Slang Course: The Great Flyover and a Small Geography Lesson

Term: The Great Flyover

Meaning: This term refers to any part of America between New York City and Los Angeles, but mainly in reference to the American Midwest (see below). Essentially what this term means is that the Midwest of the country is sooooooo utterly boring with no tourist attractions, that it is land one simply flies over from NY to LA or LA to NY.

You probably are wondering if this term is considered rude. It all depends on the context. If a person from New York were to use this term in a nasty way with someone from Nebraska then of course, it would become an insult. But used in a playful way to tease, especially between two people from 'the Great Flyover' it is quite harmless. Midwesterners use this term themselves to describe where they live or where they are from. 

Usage Recommendations: Be safe: Don't use it, know it.

Term in Use: 

• "Some people might think that I live in the Great Flyover, but I don't consider the Great Lakes region as part of the Great Flyover because it is a very scenic part of America."

Now is a great time to teach you some other official geographical terms for the middle of the States. Please keep in mind that these terms are flexible. Where do the Great Plains start and where does the Midwest begin? It all depends on the person's geographical reference point. The definitions are only a guide for your understanding.

the Midwest ~ the north-central part of the United States. States that come to mind that would fit this definition are Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa.

the Heartland ~ the center of a country. In the case of the United States, it is another term for the Midwest.

the Breadbasket ~ technically also referring to the center of the United States which produces a vast amount of wheat. Do you know the top wheat producing States in America? Go to this fun quiz and test your knowledge!

the Great Plains ~ the area of the country that is grassland and prairie and is located running from north to south from Canada to Mexicao between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. Here is the link to the wiki page on the Great Plains.

the Great Lakes ~ yea! The Great Lakes is where I am from. The Great Lakes region includes any American States or Canadian Provinces that border these lakes. Trust me, the Great Lakes are huge. No joke. Everyone I've ever met from overseas who sees these 'lakes' (try small oceans!) for the first time is utterly speechless. Here is the link to the wiki page on the Great Lakes region.