9 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots In Michigan

Michigan is an outrageously beautiful place that probably doesn't get the credit it deserves. After all, it's probably the strangest-shaped state in the US, but that just adds to its truly unique charm. It's a place where outdoorsy folks thrive, kindness is king and there's a bunch of funny stuff you'll pretty much only get if you're from here - so, the perfect place. State pride is something we've definitely all got at least a little of, and companies like Wear Your Roots are perfect for showing off that pride. Speaking of state pride, here are nine signs you're definitely from Michigan:

I've never seen anyone from anywhere else do this. It's just Michiganders; we call it "The Mitten" and use our own hands - bonus points for wearing actual mittens - to show people exactly where. It's Pure Michigan, if you will.

Sure, the ocean's beautiful and all, but who needs to travel all the way to the coasts for a beach day when we can just have it here? The Great Lakes are just as amazing as, if not even better than, the ocean. At least WE think so.

You can immediately tell when someone's not from here by the way they pronounce "Mackinac". Mackinac Island fudge is only afforded to those who are worthy: those who can pronounce the name right.

It's sort of like a U-turn, but it's not, but it is... you get it. At least you do if you're from 'round here.

Ya wanna do a run to the party store? Well then let's go. Read that in the best northerner accent you can.

If you're from the Midwest in general - but especially Michigan - you know that "ope" is the appropriate thing to say any time you accidentally bump into someone else, hit their shopping cart, or whatever else you need it for. It just kinda rolls off the tongue. Ope.

What's that even mean? Well, it's easy: we live in the Upper Peninsula. U-P. Yooper. If you're from here, you catch my drift. Looking for Michigan-centric swag? [affiliatelink url="https://wearyourroots.com/collections/michigan-all?sca_ref=4914988.AeiyP6h1ZZ"]Shop Wear Your Roots[/affiliatelink]... you know you wanna.

Good luck finding someone from here who's never called it the "Big Mac". Even if you've never crossed it... you still know what to call it.

Who needs the bigger names when we've got the best pop right here out of Detroit? You're not a Michigander if you're not a Faygo lover. We don't make the rules.

If you're planning on checking out Wear Your Roots, be sure to use code Michigan10 for 10% off. Might as well! And if you're one of those folks who can't get enough of Michigan's amazingness, you might want to check out some of the most amazing natural wonders in Michigan. What are your favorite things about being from Michigan? Let us know!