11 Strange Habits Every Minnesotan Will Defend To The Death

Most Minnesotans aren't afraid to admit that we have a few quirks. But that doesn't mean we aren't proud of them. Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we're so proud of the weird things Minnesotans do that we're willing to defend them until the very end. Here are 11 quirks that only Minnesotans will understand.

1. Calling it "pop."

Being on the "pop" side of the great debate isn't easy, but we're sticking to our guns on this one. It's short, it's sweet, and it's what we grew up with. Why change?

2. Playing Duck, Duck, Gray Duck.

We may be the only state in the country that prefers "gray duck" to that other game, but we're not going to budge on this one. It sounds better, and why would a goose be hanging around a bunch of ducks?

3. Putting away our winter gear as soon as the sun comes out.

There comes a point every spring when Minnesotans refuse to wear their winter coats for another day. No matter if snow is in the forecast next week; once it hits 40, the coat comes off.

4. Going "up north" for every long weekend.

Minnesotans love being outside. We love it even more if we can enjoy the outdoors far away from work or home. That's why we go up north.

5. Hesitating at four-way stops.

Is it because we're nice, or because we haven't quite mastered the art of driving? Probably a little bit of both. But that knowledge doesn't change the fact that we don't quite excel at four-way stops.

6. Discussing weather at every opportunity.

If it's finally warm, it's something to celebrate. If we're expecting a blizzard, it's something to dread. No matter the weather, Minnesotans are sure to have some feelings to share.

7. Never eating the last piece of anything.

Either the last piece is going to be halved infinitely, or it's going to sit there on the counter for a week. But you can be no Minnesotan is going to be the one to eat it.

8. Taking forever to say goodbye.

One thing leads to another, and suddenly it's midnight and you're still chatting in the driveway. Minnesotans have a hard time with goodbyes, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

9. Bringing a hot dish to every gathering.

Bringing something so universally loved to a potluck? It's a no-brainer. So much so that there will likely be at least one or two other varieties.

10. Always being ready to help.

Minnesota Nice is so engrained that it's hard for some of us not to be nice. We may be grumbling on the inside, but yes, we will help you push your car out of that icy patch.

11. Saying "Uff da" and "You betcha."

The thing about Minnesotans is that very few of us use these phrases seriously. But most of us throw them around in a joking manner every once in a while. Recognizing the difference is a skill that evades out-of-towners, leading many to believe we actually go around saying, "Uff da!"

Do you share any of these strange habits? Any others you'd like to add? Let us know, and in the meantime catch up on more relatable parts of living in Minnesota by checking out this list of phrases and words said here.