Words That Mean Something Different in Wichita

What it means: The state east of Oklahoma (pronounced ARE-kan-saw).
What it means in Wichita: The river running through Wichita (pronounced are-KAN-sas).

What it means: Village in New York (pronounced gren-itch).
What it means in Wichita: Street on the east side of Wichita (pronounced green-witch).

What it means: A heavy object used to keep a ship from drifting.
What it means in Wichita: Family-friendly bar that serves tasty pub-style food. And beer.

What it means: The circle cut out of the middle of a donut.
What it means in Wichita: An eclectic place to enjoy unique donuts, a coffee bar, live music and an art gallery.

What it means: Alcoholic beverages.
What it means in Wichita: A Mexican cantina and popular late-night party spot.

What it means: A roadside channel for drainage that’s, well, big.
What it means in Wichita: Flood control that runs along I-235 and protects the west side of town.

What it means: Act wild and crazy.
What it means in Wichita: How we cheer for our 2014 American Association championship baseball team, The Wingnuts.

What it means: Scary, loud sound during storms.
What it means in Wichita: Wichita’s electrifying hockey team.

What it means: North, South, East, West.
What it means in Wichita: Thank goodness for GPS. (East 37^th Street North? How are you supposed to find that??)

What it means: “No one knows what it means, but …it gets the people going.”
What it means in Wichita: Wichita State University’s mascot. (Yes, it’s a shock of wheat!)

What it means: Terrifying sound that strikes fear into your heart. Signal to run for cover.
What it means in Wichita: Time for a block party with the neighbors (or lunch on Mondays).

What it means: A Johnny Cash Song.
What it means in Wichita: The fiery display that lights up the Keeper of the Plains statue a few nights a week.

What it means: Fuel for jokes about people from Kansas.
What it means in Wichita: No. Just No.

There’s no “witch” in “Wichita”.

Let us know in the comments!