Words I learned in Minnesota

1. Uff da – An exclamation used when overwhelmed or surprised.
2. Skol – Clark taught me this word after attending his first Vikings game. It’s a word they say during football games after each touchdown. SKOL VIKINGS!
3. Minnesota Nice – It’s a real thing. In Minnesota, people are known to be just a little nicer than anyone else.
4. You Betcha or ‘Ubetcha’ – A friendlier way to say ‘Yes!’
5. Hotdish – A type of warm casserole – usually involving tater tots.
6. Budge – Cutting someone in line.
7. Lutefisk – a Minnesota dish that I have not yet tried. Have you?
8. Dontcha Know – Right along with Uff da, it’s something you may hear in conversation.
9. Egg Bake – Something the rest of us call an Egg Casserole.
10. Duck, Duck, GRAY Duck – It’s the Minnesota version of Duck, Duck Goose!
11. Land of 10,000 Ice Rinks – What do you think happens to all those lakes and ponds in the winter? It’s no wonder every child here loves Hockey!
12. Pop – All carbonated beverages are POP. Not soda, and definitely not Soda Pop.
13. Phy Ed – I’ve heard Physical Education referred to as “Gym,” or “P.E.” and even “Phys Ed (pronounced fizz ed), but in Minnesota, I’ve learned that P.E. is called Phy Ed – pronounced Fi (with a long i) Ed
14. Rambler – A one story house.
15. Up North – Where everyone in Minnesota goes for the weekend. I didn’t know you could go any farther NORTH from where we currently are…but apparently, you can and you should. Up North is spoken of fondly by every Minnesotan. When I finally get “UP NORTH”…I’ll tell you what the fuss is all about.
16. Cold – I’ve used the word COLD my entire life, but now I’ve truly experienced COLD. And I lived to tell about it.

What’s a word that you only hear in YOUR state?

Other posts about Minnesota that might interest you:

How to fit in as a Minnesota transplant

Gifts that Minnesota Gave the World!

Minnesota Must Haves!

My Top 25 Bucket List