Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “Hoosier” as a native or resident of Indiana.
But what does it really mean?
Steve Haller, senior director of Indiana Historical Society’s collections and library, wrote the article “The Meanings of Hoosier — 175 Years and Counting,” which examines the word’s origin and usage. He cautions those searching for a cut-and-dry answer.
“When you boil it all down, you will not find a decisive meaning or origin,” Haller said.
Although the etymology of Hoosier is unknown, several theories still live on.
One of the more likely explanations comes from former IHS secretary Jacob Piatt Dunn. After extensive research, Dunn concluded the word “Hoosier” likely derives from the word “hoozer,” which in the Cumberland dialect of England meant anything large, such as a hill. When Cumberland immigrants came to North America, their descendants applied the word to those who settled in the hills of southern Indiana.
Haller said Dunn’s theory has stood the test of time but isn’t well known.
“There’s a lot of folklore not supported by historical fact,” he said.
IU 2012 graduate Gretchen Krumwiede said she’s heard multiple stories about the word’s origin.
“I think the one I heard most often was that at a basketball game, someone’s ear fell off, and they held it up and said ‘Whose ear?’” Krumwiede said.
Former Indiana Governor Joseph Wright had another theory. He said “Hoosier” came from a Native American word for corn — “hoosa.” The theory is doubtful, though, as no such word has been found in any Native American languages.
In any case, Haller said the word’s linguistic origin is not as important as its 1800s usage.
At the time, Indiana was the Western frontier, and Haller said “Hoosier” carried mainly positive connotations. It was a way for Indiana residents to refer to themselves and for others to refer to them.
By the 1840s, Indiana government officials were calling their state the Hoosier state.
IU’s adoption of the Hoosier nickname for its athletic teams has given the word further meaning for those at IU.
“From an athletic standpoint, it’s not a tangible thing,” IU Deputy Athletic Director Scott Dolson said. “It’s more of a feeling and a way that you believe. It’s the way you carry yourself, the way you treat people, the way you show support for your school.”
IU 2013 graduate Ryan Diefenderfer said he agreed. “Bloomington in general is a great cultural place, so that ties in with the school spirit and what being a Hoosier is for me, at least,” he said.
Krumwiede said being a Hoosier is about taking pride in one’s self and school.
“People are always really proud to say that they’re a Hoosier, that they’re from IU,” she said.
Dolson said that pride extends throughout the whole University.
“In general, whether you’re in IU athletics or the Kelley School of Business or what have you, everyone takes pride in the fact that they’re part of the Hoosier nation and they’re Hoosiers,” Dolson said.
