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Hoosier's History, and Other Regional Nicknames

Despite some recent, low-level controversy around the Indiana nickname, linguist Geoff Nunberg says that "hoosier," like several other regional nicknames, has lost its offensive bite. The term connotes location more than a particular cultural identity.

03:48

Other segments from the episode on January 25, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, January 25, 1989: Interview with Harvey Cox; Review of two new CDs by the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra; Interview with Eva Hoffman; Commentary on the word "hoosier."

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