Let’s face it, Michiganders say some funny things. We have a whole bunch of Michigan slang words and phrases that not many around the country use and they all have their own unique meanings. In this post, we cover many common words and phrases most folks in Michigan know and use often.
Pop
In Michigan, you never call a fizzy beverage like Pepsi or Coke soda. It’s always called pop. With the Michigan accent, it sounds more like p-ah-p.
Up North
Up North is used to describe a place you’re visiting that gives woodsy, lakehouse vibes. Many popular vacation destinations, especially for Metro Detroiters, are found in the upper part of Michigan. When telling folks plans for the weekend, it’s very common, especially in the summer, to say “I’m heading up north”. There is still a great debate between Michiganders on where “up north” in Michigan truly begins geographically.
The U.P.
Referring to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. If you’ve ever wondered how Michigan got it’s Upper Peninsula, I cover the history in this video:
@ryanredoute Sharing a little Michigan history for you all 😁 #michigan #michiganders #michigancheck #puremichigan #yooper
The Upper Peninsula is filled with so many cool places to check out like Chapel Falls and Chapel Beach which I highlighted in another In Michigan feature.
The Mitten
This ties in with Michigan’s unique shape resembling a mitten. Sometimes paired with “state” to be called the “mitten state”.
Where at?
Michiganders can’t just say “where?” when asking about the location of something or someone. We have to add “at”. For example, if someone says they’re going to a concert later, a michigander might ask “oh, where at?”.
Ope
Ope could be considered more generally a midwest slang word, but it’s widely and frequently used by Michiganders. It’s a replacement for “excuse me” that is sometimes followed by “sorry” or “scuse me” when almost running into someone or trying to walk past them and not wanting to come across as rude.
This video and it’s comments help explain “ope” and how it’s used more:
@ryanredoute Which did you choose? 😆 #michigan #michiganders #michigancheck #ope #michiganstate #ryanredoute #michigancreators #yooper #metrodetroit
Party Store
Don’t confuse Michigan “Party Stores” with stores that sell actual party decor and supplies like Party City. A “party store” in Michigan refers to a local convenient store, a Michigan bodega of sorts, where michiganders can get items on the go. Or, they can even get snacks and drinks quickly when hosting company (maybe even for a party).
Yooper
Referring to someone who lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Troll
Referring to someone who lives in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula; under the Mackinac BRIDGE (get the bridge and troll reference?).
No Yeah / Yeah No
Michiganders cannot just say yes or no. When someone says “No yeah” in Michigan, they are actually saying “yes”. Someone who says “yeah no” in Michigan is actually saying no. It just depends on what they end with.
Lookit
Michiganders speak fast and “in cursive” as one follower of mine once said. They will not bother saying a full phrase like “look at it” so they shorten it to just “lookit”. “You said you found a petoskey stone on the beach?”, “I did! lookit”.
Geez-o-pete
This functions as a replacement for saying nastier words when a Michigander is frustrated with someone or something.
Fudgie
Referring to tourist who visit Michigan lakeside towns and most likely stops at a Kilwin’s during their stay to buy a pound of fudge (Mackinac Island, Oreo or Peanut Butter and Chocolate flavors are some of our favs).
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to visit a Michigan lakeside town, you can check out my vlog in South Haven, Michigan here:
@ryanredoute Such a cute town that I’ve never visited on Michigan’s west coast before 🥹 #michigan #michiganders
♬ Inspirational piano and strings, post-classical 10(1373065) – arachang
Yuhguys
This is the Michigan equivalent of a southerner saying “he y’all”; “guys” also refers to anyone around.
Watch the video covering each of these Michigan slang words:
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