You would think Colorado would be known as the Rocky Mountain State. But its nickname is the
Centennial State
. That is because it became a state in eighteen seventy-six, exactly one hundred years after the nation declared its independence.
Connecticut is called the
Nutmeg State
after a spice. Connecticut Yankees, as people in this northeast state are called, are known to be smart in business. So smart that it was said they could sell wooden, meaning false, nutmegs to strangers.
Little Delaware is called the
First Stat
e because it was the first state -- the first to approve the new United States Constitution.
The southern state of Florida likes to tell about its sunny days and fine beaches. So Florida is the
Sunshine State
. Florida's neighbor to the north grows some of the sweetest fruit in America. So Georgia is the
Peach State
.
Hawaii, far out in the Pacific Ocean, is the
Aloha State
. That is the friendly greeting that means both "hello" and "goodbye" in the native Hawaiian language. So, aloha for now. Next week we will tell you about the nicknames of more American states.
(MUSIC)
This VOA Special English program was written by Ted Landphair. I'm Barbara Klein. You can find more WORDS AND THEIR STORIES at voaspecialenglish.com.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
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2013-11-25