If you live in Minnesota for long enough, you might pick up a couple of odd quirks. Luckily, that just means you’ll fit right in. People who live here have plenty of odd habits that might seem strange to outsiders. But they’re perfectly normal here. In fact, we’re even proud of them! Read on below to discover some of the odd habits you might have if you call Minnesota home.

1. You elongate your Os.
mirsasha/Flickr
When Minnesotans travel elsewhere in the United States, people often pick up on the long O, even when we say where we're from: Minnesooota. Whether you've lived in Minnesota your whole life or just moved here recently, this linguistic quirk is part of what makes a Minnesotan a Minnesotan.
2. You bring tater tot hot dish to every potluck.
Daniel Hatton/Flickr
In other states, you might bring a dessert or a salad or fruit. But in Minnesota, the go-to potluck dish is tater tot hotdish. It's a Minnesota favorite that most people from other states just don't understand.
3. You never go anywhere without your car emergency kit.
Leif Maxfield/Flickr
Minnesota's famous winters are bearable for most people who have been here for years. But they certainly have their hardships. That's why any Minnesotan worth their salt packs a car emergency kit wherever they go. You never know when you might need jumper cables, blankets, snacks, or any other emergency kit item.
4. You can't miss going to the Minnesota State Fair every year.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr

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5. You can't stop yourself from poking fun at Wisconsin.
MIchel Curi/Flickr
Okay, Wisconsin has some great qualities. They have beautiful nature areas and wonderful cheese stores. But sometimes, Minnesotans just can't help but poke fun at our neighbors to the east. It's a habit that we won't likely break any time soon.
6. You can't stop yourself from saying "Uff da" or "You betcha."
Darin/Flickr
Most Minnesotans don't say "Uff da" or "You betcha" on a regular basis. If they do, it's likely a joke. But sometimes, we just can't stop ourselves from using these phrases - especially when it comes time to poke fun at ourselves.
7. You take forever to say goodbye.
Carole Carey/Flickr
The Minnesota Goodbye is known for being long and winding with many parts. You may start in someone's house, continue on the porch, and finish as you're waving goodbye from your car. But it's a habit we don't want to break. After all, it helps us show our guests we care!
8. You never take the last piece of anything.
clappstar/Flickr
Whether in the office or at a family gathering, it's simply not in a Minnesotan's nature to take the last piece. Instead, we either pretend it's not there or - if we just can't resist - cut it into infinitesimally smaller pieces. We know it's odd, but we just can't stop doing it.
9. You play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck.
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
Here's one habit that starts when Minnesotans are young kids. Other states call the favorite childhood game Duck, Duck, Goose. But we don't care. Minnesota children grow up playing Duck, Duck, Gray Duck, and that will likely never change.

Can you think of any other odd Minnesota habits? Let us know in the comments! For more quirky things about Minnesota, check out our past list of 13 things Minnesotans do that seem insane to everyone else.

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