Across the vast United States of America lies many interesting and unique lands. Of course, the U.S. has 50 states, each with exciting things that make their region special. A true Michigander is not hard to spot. Looking at other areas, you will find that people dress differently, speak differently, and act differently than those from different parts of the U.S.
Southerners
In the southern parts of the U.S., people act very differently from the northerners. You’ll discover that anything can be fried in the South, “y’all” is proper grammar, and unsweetened tea is not honest. “Soda” is the appropriate word for “pop,” and sugar, dumplings, and sweetie pie usually are not used to reference food.
The Northeast
In the northeastern parts of the United States, unique trends and traits can be found. Unlike the Michigander stereotype, whether true or not, Northeasterners are supposedly rude and crazier drivers than most. I find that to be a rather unfair stereotype, as many roadways in the biggest cities in the American Northeast are incredibly busy and contain some of the highest traffic in the world. In my opinion, you almost have to be a little bit of a crazy driver to survive out there!
I think the dense population can also explain the rudeness trope. With more people, you will indeed have more rude people, and it just so happens that the largest population of Americans is in the Northeast! Michiganders like New York, Maine, and other regional states have incredible tourist attractions. However, the American Northeast is an entire of storied monuments that have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. One sure way to spot a New Yorker, for example, is that they are stylish and have no problem walking everywhere or taking the train or subway.
Michiganders and the Midwest
The Midwest is one of the most unique regions in the United States. Michiganders specifically have many cultural influences that have shaped our communities. Michiganders are composed of strong Native American and Canadian influences due to regional history. There was also a strong influence from Middle Eastern and other European immigrants who came here to work in the medical field, education department, or as engineers or builders for the Big Three. The point is that Michiganders are an amazing blend of culture and history.
To understand why Michiganders act the way they do, it’s best to understand some of the history that shaped the great mitten state. Michigan officially became the 26th U.S. state on January 26th, 1837, after conflicts with Ohio, The British, and Native Americans. While not bloody, the Toledo War is a significant piece of the state’s history. Giving Michigan the Upper Peninsula and redrawing the Ohio-Michigan border. To this day, it’s normal for a typical Michigander to have a general disgust for Ohio.
Today, Michigan is heavily known for its fishing and hunting, with a 3288-mile freshwater coastline and over 10 million acres of public hunting land. Michiganders, of course, get their fair share of snow as well. Many inhabitants have snowmobiles, sleds, skis, snowboards, and/or cars and trucks with snow tires. Michiganders do not mess around when it comes to the snow. Lastly Michigan is known for the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater surface system on the entire Earth. With rich ecosystems, snow, fishing, hunting, and nearly half a million blue-collared workers, Michigan is a fantastic place to visit or live. But what makes a Michigander stand out amongst the crowd? Read on to discover the nine ways to spot a true Michigander! For more Michigan content, check out these regional phrases.
Ope
“Ope” is used a lot. “Ope” is a word substituted for many other words. Why say “oops, I’m sorry, excuse me, or oh no” when you can say “ope”? While not 100% the case, if you catch someone saying “Ope,” there is a good chance you may be dealing with a Michigander.
Getty Images / orradobarattaphotos
“It’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity”
I have probably heard this phrase thousands of times in the past five summers alone. As Michigan is truly a land of 4 seasons, when it gets hot, it gets hot. However, Michigan won’t have a 120-degree weather day. Instead of just intense heat, Michigan humidity added to a 90-degree day creates the illusion of being in the Desert. Naturally, Michigander loves saying how, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”
Shorts in the Fall and Winter
A surefire way of spotting a Michigander is by their apparel. We have a knack for wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts in colder climates than most. If it’s above 50 degrees, it’s short-sleeve time for Michiganders!
(Photo by Joe Mahoney/Getty Images)
Hoodies and Sweats in Hot Weather
It’s rather enjoyable when talking about a Michigander’s apparel decisions. When it’s cool weather, we wear shorts. However, we wear more fabulous clothes in the summer. Many people also wear hoodies and pants in the hot weather! It’s just a Michigan thing.
We will drive in any weather
Whether the roads are dry, snow-covered, icy, or hot lava doesn’t matter. Michiganders will still hop in the car and head to work in the morning. A true Michigander will go out for coffee in -5 temps with 2 feet of snow on the ground.
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 14: An MTA bus crosses the West Side Highway in the snowy weather, March 14, 2017 in New York City. New York City was mostly spared from the winter storm that hit the northeast. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“Feb-Yoo-Ary”
I know you’re mouthing the word right now. It is a Michigan thing to pronounce “February” the way we do. We must sound so weird to someone out in New York!
Getty Images / LexisJan
“Using your hand for directions”
The most obvious way to spot a true Michigander is if you catch someone using their hand to describe a location in the State. If you are a Michigan native, it’s absolutely required to do this at least 6 times per year. If not, are you even a Michigan resident?
“Ohio Sucks”
Whether it’s fair or not, true Michiganders have at least a light amount of disgust for the state of Ohio. Some are University of Michigan fans and hate Ohio State. Others dislike Ohio because that’s the norm. All of this can be traced back to the Toledo War. Because of this, in Michigan and Ohio, people are like rival families.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Justin Fields #01 of the Ohio State Buckeyes helps up Thayer Munford #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after throwing a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
We don’t throw away pop cans
Many people don’t know that a 2004 law made it illegal to dispose of beverage containers in the state. Since Michigan currently has one of the highest payouts for recycling returnable cans, we keep every can!
Junk Food Round-Up: Pepsi Gingerbread Soda (Photo Illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
