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Rez Ball: What Does 'Stoodis' Really Mean?

You may have heard a unique word used throughout the movie Rez Ball.

id="what-is-stoodis?"> What is "Stoodis"?

The term "stoodis," in the Netflix original film Rez Ball, appears to have a deep connection to Native American culture! There is nothing like having a special term that gives audiences more to ponder.

Many of those who have seen "Rez Ball" have been left wondering what it really means! This story is not only based in Oklahoma, and features the Chuska Warriors who are Navajo basketball players. This is something that has had many wondering about its true significance.

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A Meaning From The "Rez Ball" World:

One player looking surprised while the other smiles with basketball in the background in Rez Ball Image

"Stoodis," is actually really straightforward in its definition, but like everything in the movie, there are layers of meaning to its existence and how it's used.

  • What is the meaning in the Rez Ball universe?
  • What does it translate to? It's slang, making it a phrase to show that things are getting exciting, in that classic, American phrase. "Let's do this,"

The movie even uses the phrase when Jimmy says this phrase before going to the arena, for that all-important State Championship.

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Its Origins are Even Deeper

Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), Elora (Devery Jacobs), Bear (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), and Cheese (Lane Factor), and Jackie (ELva Guerra) walking and laughing together in Reservation Dogs. Image

When looking at its roots. "Stoodis" isn't really unique to any one place! For example, the movie doesn't reveal its roots and you might not be aware, however. You can also hear Oklahoma people using the phrase.

While Oklahoma may have adopted it! The history for the word and how it came about. Is even more powerful as it's connected to an iconic, well-loved phrase from those living in Canada and the United States!

You won't believe how the two are linked.

  • In Canada and the U.S., "Stoodis" is often seen among Indigenous teens and a shortened way to say "Let's Go!".
  • One phrase from CBC gives an extra layer of connection to this word! It's a popular term "skoden" and "Skoden" translates to "Let's Go Then."

This iconic term, "Skoden," was really influenced by social media, helping this phrase grow. The slang term has moved beyond just being a simple term for one specific tribe! Instead, "Stoodis" is an incredibly important and cool phrase among young Native Americans. The reason why Rez Ball was able to get that vibe? Well, this is thanks to its scriptwriter!

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Reservation Dogs and Rez Ball's Common Thread

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That writer, Sterlin Harjo also worked on a Hulu series called Reservation Dogs! Fans of this amazing television show will see that there are plenty of moments where the characters from "Reservation Dogs," use the same phrase! What's super fascinating! You see, Sterlin Harjo has a history with Native American culture. That also means, he has some strong connections!

He's also a member of the Seminole Tribe! Even more incredible is Harjo's use of the phrase comes up often and makes sense in these series.

Fans will see an immense amount of depth in the movies, giving them a look at the lives of Indigenous teenagers and how they talk! So it's not that strange that those characters from Reservation Dogs who are from the Muscogee tribe would use the same term, along with those in Rez Ball, from the Navajo tribe.

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Stoodis's Meaning is Worth Remembering

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It was something small in the show! It might not have had a giant explanation! That term gives audiences so much more. That phrase, "stoodis," is about capturing an energy that many fans of Native American cultures know about! Even with the word, and the movie's portrayal! "Rez Ball," is really about celebrating and acknowledging a vital and influential element from that culture!

For anyone that wants to understand the depth of these special moments! They really show that "Stoodis," has made its way into mainstream culture. This gives the idea of these iconic Movies a whole lot more character and helps capture the vibe and feel of these stories in such a unique, powerful and incredibly significant way!

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