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Culture

The Differences in Minnesotan Language

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Williams chapter.

In the state of Minnesota, we speak a little differently from most. On either coast, we might get some funny looks with our long “a” sound and unique sayings. These are things that make a Minnesotan, a Minnesotan. Here are five of the most common Minnesotan linguistic “errors”! 

“Bayg” or “beg”  – commonly known as the midwestern long “a,” the emphasized syllable makes a bayg, sound way cooler 

“Duck, Duck, Gray Duck” – it’s like Duck, Duck, Goose, but it gives the chaser an extra second to get away from the “goose,” or wait, I meant Gray Duck.

“Ope” – accidentally run into someone? In Minnesota, the polite “excuse me” gets replaced by a simple “ope.” Genius? Convinent? I think yes. 

“Pop” – why get a soda when you could drink a pop? The fizz of any carbonated drink gives the sensation of a “pop” in your mouth when you drink it. Thus, pop! 

“Kitty Corner” – is the store across the street diagonally opposite to your current location? Well, if so, that is the kitty-corner!