Detroit is one of the most unique cities in the U.S. We are surrounded by beautiful lakes and beaches, and our downtown area is lively and making a terrific comeback. Some things that set us apart from people elsewhere is the way we communicate. Check out these ten words and phrases that will make people living outside of the city question if Detroiters have their own language.
- “Who’s going Up North this summer?”
Kevin Chang/Flickr This is an energy-saving phrase that refers to Northern Michigan. Cities in this Michigan region consist of Traverse City, Northport, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, and a few others. Many Detroiters go “Up North” during the summer or even the winter to go snowmobiling.
- “I’m going to the cottage next week.”
Maggie Valley Club/Flickr When we go Up North for the summer, it’s to “the cottage.” It could be a tiny little cabin or big beach house on Lake Michigan… no matter what, it’s “the cottage.”
- “Anyone down to play euchre?”
Robert Meeks/Flickr Euchre is a social card game that Michiganders love, but few other people outside of the Midwest know how to play.
- “I’m heading to the party store. Anyone need anything?”
Thomas Hawk/Flickr The party store is not a place to buy balloons and streamers. The party store is a term for a convenience store selling things like liquor and other adult beverages.
- Throws up right hand to show what part of Michigan they live in.
Program Executive Office Soldier Follow/Flickr If you’re not from Michigan, you probably have no idea why anyone would use their hand to map out where their hometowns are. Since we live in a state that is shaped like a mitten, it only makes sense to use our right hand to let people know where different locations throughout Michigan are.
- The “U.P.”
MAL 9000/Flickr The U.P is short for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which is surrounded by three of the Great Lakes. It is a beautiful, mostly forested region in Michigan.
- “Who wants some pop?”
wham! bam!/Flickr It’s pop, not soda. No matter how many times we have to explain ourselves, no one says soda, so get used to it.
- “Farewell to the Joe.”
Jeff Powers/Flickr We tend to shorten a lot of things, and our old Red Wings hockey arena will always be called “The Joe” (short for Joe Louis Arena).
- “The Thumb”
Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison Follow/Flickr Here’s another time we Detroiters need to raise our right hand and point out locations to tourists. The lower pennisula of the state is shaped exactly like a thumb.
- “Michigan Left”
Nan Palmero/Flickr A “Michigan Left” is basically a U-turn. The name comes from how the roads have been designed to allow for U-Turns at intersections where vehicles can’t make a left. Right after making a U-turn, drivers usually make the next right.
Can you think of any other phrases used by Detroiters? Let us know in the comment section below! Check out these other phrases that people throughout Michigan are known to use!
Kevin Chang/Flickr
This is an energy-saving phrase that refers to Northern Michigan. Cities in this Michigan region consist of Traverse City, Northport, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, and a few others. Many Detroiters go “Up North” during the summer or even the winter to go snowmobiling.
Maggie Valley Club/Flickr
When we go Up North for the summer, it’s to “the cottage.” It could be a tiny little cabin or big beach house on Lake Michigan… no matter what, it’s “the cottage.”
Robert Meeks/Flickr
Euchre is a social card game that Michiganders love, but few other people outside of the Midwest know how to play.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
The party store is not a place to buy balloons and streamers. The party store is a term for a convenience store selling things like liquor and other adult beverages.
Program Executive Office Soldier Follow/Flickr
If you’re not from Michigan, you probably have no idea why anyone would use their hand to map out where their hometowns are. Since we live in a state that is shaped like a mitten, it only makes sense to use our right hand to let people know where different locations throughout Michigan are.
MAL 9000/Flickr
The U.P is short for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which is surrounded by three of the Great Lakes. It is a beautiful, mostly forested region in Michigan.
wham! bam!/Flickr
It’s pop, not soda. No matter how many times we have to explain ourselves, no one says soda, so get used to it.
Jeff Powers/Flickr
We tend to shorten a lot of things, and our old Red Wings hockey arena will always be called “The Joe” (short for Joe Louis Arena).
Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison Follow/Flickr
Here’s another time we Detroiters need to raise our right hand and point out locations to tourists. The lower pennisula of the state is shaped exactly like a thumb.
Nan Palmero/Flickr
A “Michigan Left” is basically a U-turn. The name comes from how the roads have been designed to allow for U-Turns at intersections where vehicles can’t make a left. Right after making a U-turn, drivers usually make the next right.
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