Jeff Brasie

Across America’s states and territories there is a unique mix of history and heritages. From New England to New Orleans to Iowa to Texas to San Diego to Guam and every place in between, there are varying pronunciations, sayings, or traditions.

Michigan has its own distinctive pronunciation of words, sayings, and things we do.For the better part of a decade, I lived in Washington, D.C. One weekend evening I attended a party at a historic Alexandria, Virgina row house. I just departed U.S. Navy active duty and was embarking on an administration career at a northern Virginia medical center.

That evening in a casual conversation with a couple I just met, I said something like, “Where are both of yous from?” Within seconds, they commented “you are from Michigan.” It was the word “yous” which slotted me as a Michigander. Typically, individuals from other American regions would say, “Where are you from?” Having lived or worked in various regions across America, I entered a personal quest on what other sayings or attributes are associated with our Great Lakes state.

Why Michigander?

In 2011 the Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group public relations and communications consulting firm conducted a mid-January survey among 600 Michigan voters and asked: “Do you consider yourself a Michigander or a Michiganian?”

The result: 58 percent said Michigander with only 12 percent answering Michiganian. Seven percent said both, 11 percent said neither, and 12 percent didn’t know.

Then Governor, Rick Snyder, recognized the survey results and henceforth Michigan officials and numerous other non-government organizations, business and industry, tourism, and the media began using the Michigander term.

My fact finding

I conducted website research to surface what unique things Michiganders say and do. My resources ranged from Gander News, WRIF radio, Around Michigan, In Michigan, Odyssey, and Good Info News Wire sites. Here is what I found: Michigander sayings

For some reason, residents like to end established business firm names with an “s” when there is no “s.” For example, Meijers, Targets, and Krogers. With beverages, Americans tend to say soda or soft drink. Michiganders say pop. In addition, in Michigan there is no usage of the term ginger ale — it is Vernors! Oh yes, we don’t toss beverage bottles or cans into the trash. They head to recycling and cash. People who visit Mackinac Island are called Fudgies. Those who are from the Upper Peninsula are lovingly called Yoopers. Those living at the tip of the mitt and below are labeled trolls (think living under the bridge.)

There is no such thing as a convenience or liquor store. In Michigan they are called a party store. But don’t feel too bad – in Houston, Texas the drive-thru beverage retailer is called an ice store. Why? At one time the purveyor of ice for refrigeration. The term “ope” is frequently used when explaining an awkward topic or asking to be excused. Add to this, our confirming response “you betcha.” “Didja” can be associated with an inquiry such as, “didja go dancing last night?” In northern Michigan and the U.P. frustration is given by using the term, “geeze-o-pete.” Michiganders tend to honor the dairy industry by saying “melk” vs. “milk.” Or, versus saying “you guys” it is “yuhguys” quickly rammed together. Finally, not saying the full phrase, “used to,” Michiganders say, “yoosta.”

Michigander things they do

Both hands are frequently utilized to explain Michigan’s two peninsulas, geographic terrain, and specific locations. Think the mitten, thumb, straits, Upper Peninsula, and where “up north” might begin or where is “down below.”

Relatively new to Michigan are the traffic circles. However, in the state’s larger metropolitan cities, to make a left-hand turn at a major intersection rarely happens. First, you make a left-hand turn at a specific location above the intersection, conduct a U turn, and then head back to the intersection to actually make your turn. I am not sure how this would work in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, or Japan. They drive on the road’s left side.

Michigan residents’ clothing attire has nothing to do with the season. In the fall and winter, shorts are worn. In the summer, sweats and hoodies are prevalent in 90-plus degree and humid weather.

Tattoos are big in Michigan. Michigan professional and college sport tattoos are at the top of the chosen list. Across the United States there are 335 telephone area codes. Annually, in Michigan, two area codes conduct days of recognition. March 12 is 313 Day, which covers a substantial portion of Detroit. September 6 is set aside as 906 Day for the entire Upper Peninsula.

In regard to distain and pride – Ohio State University Buckeyes are low on the popularity list. A strong affinity is given to our Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers, and streams. These are our playgrounds. Snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, boats, and motorcycles are part of our culture. They are seasonal in operation. However, with cars and trucks, no matter what the weather, Michiganders will be on the roads and streets.

When saying goodbye to family or friends at the doorway, a Michigan farewell conversation can go on for 30 minutes-plus. These are but a few of our idiosyncrasies. Michigan is diverse in so many wonderful aspects and a great place to live.

“You betcha – fer sure.”

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for various newspapers, magazines, and social media sites. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. NavalReserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the Secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.