The difference between Middle of nowhere and The sticks
When used as nouns, middle of nowhere means a very remote place, whereas the sticks means a remote, rural area.
check bellow for the other definitions of Middle of nowhere and The sticks
-
Middle of nowhere as a noun (idiomatic):
A very remote place; a nondescript place lacking population, interesting things, or defining characteristics.
-
The sticks as a noun (slang, pejorative):
A remote, rural area; a place that is removed from civilization such as the boondocks. Possibly derived from 1800s stick = “tree”, “forest”, from English “stick”.
Examples:
"She grew up in the sticks and later moved to the city."
"synonyms: backwoods boonies boondocks hinterland [[middle of nowhere]] ''see also: [[Thesaurus:remote place]]"
-
The sticks as a noun (american football):
The sets of yardage markers indicating the ten yards between the line of scrimmage from the previous first down and the line to gain the next first down.
Examples:
"They gained just enough on that play to move the sticks and continue the drive."
"synonyms: the chains the yardsticks"