Show Me State
- proper noun
- /ˈʃoʊ ˌmi steɪt/
:
Estado de Muestrame
- The Show-Me State is famous for its beautiful landscapes and friendly residents.
Examples
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In the Midwestern United States, there is a state of Missouri known as "The Show Me State."
Blog text (5) -
Tourists often visit the Show-Me State to explore the Ozark Mountains.
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Many people associate the Show-Me State with its rich history and vibrant culture.
Synonyms
367
1.0
A US state in the Midwest known for the Gateway Arch
205
1.8
A state in the central United States called Missouri
A state in the middle of the United States
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase contains the highly frequent imperative 'show me' (meaning 'prove it' or 'I'm skeptical') plus 'state', so a learner who knows these constituents can partly infer that it labels a state whose people demand proof. However, its status as a fixed nickname tied to Missouri and the cultural nuance (reputed skepticism/practicality of residents) requires background knowledge, so the meaning is not fully predictable from the words alone.
Etymology
Show Me State comes from a famous line by a Missouri politician who said, 'I'm from Missouri; you've got to show me.' The image is simple: people from Missouri were said to want proof before they believed something, so the name came to mean being practical and 'skeptical'.