Every state in the U.S. seems to have its own lingo, and Minnesota is no exception. Usually, it’s not a problem, but when Minnesotans venture to other parts of the country, some things get lost in translation. These nine silly sayings are examples of the type of thing Minnesotans find themselves explaining to confused out-of-staters again and again.
- “Oh, for cute.”
Dave G/Flickr This is a statement reserved for when something is almost too cute for words. No one knows why we add the extra “for.” Just for fun, probably.
- “We’re having hotdish for supper.”
srsldy/Flickr “Hotdish” and “casserole” mean the same thing, but they can’t be used interchangeably - at least, not if you’re a Minnesotan. After all, “tater tot casserole” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
- “You betcha!”
Ted/Flickr This saying may have once been a super positive affirmation, and surely some Minnesotans still use it in that way. But for most of us, we never say it without a hint of sarcasm. Only a true Minnesotan would pick up on the difference.
- “It’s kitty-corner from your house.”
Pulpolux !!!/Flickr This saying is not much different from “catty-corner,” the other common way to say “diagonal.” They’re similar enough that someone who prefers the other term would understand what you mean. But they’re different enough that it’s jarring to hear the one you don’t prefer.
- “Uff-da, the driveway needs shoveled again.”
Darin/Flickr Here’s another stereotypical Minnesotan phrase that most of us don’t really use. But if we do, the saying is used to convey dismay, surprise, or confusion.
- “I’m going Up North this weekend.”
Pete Markham/Flickr For Minnesotans, “Up North” is not just heading in a northerly direction. It means going to a cabin, probably on a lake, and preferably during a long holiday weekend in the summer.
- “Someone budged me in line today.”
MJI Photos/Flickr In other parts of the U.S., “cutting” or “ditching” may be more common. But here in Minnesota, we budge. “Mrs. Johnson, he budged me,” is a common complaint in elementary schools across the state.
- “We’re having lutefisk this Christmas.”
Leif Harboe/Flickr Unless you’re from a state with a strong history of Scandinavian settlement, you probably don’t know what lutefisk is. And if you’re a Minnesotan, you probably consider those people lucky. Everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes knows what lutefisk is. But eating it doesn’t make sense no matter what state you’re from.
- “Want to come with?”
jpellgen/Flickr Often asked before a trip to the mall or a stroll through the neighborhood, this question may seem a bit incomplete in other states. But for Minnesotans, the implied “me” or “us” at the end of the question doesn’t need to be stated. We know who - they’re talking to us.
Can you think of any other silly sayings in Minnesota? Feel free to share them down below.
Dave G/Flickr
This is a statement reserved for when something is almost too cute for words. No one knows why we add the extra “for.” Just for fun, probably.
srsldy/Flickr
“Hotdish” and “casserole” mean the same thing, but they can’t be used interchangeably - at least, not if you’re a Minnesotan. After all, “tater tot casserole” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
Ted/Flickr
This saying may have once been a super positive affirmation, and surely some Minnesotans still use it in that way. But for most of us, we never say it without a hint of sarcasm. Only a true Minnesotan would pick up on the difference.
Pulpolux !!!/Flickr
This saying is not much different from “catty-corner,” the other common way to say “diagonal.” They’re similar enough that someone who prefers the other term would understand what you mean. But they’re different enough that it’s jarring to hear the one you don’t prefer.
Darin/Flickr
Here’s another stereotypical Minnesotan phrase that most of us don’t really use. But if we do, the saying is used to convey dismay, surprise, or confusion.
Pete Markham/Flickr
For Minnesotans, “Up North” is not just heading in a northerly direction. It means going to a cabin, probably on a lake, and preferably during a long holiday weekend in the summer.
MJI Photos/Flickr
In other parts of the U.S., “cutting” or “ditching” may be more common. But here in Minnesota, we budge. “Mrs. Johnson, he budged me,” is a common complaint in elementary schools across the state.
Leif Harboe/Flickr
Unless you’re from a state with a strong history of Scandinavian settlement, you probably don’t know what lutefisk is. And if you’re a Minnesotan, you probably consider those people lucky. Everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes knows what lutefisk is. But eating it doesn’t make sense no matter what state you’re from.
jpellgen/Flickr
Often asked before a trip to the mall or a stroll through the neighborhood, this question may seem a bit incomplete in other states. But for Minnesotans, the implied “me” or “us” at the end of the question doesn’t need to be stated. We know who - they’re talking to us.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
