So, you’re visiting Minnesota? Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stick around, there’s one thing you need to know: how to speak like a true Minnesotan. No, we’re not talking about learning a whole new language, but there are a few key phrases, intonations, and quirks you’ll want to adopt if you want to blend in with the locals. This is the land of “Minnesota Nice,” after all, and knowing how to communicate in this unique dialect will make your stay a whole lot friendlier.
1. The Long Goodbye
In Minnesota, saying goodbye is an event. You don’t just wave and walk away. A proper Minnesota goodbye can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how well you know the person. Here’s the basic flow:
- “Well, I s’pose…” (Translation: I should leave, but I’m not quite ready yet.)
- “You betcha!” (Translation: Absolutely, I agree wholeheartedly.)
- Followed by more conversation, and maybe one or two more rounds of “Well, I s’pose.”
Just when you think you’re finally out the door, expect one last “Take care, now!” to wrap things up.
2. “Oh, for cute!”
If you see something that’s adorable, Minnesotans will likely exclaim, “Oh, for cute!” It’s not just a compliment, it’s an enthusiastic endorsement. Whether it’s a puppy, a baby, or your new boots, this phrase is reserved for anything that makes people’s hearts melt. It’s akin to “That’s adorable!” but with extra midwestern warmth.
3. “Uff da!”
This is the most quintessential Minnesotan expression you’ll encounter. “Uff da” can be used for almost any situation where there’s a lot going on. It’s a versatile phrase used to express surprise, exhaustion, or sympathy.
- Example: You spill your coffee all over your brand new sweater. A Minnesotan might sigh and say, “Uff da!” while helping you clean it up.
- Another example: You tell a Minnesotan about your long commute to work, and they might sympathetically reply, “Uff da, that’s a haul.”
4. Hotdish, Not Casserole
Minnesotans don’t make casseroles; they make hotdish. Typically, this involves tater tots, ground beef, and canned vegetables all baked together in one glorious dish. If you’re invited to a potluck, bring a hotdish (but not just any hotdish—bring your best!). And don’t forget to serve it with a side of “bars” (a type of dessert, not what you think of when you hear the word).
5. The Minnesota Pause
Sometimes in conversation, a Minnesotan might pause…and pause…and pause. Don’t mistake this silence for awkwardness! It’s a natural part of Minnesota conversation, allowing time for thought. The Minnesota Pause shows that we’re considering your words carefully and don’t feel the need to rush the conversation.
6. “Oh, yah!” and “You betcha!”
Minnesotans are all about enthusiastic agreement. If someone says something you like, you reply with an emphatic “Oh, yah!” or “You betcha!” It’s not just that they agree with you—it’s that they agree with you wholeheartedly. These phrases are often accompanied by a friendly smile and maybe even a gentle slap on the knee.
7. Apologize for Everything
Minnesotans are known for their politeness, and part of that is apologizing. Constantly. Did someone bump into you at the grocery store? You’ll probably find yourself saying, “Oh, sorry!” even if it wasn’t your fault. Is it snowing again? “Oh, sorry about that snow.” Politeness and over-apologizing are just part of the fabric of life here.
8. “Doncha know?”
An essential phrase, “Doncha know?” can be tacked onto the end of almost any sentence. It’s used to emphasize something obvious or to engage the listener in agreement. It’s like saying, “You know what I mean?” in other parts of the country. It’s the cherry on top of a true Minnesotan sentence.
9. Weather Talk
If you want to fit in with the locals, you’ll need to talk about the weather. A lot. In Minnesota, the weather changes dramatically, and often. You’ll hear endless conversations about the snow, the heat, the cold, the wind, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to chime in with your own weather observations. Bonus points if you make it sound casual—Minnesotans are used to extreme weather.
Example:
- “Can you believe it was 50 degrees last week and now it’s snowing?”
- “Yah, it’s just wild, doncha know?”
- “It wouldn’t be so bad without the wind/humidity”
10. Driveway Etiquette
During winter, snow removal is practically a hobby. It’s customary to take care of your own driveway but also to lend a helping hand to your neighbors. Expect to hear, “Let me just get the snowblower out for ya!” as a friendly neighbor clears not only their driveway but yours too—because that’s just Minnesota Nice.
Conclusion: Speak Like a True Minnesotan!
Learning to speak Minnesotan isn’t just about the words, it’s about embracing the culture of kindness, patience, and warmth. With these phrases and customs under your belt, you’ll be chatting like a local in no time. Remember, it’s all about being nice, even when you don’t have to be. Now, grab some hotdish and practice your “Uff da!”
