7 Michigan Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

If you’re spending some time in the state, you will want to know these Michigan slang words to help you speak like a local. From great road trips to tasty burgers, as well as enjoyable cities like Detroit, this is a state you will want to get to know a whole lot better.

Here are 7 Michigan Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

1. Fudgie = Tourist

A fudgie is a tourist who is visiting one of several northern Michigan areas with shops selling fudge and ice cream. The nickname comes from the fact that few tourists will be able to resist buying the region’s famous fudge.

2. Yooper = Upper Peninsula resident

A Yooper is anyone who lives in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. It’s a dialect all of its own!

3. Michigan Left = U-turn

Called a U-turn in other parts of the country, this nickname comes from the Michigan road design that allows for U-turns at intersections where cars can’t turn left.

4. Pank = Flatten/Compress

In other parts of the US, you might pack it, flatten it, or compress it, but in northern Michigan, they pank it. This word is most often used when building a snowman or trying to carve a trench pit out of snow to get to your front door after a snowstorm.

5. Walmart Wolverine = Bandwagon Michigan State fan

A controversial name Michigan State fans have given to Michigan fans who they think of as bandwagon fans. The name comes from the extensive collection of Michigan Wolverine merchandise that the supermarket chain Walmart carries.

6. Trolls = Lower Peninsula resident

If you live in the Lower Peninsula, you’re a troll. Sorry, we don’t make the rules!

7. Fir = For

“If you remember in the morning, will you grab a coffee fir me?”

Spending time in the state? Check out 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Detroit.

Where to stay in Michigan?

Looking for the best hotels in Michigan? Check out where to stay in Michigan

How to get around Michigan:

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