GROVE CITY, OH — Local sarcasm experts have confirmed what many already suspected: calling Grove City “Grovetucky” is no longer an edgy roast, but merely what people say when they’ve run out of original things to complain about.
“It’s kind of like using ‘LOL’ when you’re not laughing,” said humor analyst Dale W., who has spent the last decade studying regional Facebook groups from a secure, undisclosed basement. “Calling it ‘Grovetucky’ doesn’t say anything anymore. It’s just a signal to others that you’re about to be vaguely mad about traffic, roast beef availability, or people existing.”
The phrase, once a possibly witty jab implying a rural vibe, now appears in every third comment online, usually followed by complaints about traffic, fast food, or the mere presence of anyone under 30. It has become Grove City’s version of sighing loudly and crossing your arms.
“It’s the ‘I’m not like other suburbs’ of city nicknames,” said lifelong resident Sarah P., rolling her eyes so hard they echoed. “Every time I see it, I imagine someone dusting off their sleeves after typing it like they just delivered a masterclass in satire.”
City linguists estimate “Grovetucky” has now been used to describe:
- Any traffic backup over 3 minutes
- A restaurant that runs out of honey mustard
- People with loud trucks
- Literally any photo of a Dollar General
“I don’t even know what it means anymore,” said Jason B., who still uses the term weekly. “It just feels right when I’m annoyed for no reason.”
Plans are underway to retire the word permanently, possibly replacing it with something fresh like “Grovia” or “The G.C.,” though those were immediately booed off the stage at a town hall meeting attended exclusively by people who post Minions memes.
At press time, someone had posted “Grovetucky” in a discussion about recycling bins. Nobody knew why.
