10 Phrases That Will Make You Swear Detroiters Have Their Own Language
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Marika Kazimierska
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Detroit is one of the most unique cities in the U.S. We are surrounded by beautiful lakes and beaches, and our downtown area is lively and making a terrific comeback. Some things that set us apart from people elsewhere is the way we communicate. Check out these ten words and phrases that will make people living outside of the city question if Detroiters have their own language.
This is an energy-saving phrase that refers to Northern Michigan. Cities in this Michigan region consist of Traverse City, Northport, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, and a few others. Many Detroiters go "Up North" during the summer or even the winter to go snowmobiling.
When we go Up North for the summer, it's to "the cottage." It could be a tiny little cabin or big beach house on Lake Michigan... no matter what, it's "the cottage."
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Euchre is a social card game that Michiganders love, but few other people outside of the Midwest know how to play.
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The party store is not a place to buy balloons and streamers. The party store is a term for a convenience store selling things like liquor and other adult beverages.
If you're not from Michigan, you probably have no idea why anyone would use their hand to map out where their hometowns are. Since we live in a state that is shaped like a mitten, it only makes sense to use our right hand to let people know where different locations throughout Michigan are.
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The U.P is short for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which is surrounded by three of the Great Lakes. It is a beautiful, mostly forested region in Michigan.
It's pop, not soda. No matter how many times we have to explain ourselves, no one says soda, so get used to it.
We tend to shorten a lot of things, and our old Red Wings hockey arena will always be called "The Joe" (short for Joe Louis Arena).
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Here's another time we Detroiters need to raise our right hand and point out locations to tourists. The lower pennisula of the state is shaped exactly like a thumb.
A "Michigan Left" is basically a U-turn. The name comes from how the roads have been designed to allow for U-Turns at intersections where vehicles can't make a left. Right after making a U-turn, drivers usually make the next right.
Can you think of any other phrases used by Detroiters? Let us know in the comment section below! Check out these other phrases that people throughout Michigan are known to use!
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