show me state: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic, historical
Quick answer
What does “show me state” mean?
The official nickname for the U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official nickname for the U.S. state of Missouri.
A nickname reflecting a cultural attitude of skepticism, practicality, and insistence on proof before belief, often associated with the inhabitants of Missouri.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is exclusively American, referring to a U.S. state. A British speaker would likely only encounter it in contexts discussing American geography or culture.
Connotations
In the US, it carries connotations of Midwestern pragmatism and stubbornness. In the UK/other English-speaking countries, it is simply a known factual nickname without strong cultural connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in American media and historical texts about Missouri; very low to zero frequency in other dialects outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “show me state” in a Sentence
[State Name] is (known as/called) the Show Me State.The Show Me State [verb: voted/legislated/produced]...In the Show Me State, ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show me state” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- His show-me skepticism is pure Show Me State attitude.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'A Show Me State approach to investment: proof of concept first.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, or American studies papers discussing state identity or regional culture.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation, especially by or about Missourians: 'I'm from the Show Me State.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields unless discussing official state symbols or geography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show me state”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “show me state”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show me state”
- Writing it in lower case (show me state).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He has a show me state attitude' – better: 'a show-me attitude').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the official state nickname. The official state motto is 'Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto' (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law).
Its exact origin is unclear. The most popular theory attributes it to a speech by Missouri Congressman Willard Vandiver in 1899, who said, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."
Yes. The hyphenated form 'show-me' is used as an adjective meaning 'skeptical' or 'demanding proof', derived from the nickname. E.g., "He had a show-me attitude."
Generally, yes. It is worn as a badge of honour, representing traits of common sense, independence, and non-gullibility. It is widely used in state marketing and by residents.
The official nickname for the U.
Show me state is usually informal, journalistic, historical in register.
Show me state: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ miː steɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ mi ˌsteɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Show me! (expression of skepticism linked to the nickname)”
- “True to the Show Me State spirit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone from Missouri saying, "Don't just tell me, SHOW ME the proof!" This demanding attitude named their state.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STATE IS A PERSON (with a skeptical character).
Practice
Quiz
What does the nickname 'Show Me State' primarily convey about Missouri's cultural stereotype?