Michigan, home of the Great Lakes, auto industry pride, and people who will unapologetically use their hand as a map whenever geography enters the conversation. Michiganders are fiercely loyal to their state, whether they’re repping Detroit hustle, Upper Peninsula ruggedness, or the magic of a summer day “Up North.” But if you’re feeling bold (or just a little reckless), here are 11 subtle ways to mildly annoy someone from the Mitten State.
Say, “Oh, you mean Minnesota?”
One’s the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The other’s got five oceans disguised as lakes. Learn the difference.
Ask which part of Ohio they’re from.
That’s not funny. That’s grounds for exile.
Insist “pop” is called “soda.”
Pop is the law. Soda is what coastal people drink when they’re wrong.
Complain about how cold it gets.
They’ve scraped ice off windshields in April. Your 40-degree complaint means nothing.
Say all the Great Lakes look the same.
That’s like saying all your children look the same. Rude and untrue.
Ask why anyone would vacation in Michigan.
Two words: Sleeping Bear. Also: Mackinac. Also: shut your mouth.
Mispronounce “Mackinac” as “Mack-in-ack.”
It’s “Mack-in-aw.” Silent C, loud judgment.
Say Detroit is a “lost cause.”
Nope. It’s a comeback story—and you’re about to get a passionate TED Talk about it.
Act like the Upper Peninsula doesn’t exist.
It does. It’s glorious. And it’s probably snowing there right now.
Say you like Chicago-style pizza better.
Detroit-style pizza is crispy, chewy, rectangular perfection. Deep dish who?
Ask why they keep showing you their hand.
That’s not weird—it’s cartographically efficient.
Still, Michiganders are a tough but welcoming bunch. They’ll forgive your ignorance with a smile, a Vernors, and a suggestion to go stand in Lake Superior and rethink your choices. Just don’t insult their lakes, their cars, or their pasties—and yes, they’ll definitely explain what a pasty is.
The post 11 Subtle Ways to Instantly Annoy Anyone from Michigan appeared first on When In Your State.