Mississippi, once one of the largest slave states in the nation, developed its economy around plantation agriculture and the majestic Mississippi River, renowned for its winding path and rich history.
For puzzle and riddle enthusiasts, this state and its iconic river provide the perfect backdrop for clever wordplay. There are many riddles and puzzles inspired by them that can tickle your brain and challenge your wit!
Here are five tricky riddles related to this legendary waterway and the state it flows through.
Gather your friends and family, and see who can crack these riddles first! Will you be the one to unravel the answers hidden within the twists and turns of the Mississippi?
Let’s find out!
Riddle #1
Mississippi has four S’s and four I’s. Can you spell that without using S or I?
See Answer:
Answer: T-H-A-T.
Explanation: The riddle plays on the question by asking how to spell the word “that” without using the letters S or I.
Riddle #2
What has 4 eyes but can’t see?
See Answer:
Answer: Mississippi:
The word “Mississippi” has four “i”s (which sound like “eyes”) but, being a state name, it cannot physically see. The riddle plays on the double meaning of “eyes” and the letter “i” in the word.
Riddle #3
If Mississippi should lend Missouri her New Jersey, what would Delaware?
See Answer:
Answer: Alaska or Idaho
Explanation:
The riddle plays with the names of U.S. states as if they were people. “If Mrs. Sippi (Mississippi) should lend Ms. Surri (Missouri) her New Jersey (a reference to a piece of clothing), what should Dela (Delaware) wear?”
The answer “Alaska” plays on the phrase “I’ll ask her,” suggesting a question about what Delaware should wear, while “Idaho” reflects “I don’t know,” indicating uncertainty about the situation. The clever wordplay makes the riddle both humorous and engaging!
Riddle #4
Four eyes have I and a mouth of one
I do not speak for I have no tongue
I have the curves to match my eyes
I’m wide and skinny to no one’s surprise
I may be a female given my start
St. Louis holds the bottom of my heart
Two legs I have though I cannot stand
But I think they’re the finest in all the lands
See Answer:
Answer: Mississippi (River)
Explanation:
The four letter “I”s in “Mississippi” represent the four eyes, while the river has one mouth. Although rivers have mouths, they do not possess tongues.
The term “curves” describes the river’s winding path. The first four letters, “Miss,” in “Mississippi” suggest a feminine association.
The phrase “St. Louis holds the bottom of my heart” indicates that the river begins near St. Louis. The “two legs” refer to the river’s tributaries.
Lastly, “I think they’re the finest in all the lands” emphasizes that the Mississippi River is the longest river in the United States.
Riddle #5
In a state where magnolias bloom bright,
And mockingbirds sing both day and night.
The blues were born from pain and strife,
In Jackson, I thrive, the heart of life.
What state am I?
See Answer:
Answer: Mississippi state
Explanation:
The riddle references key symbols associated with the state.
“Magnolias bloom bright” refers to the state flower, while “mockingbirds sing” denotes the state bird.
The mention of the blues highlights Mississippi’s significant cultural contribution, as this music genre originated there.
Lastly, Jackson is the capital, often considered the heart of the state, emphasizing its importance.