Minnesota is known for having a unique mix of Scandinavian roots, Midwesterner values, and a bit of strange humour. This is shown by a lot of sayings that are both funny and cute, and many of them will make people from other cultures scratch their heads. Here are some of the most famous and funny phrases that can only be heard in Minnesota:
Classic Minnesotan Sayings
- “Uff da!”
An exclamation that can be used to show surprise, tiredness, or sympathy. This phrase comes from Norwegian culture and can be used after anything, from shovelling snow to getting bad news. - “You betcha!”
This is the classic Minnesota affirmation, which is used to strongly agree or confirm. On a cold day, it’s as toasty as a hot dish. - “Ope!”
Say it when you bump into someone or make a small mistake. It’s usually accompanied by a quick step away and a smile. - “Oh for cute!” / “Oh for fun!” / “Oh for sure!”
The saying “Oh for” is only used in Minnesota. It is usually followed by something nice or cute, like “Oh for cute, look at those baby loons!” - “Dontcha know?”
This word, which is added to the end of sentences to emphasise or show friendship, is pure Minnesota charm. - “Hotdish”
Minnesotans say “hotdish” for what people in other parts of the country call lasagna. It’s always served at family reunions and potlucks, especially the famous tater tot hotdish. - “Duck, duck, gray duck”
It’s “duck, duck, goose” everywhere else, but in Minnesota it’s “grey duck,” and don’t forget it. - “Up North”
No matter where you are, everyone knows where “up north” is when you say you’re going on vacation to a house, lake, or the woods. - “The Cities”
Short for Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Twin Cities metro area. - “SKOL!”
A rallying cheer for Minnesota Vikings fans, borrowed from Scandinavian toasts. - “Minnesota Goodbye”
The art of leaving a gathering with multiple rounds of conversation at the door, making departures last far longer than expected.
Funny and Quirky Phrases
- “Holy buckets!”
An exclamation of surprise or excitement, as in, “Holy buckets, look at all that snow!”. - “Yeah no” / “No yeah”
Depending on the inflection, it can mean yes, no, or something in between. Only Minnesotans seem to know the difference. - “Kitty-corner”
Used to describe something diagonally across the street, as in, “The bakery’s kitty-corner from the post office”. - “Borrow me”
Instead of “lend me,” Minnesotans might say, “Can you borrow me your snowblower?”. - “Un-thaw”
Used to mean thaw, even though it technically means the opposite. “Don’t forget to un-thaw the chicken for supper!”. - “Could be worse”
A stoic response to adversity, especially when discussing the weather: “It’s 20 below, but at least the wind died down—could be worse”. - “Hot enough for ya?”
A favorite conversation starter during the rare Minnesota heatwave. - “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity”
The classic summer complaint, even though Minnesota is more famous for its cold. - “Schlep”
To lug or carry something heavy, as in, “I had to schlep all those groceries in from the car”. - “Putz”
Someone who’s being silly or wasting time: “Quit putzing around and help me shovel”.
Bonus: The Minnesota Accent
A lot of these sayings sound best when said with the Minnesota accent, which has long “o’s,” long vowels, and a happy, friendly tone. Put a “ya” or “sure” at the end of your words to make them sound more real.
The humour, kindness, and culture of Minnesota are shown in these sayings, which are more than just words. You know what? Saying “uff da” or “you betcha” at the right time will make anyone smile, whether you’re from there or are just visiting.
