from Missouri

English

Etymology

Referring to the state of Missouri, whose common nickname is the Show Me State.

Prepositional phrase

from Missouri

1. (informal) Skeptical, not easily convinced and requiring proof.
   • 1916, John Dewey, “Introduction”, in Essays in Experimental Logic:

     The appeal to experience was the cry of the man from Missouri—the demand to be shown.

   • 2007, John T. Barker, Missouri Lawyer, page 266:

     When one predicted that the atom bomb would end the world, the other said, ‘I’m from Missouri—you’ll have to show me.’ His friend answered, ‘Hell, who isn’t from Missouri these days?’