make fun of Ohio, leading to a long-standing reputation for being an easy target for humor. Despite this, Ohioans are generally taking the insults in stride and some are even joining in on the fun.
Local Ohio news outlets have addressed the recent trend of using Ohio as an insult, with headlines questioning the impact of “Ohio” memes on brainrot among Gen Alpha. While some residents may find the trend amusing, others are embracing the attention and using it as an opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of the state. Youngstown, an economically-challenged area in Mahoning County, has seen a 10% increase in tourism revenue since 2021, becoming a billion-dollar source of income for the region. Some residents see the attention as an opportunity to showcase what Ohio has to offer.
Despite the teasing and jokes at Ohio’s expense, some residents are choosing to see the bright side of the situation. Clevander Kelsey Will emphasizes that the people of Ohio are real, friendly, and down-to-earth, and most would not be offended by the jokes. Some believe that being part of the conversation, even if it’s in a humorous or mocking way, is better than being forgotten altogether. Delaney Hendershot, a Gen Z resident from Akron, embraces the attention Ohio is receiving and believes it highlights the worth of the state amidst all the jokes and memes.
Overall, the recent trend of using Ohio as an insult by Gen Z and Gen Alpha is part of a larger pattern of internet-based humor targeting the state. Despite the jokes, Ohio residents are taking the attention in stride and some are even using it as an opportunity to promote positive aspects of the state, such as its tourism industry. While the trend may seem bizarre to outsiders, it has become a way for residents to show their sense of humor and resilience in the face of a unique form of online teasing. Ultimately, the attention Ohio is receiving may be helping to boost tourism and highlight what the state has to offer.
