Michigan Slang Words Vs. Midwest Slang Words

The Midwest is a broad region of the United States, and while there are common cultural traits and ways of speaking, every state has its own unique twist on slang and vocabulary. Michigan, sitting comfortably in the heart of the Great Lakes, is no exception with it’s slang words. While people from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio might share some Midwestern expressions with people in Michigan, Michiganders have their own distinct set of words and phrases. Let’s explore some of these differences and why they matter.

Michigan Only Slang Words

Pop vs. Soda

One of the biggest regional debates across the U.S. revolves around what people call carbonated beverages. In Michigan, the slang word “pop” is king. When you order a “pop” in Detroit or Grand Rapids, you’re simply asking for a Coke, Pepsi, or another fizzy drink. But venture into parts of the broader Midwest—like Missouri or southern Illinois—and you might find people saying “soda” instead. While “pop” is still common across much of the Midwest, Michigan takes great pride in its unwavering allegiance to this term.

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The Michigan Left

If you’re driving around Michigan, you might hear someone mention a “Michigan Left.” This refers to a specific traffic maneuver in which drivers must make a right turn followed by a legal U-turn to go in the opposite direction, rather than making a direct left turn. It’s a term you won’t hear much outside the state, even though other areas may have similar road systems. This expression doesn’t have much traction in the rest of the Midwest, making it one of the unique gems of Michigan road slang.

Yoopers and Trolls

In Michigan, you’ll often hear people refer to “Yoopers” and “Trolls.” A Yooper is someone from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), a region known for its rugged nature and tight-knit communities. It’s derived from the abbreviation U.P. (“U” + “per” = Yooper). Those who live below the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the U.P. to the Lower Peninsula, are sometimes called “Trolls” because they live “under the bridge.” This insider slang is exclusive to Michigan, so if you use it outside the state, expect some confused looks from the rest of the Midwest!

Faygo vs. Other Local Brands

Michigan residents hold a special place in their hearts for Faygo, a Detroit-based soda brand with flavors like Redpop and Rock & Rye. While other Midwestern states have their own local soda brands, Faygo is a Michigan institution, and locals often talk about it with a sense of pride. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a part of Michigan’s culture. If you mention Faygo in other Midwestern states, people may know about it, but it’s not nearly as beloved as it is in Michigan.

Up North

In Michigan, when someone says they’re going “Up North,” it usually means they’re headed to the northern part of the Lower Peninsula for some relaxation, camping, or time on the lakes. This phrase is heavily tied to Michigan’s geography and the state’s relationship with its stunning natural surroundings. In other Midwestern states, you might hear phrases like “heading to the cabin” or “going to the lake,” but “Up North” carries a particularly Michigan-specific meaning.

Party Store

In Michigan, a “party store” isn’t a place where you buy streamers or balloons—it’s where you go to get beer, snacks, and lottery tickets. Basically, a party store is what you’d call a convenience store or liquor store elsewhere. This is a quintessentially Michigan term that may leave other Midwesterners scratching their heads. In Wisconsin or Indiana, for instance, people are more likely to just call it a liquor store or gas station.

The UP

At a quick glance you might think what is the up? Disney movie? But The “UP” stands for Upper Peninsula which is the portion of Michigan north of the Mackinac Bridge. The UP is more rural than SE Michigan where you can find pasties (a Michigan delicacy), hiking trails and natural wonders.

You can check out this In Michigan article about visiting the UP if you want to check it out yourself.

The Mitten or Mit

Michiganders sometimes refer to Michigan as “The Mitten” or “The Mit”. You’ll see it in Michigan branded things too. It refers to the states unique and widely recognized mitten shape.

When Michiganders refer the actual “thumb” portion of the state they will call it “The Thumb”. For example, Caseville is a popular city for tourism in Michigan so people might say “I’m going camping in the top of the thumb near Caseville.”

Other Midwest Slang Words

Ope! (Entire Midwest)

This one’s a true Midwest classic. “Ope” is the little exclamation you make when you bump into someone or make a slight mistake. It’s common to hear someone say, “Ope, sorry!” after accidentally brushing past someone in the grocery store. While “ope” is used all over the Midwest, it’s almost become a badge of Midwestern identity, and you’ll hear it just as often in Michigan as you would in Wisconsin or Minnesota. It’s a unifying term that links Michiganders with their neighbors.

Bubbler (Wisconsin)

Michiganders definitely do not say this slang word. If you’re in Wisconsin and someone asks where the nearest “bubbler” is, they’re talking about a water fountain. Yes, the thing you drink from in public places. This term is especially prevalent in southeastern Wisconsin, and though it sounds quaint or old-fashioned to outsiders, it’s a term locals hold dear. While you might hear this term in some parts of Massachusetts as well, the rest of the Midwest (and the U.S.) tends to stick to “water fountain.

D’Jeet? (Entire Midwest)

The phrase “D’jeet?” is short for “Did you eat?” It’s an example of the casual, blended speech patterns you’ll find throughout the Midwest. You might hear someone say “jeet yet?” when they’re asking if you’ve had lunch or dinner. This phrase is not exclusive to any one Midwestern state but is part of the relaxed, conversational cadence that stretches across the region. “Jeet” embodies that friendly, no-nonsense style of Midwestern communication.

Sweeper (Iowa, Nebraska)

In many Midwestern states, the term “sweeper” refers to a vacuum cleaner. If someone in Iowa says they need to “run the sweeper,” they’re not talking about using a broom or something that literally sweeps the floor, but about vacuuming the carpet. This quirky substitution might catch non-Midwesterners off guard since most people would simply say “vacuum,” but it’s a charming example of localized slang.

Parking Ramp (Minnesota, Iowa)

In many parts of the country, people refer to a multilevel parking structure as a “parking garage,” but not in Minnesota and parts of Iowa. There, it’s known as a “parking ramp.” The term reflects the way language sometimes takes on a life of its own in different regions. You won’t hear people in Chicago or Detroit using “parking ramp” much, but cross the state lines into Minnesota, and it’s a staple of local vocabulary.

Hotdish (Minnesota, North Dakota)

Minnesota and North Dakota are famous for their beloved “hotdish.” This is essentially a casserole, typically made with meat, vegetables, a starch like tater tots or pasta, and topped with cheese. While the rest of the Midwest also enjoys its casseroles, in these two states, “hotdish” is the default term for these hearty, oven-baked meals. Hotdish is more than just food; it’s a symbol of potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings in the Upper Midwest.

Uff da! (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota)

A slang word from the Scandinavian settlers who populated parts of the Upper Midwest, “uff da!” is a Norwegian exclamation that expresses surprise, frustration, or exhaustion. In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, you’ll still hear this term regularly, especially among older generations. It’s often used in everyday conversation as a way to respond to something mildly overwhelming or surprising, and it adds a layer of cultural richness to these states’ language.

Coke (Southern Midwest States)

While Michigan and much of the northern Midwest remain fiercely loyal to “pop,” if you head down to parts of Missouri or southern Illinois, you’ll hear people using the word “Coke” to refer to any soft drink, regardless of the brand. This is part of a larger trend you see in the Southern U.S., where “Coke” is often a catch-all term for soda. It’s a small but significant shift in the way language changes across the Midwest, with these states sitting at the intersection of Midwestern and Southern dialects.

Crick (Rural Midwest)

In rural parts of the Midwest, particularly in states like Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana, a small stream is often called a “crick,” rather than a “creek.” The two terms are essentially interchangeable, but the pronunciation “crick” is a hallmark of rural Midwestern speech.

Wrapping It Up

While Michigan shares much of its slang words with the rest of the Midwest, its unique phrases, regional pride, and Great Lakes culture give it its own linguistic flavor. From the iconic “pop” to the peculiar “Michigan Left,” these terms reflect not only a way of speaking but a way of life that’s deeply tied to Michigan’s geography and history. So the next time you’re in the Midwest, pay attention to how people talk—you’ll discover that even in a seemingly similar region, the state-specific language tells a fascinating story.

Also, you can find bonus Michigan slang words and Midwest Slang Words, not mentioned in this feature, in this video:

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♬ original sound – That Michigan Guy