We Michiganders are a friendly bunch. There’s no doubt that we love to welcome our friends from other states and countries, and we’re certainly happy to show them what makes our state such a wonderful place to live — but that doesn’t mean our out-of-town kin always understand the life of a Michigander. Here are ten unique of the most common stereotypes about Michigan that we frequently find ourselves explaining to visitors:

1. Why we always use our hands to indicate where we’re from.
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
Yes, this one is talked about a lot, but that’s because it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Non-Michiganders are often confused when we’re asked about our hometowns and we start pointing to our palms... but to natives, it's obvious. (I mean have you seen a map?!)
2. How to make a Michigan left turn.
Flickr/larrysphatpage
It’s easy to spot an out-of-towner when you see someone looking completely baffled by the left turn lane in the middle of a highway. This explanation is pretty important — we want to keep our roads safe!
3. What we mean when we say we’re going to the “party store.”
Flickr/Danielle Walquist Lynch
Apparently, people from other states don’t typically use the phrase "party store." So, when we say we’re running out to the party store to pick up some beer, they probably imagine that we’re heading into a shop that glitters with strobe lights and disco balls.
4. Pop? What’s that?
Flickr/Mozart Mike
Has someone from outside of Michigan ever looked at you like you’re crazy after you’ve mentioned your favorite flavor of pop? You’re not alone. We don’t call it "soda," and that baffles our out-of-town pals.
5. What in the world is a “Yooper?”
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Is it a mythical creature? A type of shoe? An archaic medical instrument? Nope. It’s important to educate our non-Michigan friends that Yooper is simply a term for someone from the Upper Peninsula.

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6. On a similar note, why do we call our friends “trolls?” That’s not nice.
Flickr/dailyinvention
For someone who isn’t from Michigan, it might be a little odd to hear us referring to our friends and family as trolls. But simply explain that we playfully use this term to describe Lower Peninsula residents who live "under" the Mackinac Bridge, and all will be well.
7. Why we sometimes say that Ohio is the worst state ever.
Flickr/Slippy Slappy
Whether we support Michigan or Michigan State, there’s one thing all Michiganders can agree on: Ohio State is kind of the worst. Have fun explaining that one to your friends from Ohio!
8. The undeniable appeal of pasties.
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
If you’re not from Michigan, it might be tough to understand why we often crave this Great Lakes State classic. But one bite of of a hearty, flavorful pasty will certainly be enough to convert your out-of-town friends into fans.
9. How to pronounce Ypsilanti.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
And Sault Ste. Marie, Charlevoix, Mackinac, Dowagiac, Ontonagon…
10. Why we love our state so much.
Flickr/LadyDragonflyCC
We know we talk about Michigan pride quite often, but that’s only because we’re so immensely enamored with our wonderful state. Out-of-towners might not fully understand how lucky we feel to live in a place so rich with natural beauty, friendly faces, and incredible attractions.

It can be tiring to explain these stereotypes about Michigan repeatedly, but we’re certainly not complaining. After all, we’re fortunate enough to be residents of a genuinely unique, exciting, and fun-filled state. Which of these points did you relate to most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Really want to dazzle an out-of-towner? Take them to some of the most jaw-dropping spots around Michigan.

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More to Explore

Stereotypes About Michigan

Nikki Rhoades | January 19, 2020

What are some interesting things about Michigan?

Those from outside of the Great Lakes region like don’t realize how splendid life in The Mitten State can be. We locals, however, know that there are many interesting things about Michigan that make us proud of our roots. Believe it or not, we’re in the top ten most populous states. We were, once upon a time, part of New France (back when the American Colonies were still under British rule). Wondering where an odd name like Michigan came from? It’s a word from the Algonquian family of languages meaning “large lake.”

What are Michiganders known for?

You might think we all live by Detroit… but we don’t. There are many Michigan traits that aren’t recognized by those outside of the state, but we locals have embraced life in The Mitten State. We’re known for braving snow our whole lives only to become “snow birds” and flock to warmer states like Florida or Arizona in the winter. We are known for our affectionate colloquialisms and unique personalities… and we’re truly one of a kind.

What is the most popular Michigan stereotype?

Living in Michigan, we locals may not be super familiar with what out-of-towners think of us. We are, as you may assume, lovers of Detroit-style pizza and paczki. What you may not know is that our state is home to many unique attractions that have helped shape local personalities. Want to know more? You’ll have to visit our state to uncover our secrets.

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