Here in the Midwest, we have our own little way of life. There are many things we eat, say, and do that the rest of the country just doesn't quite understand... or appreciate. Our way of being may not seem all that conventional to those outside the Midwest, but at least it makes sense to us and we can all relate to each other.
Here are 20 things that only Midwesterners truly understand:
1. The term "Uff-Da"
In the Midwest, this is more than just a casually used term, it's a part of our frequently used language and in everyday conversation. "Uff-Da" has a variety of uses and meanings, from being excited, shocked, disgusted, etc.
Where I'm from in Minnesota, "Uff-Da" popularity has acquired it its own food truck/stand called, "OOf-da Tacos." They sell tacos, nachos, elephant ears (fried bread treats), smoothies... and uff-da are they good!
Needless to say, here in the Midwest, we have a unique use of language - and no, I'm not talking about our "accent."
2. The importance of manners
The South may have their southern hospitality, but here in the Midwest, we have exemplary manners. Saying please, thank you, holding a door open, showing appreciation, giving compliments, etc. all go a long way.
Thinking of manners here in the Midwest the saying "treat others as you want to be treated" comes to mind, and it's something we all try our best to do.
3. Pop
The ongoing debate about "pop" versus "soda." Though much of the rest of the country refers to it as "soda," in the Midwest we are "pop" country; so don't try to tell us any different.
4. Winter
Ahh good old winter... how could we forget about you? Especially considering you're here about 9 months out of the year.
The snow, below-zero temperatures, wind, ice and the occasional frostbite are all of the many qualities winter has to offer. We are ready to handle whatever winter has to throw at (or on) us.
The Midwest gets the worst of it all, and we take it like champs.
5. Cornhole
Similarly known as Beanbags, Cornhole is one of the most beloved games of the Midwest. This is the perfect game for tailgating, family get-togethers, parties, or simply something to do for fun on a Friday night.
6. The "Ope" Sound
This is simply the sound many Midwesterners make when they run into someone or something. But, this can and does get used in a varied of other contexts as well.
Yes, it's strange... and most of the time we don't even know we're doing it.
7. Hotdish
Much like the "pop" vs "soda" debate, the Midwest will honor and continually stand up for what we know and love as Hotdish.
Casserole? Have you ever made a Tator Tot Casserole? I think not.
8. Camouflage
For much of the Midwest, camouflage is more than just what you wear when you're hunting. Although it's used for that as well, camouflage is a frequently utilized wardrobe choice.
9. Puppy Chow
Nope, this is not a sort of dog food.
This is one of our beloved Midwestern snacks that you're not likely to hear about in other areas of the U.S. Aside from its peculiar name, this is one of the most delicious and addictive treats you'll come across.
10. Bonfires and BBQ's
These are two leisure activities that are very enjoyable, especially if paired together. You tell someone that you're having a bonfire and/or a barbecue and you're sure to have a full house.
As a plus, these get-togethers allow us to bring our pop, puppy chow and play cornhole with people who truly appreciate it.
11. "Oh, for..."
This phrase is slightly related to the purpose of using "uff-da." This phrase is used in the Midwest (particularly by Minnesota and North Dakota) as a filler for part of a sentence, because why not?
"Oh, for cute!" is one of the many ways in which we can find use for this phrase.
12. Waving and Saying "Hi" to Strangers
This point is much related to that of #2.
In addition to having manners, one aspect of being from the Midwest is often smiling and saying hello even if it's someone we don't know. We try to go the extra mile to be friendly, just because.
13. Mosquitoes
What else is there to say about these devious creatures other than they know how to make life miserable and leave itchy, obnoxious bites behind?
14. Driving Conditions
Snow, thunderstorms rain, sleet, hail- we've seen it all, and driven in it all. Our vehicles may have taken a beating a time or two, but at least our driving abilities are pretty top-notch.
15. Vikings VS Packers
One cannot simply be neutral in the comparison of these two teams, you must pick a side.
You must.
16. Ranch
Contrary to the Midwest belief (and this may come as a shock) apparently the rest of the country doesn't love ranch like we do.
17. "Duck, Duck, Gray Duck"
Even for some of us in the Midwest (mainly Minnesotans) this can spark a passive-aggressive debate. However, almost all of us can remember playing this game when we were young. The difference is, that others will refer to this as "Duck, Duck, Goose."
Regardless if you are the "Gray Duck" or the "Goose" you are "it," so get running!
(Side note: As a Minnesotan myself, I may be biased but.. the rest of you "Geese" are playing it wrong.)
18. Lakes
This is the favorite body of water to all Midwesterners, mainly because we have so many to choose from! We also find a variety of ways to use our lakes. Between swimming and tubing in the summertime, to ice-fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, there's never a dull moment.
19. State and County Fairs
State and County Fairs are the end-all, be-all of fun in Midwest.
There's games, exhibits, grandstand events, food, animals, and... did I mention the food?
20. Extreme, Fickle Weather
Mother Nature shows no mercy for us here in the Midwest. We can have sunshine and 40-degree weather for a week straight and just when we think we have it figured out, the next day its 12 degrees with a chance of freezing rain.
On the upside, the weather in the Midwest has taught us to always be prepared for anything and at least it makes for good conversation.
The Midwest is a special place and there's no where else quite like it. We are an area full of many different kinds of attractions and people, with our own unique way of life. We give a whole new meaning to "where I come from.." because when we say or do any of the many things that only we really understand, people definitely know we're from the Midwest.
We are undeniabley Midwesterners and proud of it.
