West Virginians, Do You Know Which Letter in the Alphabet Got Ghosted by Every State?
Here’s a fun trivia question for your next West Virginian get-together: Which letter isn’t in any state name?
If you’re like us, you’re mentally singing “Fifty Nifty United States” trying to figure it out. Take a moment (or a musical break) to ponder before scrolling down for the answer.
Hint: The letter isn’t in this paragraph.
The Ultimate “Q”uestion
“Q” is the only letter that isn’t in any state name.
That’s quite the achievement, given that there are 50 states and only 26 letters in the English alphabet.
Runners Up
The letters “J” and “Z” come in close second to “Q,” with those letters only appearing once in a state’s name.
Do you know which states claim them?
The J and Z Dance
New Jersey and Arizona are the only states with the letters “J” and “Z” in their names, respectively.
“B” Unique
Alabama and Nebraska are the only two states with the letter “B” in their names.
“F” Is Cool Too
There are only two states that contain the letter “F”: California and Florida.
Perhaps there’s something about the letter “F” and beaches.
The X factor
The letter “X” joins “B” and “F” as the three letters that only show up in two state names.
Texas and New Mexico are the only states that contain “X.”
Seeing Double
Only one state starts with two vowels. Can you figure out which one it is?
Think about it before we reveal it next.
Corn State for the Win
Iowa is the only state in the U.S. with a name that starts with two vowels.
Another Win
To put two cherries on top of Iowa’s cake, it’s also the only state with its two-letter abbreviation consisting of two vowels.
But Iowa’s abbreviation isn’t “IO,”; it’s “IA.”
That’s right, three out of four of Iowa’s letters are vowels!
Vowels Aren’t Uncommon
Nearly 25% of states in the U.S. have a name that starts with a vowel.
Go ahead, give it a go to see if you can figure out which ones they are.
Ending Vowels
Statistically, it’s not that big of a deal for a state’s name to end with two vowels; nine states claim this diluted fame.
It’s rarer for a state’s name to end with two back-to-back consonants.
25 Australian Terms That Utterly Confuse Americans
Whether your Aussie friend is coming to visit, you’re planning a trip to Sydney, or thinking of relocating to the Land Down Under, you might want to keep this list handy. These 25 words and phrases are common with Aussies, but Americans find them baffling.
What a Cracker! 25 Australian Terms That Confuse Americans
50 Weirdest Laws in Each State
Luckily, most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.
50 Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle
Think You Belong in a Different Decade?
From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)
