10 Things Illinoisans Could Say Instead of 'Ope'

If you grew up in Illinois, you're probably pretty familiar with the word "ope". We all say it, even when we don't even realize it.

It slips out of our mouths without warning, the easier word to use when we're trying to pass by someone in the aisle, or when we bump into someone. Why love using the word so much. There are so many other go-to words, but "ope" still remains our top choice.

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I decided to spend a little time coming up with different terms that you could start using over this over used Midwestern word. It was kinda hard considering nothing seemed to have the same vibe!

10 Things Illinoisans Could Say Instead of 'Ope'

Alternative words or phrases we could use for ope:

don't mind me
excuse me
oh, my bad
Ah, sorry
whoops
That's my fault
Oh crap
a simple "gasp"
Oops!
Oof..

They're all perfectly fine phrases, but they don't hit as hard as "ope". Ope is a less intense word to use in any situation, you know what I mean? It's not a "fighting" word for a situation to escalate into violence.

Dropped your phone? Ope.

Knocked something off a shelf? Ope.

Awkward conversation? Ope.

Card declines at the register? Ope.

Bumped into someone in an aisle? Ope.

It's the universal word that's not intimidating, sweet, and let's people know you're a total Midwesterner. I've never heard other people around the country say "ope", have you? Next time you catch yourself saying it, embrace it. Don't try to change it up! You are who you are, a true Midwesterner at heart.

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