Here are 10 Words You’ll Only Understand if you Hail from Michigan

Hey there, fellow Michiganders and fans of the Great Lakes State! Get ready to dive into the colorful lexicon of our mitten-shaped paradise, where we’re all about yooper pride, coney dogs, and cherry festivals. From traversing the Mackinac Bridge to indulging in fudge on Mackinac Island, Michigan’s vocabulary is as rich and diverse as our Great Lakes shoreline. So grab a pasty and join us as we uncover 10 words that’ll have you feeling right at home in the land of the wolverine!

Yooper

A colloquial term used to refer to residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), known for its distinct culture, rugged wilderness, and harsh winters.

The U.P.

I’ve seldom heard a Michigander say “the Upper Peninsula.” It sounds so formal! Perhaps it’s only said when teaching people what U.P. means. You say each letter like “You Pea,” not like the direction “up.”

Mitten

Refers to the shape of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, resembling a mitten when viewed on a map, often used as a symbol to represent the state.

It’s pop, not soda

‘Nuff said!

Great Lakes

Refers to the group of five large freshwater lakes located in and around Michigan, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, which are an integral part of Michigan’s identity and economy.

FIPs

This is what Michiganders in the southwestern areas of the Mitten (particularly in Berrien County) call people who visit from Illinois. Many FIPs are very nice, but often Michiganders feel they are rude. The term FIP is an acronym for *ahem* “F*cking Illinois People.”

Trolls

This is what Yoopers call those who live in the lower peninsula. This is because they live “under” the bridge.

Wolverine

Refers to the official state animal of Michigan, the wolverine (Gulo gulo), although sightings of wolverines in the state are rare, the animal is still a symbol of Michigan’s rugged wilderness and spirit.

Mackinac Bridge

Refers to the iconic suspension bridge that spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and serving as a vital transportation link and scenic landmark in the state.

Fudgies

This is what Michiganders call tourists visiting the northern parts of Michigan.