Hoosier

American  

[hoo-zher] / ˈhu ʒər /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Indiana (used as a nickname).

2. (usually lowercase) any awkward, unsophisticated person, especially a rustic.

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Hoosier British  

/ ˈhuːʒɪə /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Indiana

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Other Word Forms

• Hoosierdom noun

Etymology

Origin of Hoosier

An Americanism dating back to 1920–30; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

But Kennedy Smith put the finishing touches on any Indiana comeback, snagging the ball away from Hoosier guard Lenee Davenport in the final minute as she tried to lift up for a lay-in.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Early in the fourth quarter, Indiana’s defense forced a three-and-out, blocked Oregon’s punt and recovered the ball 7 yards from the end zone, giving the Hoosier offense its third short field of the night.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Mendoza’s from Miami, so the title game will be a homecoming for him as South Beach braces for candy striped pool towels and a sunscreened Hoosier invasion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

“An excellent point. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not even worth looking at. Not when you’ve got Hoosier Hill. ”

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven