1. Is Detroit Really Thaaaat Bad?
Thanks to its portrayal in modern media, most Americans assume that Detroit is basically a third-world country. Sure, there are bad parts here like any city, but anyone who’s been to Detroit knows it’s actually pretty cool.
2. Why Does Everyone Keep Pointing To Their Hand?
What’s easier than just saying the town you’re from? Pointing to a spot on your hand that corresponds to its exact location!
Thanks to shape of this state, it’s easy to tell someone where in Michigan you’re from even if they’re unfamiliar with the area.
3. So, Is Michigan Two States? Or Just One?
While there’s both an Upper and Lower Peninsula and they couldn’t be more different, it’s all united under the same “Michigan.” Quit thinking it’s like North and South Dakota.
4. How Do You Live On A Mitten?
If someone from Michigan tells an out-of-stater they live on the “mitten,” they might get some confused looks. This is just how the locals tend to refer to the Lower Peninsula most of the time.
5. Do You Guys Think Trolls Are Real?
The only thing connecting the UP and LP is one giant bridge. Around if you live in the Upper Peninsula, anyone living under the bridge is called a “troll.”
They’re just normal people that are nothing like the scraggly haired, wild eyed creatures looming in the darker places of fairytales.
6. What’s A Yooper?
Trolls might live in the LP, but if someone is from the Upper Peninsula, they’re called a Yooper.
Living a life in a summertime paradise that becomes a snowy wonderland in the winter, nothing can top Yooper Pride.
7. How Can You Still Cheer For The Lions?
Sure, the last few seasons might have been a little disappointing, but the Detroit Lions are leaps and bounds from when fans would come to games shielding their faces with paper bags out of embarrassment.
Every die-hard fan here knows that there are good things to come for this team.
8. So It Just Tastes Like Blue, Red, And Yellow?
A favorite in Michigan, Superman ice cream is known for its brightly colored layers. The yellow tastes like vanilla, the red tastes like some sort of sweet fruit, and the blue…I guess that really does just taste like the color blue.
9. What’s The Forecast Today?
Most of the time, it seems like no one in Michigan actually knows what’s going to happen with the weather, even the weatherpeople. Of course, this is pretty understandable. It can be a difficult thing to predict when it changes every 5 minutes.
10. HOW DO I TURN LEFT!?
An essential piece of knowledge when it comes to driving in Michigan, everyone in this state knows that these special “Michigan Left” intersections send people planning to turn left straight through the intersection before putting them in the correct direction.
11. How Do You Play Euchre Again?
A favorite in these parts, it’s pretty difficult to explain this game in which Jacks are high in just a few sentences. The best way to learn it is to watch a few hands.
12. Did You Know There’s A Town Called Hell?
Yes, everyone in Michigan is well aware that there’s a town called “Hell.” There’s also a “Christmas,” a “Paradise,” and a “Climax.” This state has a good sense of humor when it comes to naming towns.
13. Can I Pay With Canadian Change?
Are you in Canada? Then NO! Just because Canadian change seems to sneak its way into pockets all around the Great Lake State doesn’t mean it has to be an accepted form of currency.
14. Why Do We Hate Fudgies Again?
Famous for driving slow and crowding all of this state’s coolest places, these tourists are also well known for their addiction to fudge. Thankfully, most of them stick to just visiting Mackinac Island.
15. Wait, If I Feel Sick, Why Should I Drink Pop?
In Michigan, the cure-all for seemingly any simple ailment is just a glass of Vernors. This regional favorite pop is said to help alleviate anything from a headache to indigestion.
16. Can’t I Just Cheer For Both Teams?
Few rivalries are as intense as the one that continues to rage between Michigan and Michigan State athletics. Competing every year for a statue of the legendary Paul Bunyan, everyone in this state is forced to pick one side or the other and stick with their decision for life.
17. You Support Other Midwest States, Right?
Another huge rivalry for folks in Michigan is the one that exists between their state and the nearby Ohio. Mostly stemming from the Wolverine’s rivalry with Buckeye’s on the gridiron, don’t expect these two states to be buddy-buddy anytime soon.
18. What’s That Hot Dog Sauce Called Again?
Coney Sauce isn’t just a Coney Island thing. This chili based hot dog topping is popular all across this state, often accompanied by onions and mustard.
19. Mack-e-nack? Mack-eye-nec? Mack-o-now? How Do I Say It Again?
It’s pronounced “Mac-i-gnaw!” Saying anything else might get you laughed out of Michigan.
20. And I Can’t Drive My Car There?
Known nationwide for its one-of-a-kind appeal, nothing that’s got four wheels and runs on gas is allowed on Michigan’s Mackinac Island with the exception of certain emergency vehicles. Around here, a bicycle is the best way to go.
21. I Can Just Toss This Bottle In The Trash, Right
Cans are basically like gold in Michigan.
With a 2004 law making it illegal to simply dispose of “beverage containers,” everyone in Michigan knows that they can get some cash back for every can or bottle they save. That’s probably why the redemption rate is around 95%.
22. Pasty? Like Something People Wear?
In Michigan, the only pasty you’ll be seeing is one you want to stick in your mouth. These flaky and savory pastries are a favorite in the Great Lakes State. No two are created alike, so it’s best to just try as many as you can find.
23. So There’s No McDonald’s. Just This Bridge?
If someone says they’re taking the “Big Mac” everyone knows they’re not talking about that triple-bunned burger with special sauce. It’s the Mackinac Bridge and it’s the easiest way to get from one peninsula to the other.
24. Why Don’t You Drink Cheap Beer?
If you’re drinking cheap beer in Michigan, you’re doing it wrong. This state is home to some of the finest craft brews around.
25. How Do You Drive In All That Snow?
Snow isn’t really that big of a deal in Michigan. Even if there’s a foot on the ground, life goes on. Don’t be that guy that’s always caught complaining.
26. Why Does It Smell Like Worms?
Nothing says you’re back home again in Michigan like the earthy smell of lake water. It might seem a little strange at first to someone that’s not used to it, but this smell has its way of growing on you.
27. Whoa! Where Did That Deer Come From?!
It’s no secret that the deer in Michigan aren’t huge fans of the local traffic laws, often making collisions inevitable. If you’re on the roadways at night, proceed with caution. The name of the game is to be smarter than the deer. Repeat: be smarter than the deer.
28. Can I Get My Costume At The Party Store?
Umm… no. The Party Store is where you buy the most essential ingredient to the party… the booze, itself.
29. What Do You Call Someone From Michigan?
Michiganese? Michiganer? Michiganite? While you might hear any of these names on the streets of this state, the most popular and widely accepted term is Michigander, one of the most unique nicknames in the country.
But the main answer? Lucky. You call someone living in Michigan lucky. Hear that, rest of the world?
What’s the question everyone asks you just because you’re from Michigan? Tell us in the comments below!
