You’ve made the move to Omaha from the East Coast. You like what you see as you explore your new city. Thirsty, you walk into a restaurant and order a soda. In one sip, you’ll recognize that ordering soda in Omaha will get you a club soda. Here, a soda is called “pop.” Doesn’t matter if its Coke or Pepsi, it’s all pop.

That’s just one term that is rather unique to our area. There are more. Listed here are just a few to help you become familiar with the local lingo. They are, as we call them, defining moments in your Omaha experience.

Omaha – the name of our city and the name of the Indian tribe that settled in the area as early as 1500. The word is Native American and is defined as “upstream people” or “going against the current.” In other words, the oldest word we know for “innovative.”

O! – It’s the symbol of our city, our passion for progress and our excitement about the future. The O! Campaign is a partnership program of the City of Omaha, the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Peter Kiewit Foundation and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Developed in 2003 as an image campaign to help Omahans become more active participants in promoting the city, it unites tourism and economic development under one campaign. The O! has been utilized in many ways, at events, in parades, painted onto street corners, at local gift shops and in business promotions. Sample the O! at http://www.ososurprising.com/.

Ak-Sar-Ben – Nebraska spelled backwards, it is the name of the former thoroughbred racing track at 63rd and Center Streets. The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, formed in 1895, is a civic and philanthropic organization comprised of business leaders committed to building a more prosperous community through youth leadership programs, scholarships and community service awards. The Knights sponsor many events including the annual River City Roundup family festival and the 75-year-old 4-H Livestock Exposition.

Unicameral – One of the names for Nebraska’s Legislature, which is a unicameral, or one-house, legislative body. And it’s the only one of its kind in the nation. Its 49 members meet at the State Capitol in Lincoln. And while it is generally referred to as the Legislature or the Unicameral, it’s actually a Senate, the single body that was retained after it was reorganized in 1937. That’s why its members are called state senators.

The Market – Just drop the “Old” from the name Old Market. With its epicenter at 11th and Howard Streets, it is an eclectic mix of shops, dining and music that knows no age or limitations. Originally a center of produce sales and manufacturing, it is one of the city’s best loved and best preserved areas. The produce returns every summer with a Farmer’s Market.

Rolls vs. Danish – In Omaha, a roll usually means a breakfast or “sweet roll,” which in New York would be known as a Danish. If you ask for a roll at dinner, then it would likely be a hard or soft bread roll. But if you ask for a roll at breakfast and expect bread, hope you enjoy frosting or cinnamon.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning – A tornado watch, as issued by the National Weather Service office in Valley, Neb., means the conditions are right for the formation of severe storms and possibly tornadoes. It could be a clear, blue sunny day and it may stay that way. But a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted by either a.) a trained observer; b.) a law enforcement officer; or c.) some average guy scared out of his wits enough to call 911. Be on the safe side if ever a warning is issued and take shelter, in a building, preferably in a basement, preferably away from any windows.

The Huskers – The University of Nebraska-Lincoln football team, officially the Cornhuskers. Either way, it beats the team’s original nickname, the “Bugeaters.”

The Stockyards – Once the beef processing capital of the world, the Omaha stockyards brought more cows and pigs to market than even Chicago. Today, the area along L Street between 30th and 36th Streets is home to retail and office space, Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha campus, the Livestock Exchange Building with its 100 apartments, retail space and two elegant ballrooms; and a movie theater complex. And no more squealing about the prices.

Tubing – Take an inflated inner tube, preferably from a tractor tire, and float down the nearest river or stream. In the summer time. With a cooler full of ice and “beverages” in tow. Have a destination in mind but not an arrival time. Dangle your arms and legs. We have no sharks in Nebraska. At least, not outside the Henry Doorly Zoo.

The Base – Offutt Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), formerly the Strategic Air Command. The area’s largest employer, it is south of the city in Bellevue. It is also the telecommunications command center where President Bush spent several hours immediately following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Saddle Creek – A creek that is now hidden in a huge pipeline a dozen feet below the road bearing the same name. The road is home to retail shops, bars and restaurants, and a nationally-recognized recording company, Saddle Creek Records, the former Lumberjack Records created by Justin and Conor Oberst (of the band Bright Eyes fame). Saddle Creek Records continues to grow in artists and respect, snagging feature stories in The New York Times, which finally admits there may be something musically that sets Omaha apart. We knew that all along.

The Papio – Another creek, this one above ground. Officially the Little Papillion Creek, it’s a meandering rivulet of water bordered by the 27-mile Keystone Trail, a concrete path for walking and biking. The Papio does have a tendency to swell in especially drenching thunderstorms, but mostly it just wanders through the city. Like the joggers and bikers and parents with strollers who follow it.