New to Michigan? Here are 7 Must-Know Words and Phrases

If you are new to Michigan, there are definitely some colloquial words and phrases you'll need to learn.

Words and Phrases Michiganders Understand

To be fair, every region and state has their own words and phrases for things, but now that you're in the Mitten State you'll want to get these new ones under your belt. For instance, when the server asks what kind of pop you want, they're talking about "soda".

To make sure you're in the know at all times, here are seven words and phrases you need to learn if you're new to Michigan.

Michigan Left

A Michigan Left is a special type of turn within the Mitten State. When intersections are particularly busy, instead of turning left at the intersection, you drive through it and instead make a U-turn at a median crossover.

Pop

If you want a sweet, carbonated beverage at a restaurant, make sure you order a pop and not a soda. Looking for a good Michigan-made pop? Give Faygo or Vernors a try.

Pasty

Please make sure you say it correctly... it's past-ee, not paste-y. And you can give it a try for a meal because it's a yummy meat and veggie filled pastry pocket. Enjoy with gravy or ketchup.

Read Related: Famous YouTube Chef Can't Get the Name of THIS Michigan Food Right

Party Store

When a Michigander says they need to go to the party store, they don't mean a place like Party City, where you get balloons filled up. Instead, they mean a small shop where they can pick up pop, booze, lotto tickets, and some snacks.

Yooper

A Yooper is a nickname for Michiganders who live in the Upper Peninsula.

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Troll

A Troll is a nickname for Michiganders who live in the Lower Peninsula, or "under the bridge" as it were.

Meer

This is just a funny one because Michiganders have a tendency to speak quickly and drop letters from words. So if you hear the word "meer", what you're really hearing is mirror.