...really? Like what kind of things do us Michiganders say that makes you realize we are from Michigan... because someone realized I was from Michigan just by reading one of my questions on here so I'm curious to know what type of talk is common to people from Michigan? I never thought I had an accent of any kind.
2007-05-16 16:49:20 · 8 answers · asked by ssmith 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Yeah, but WinterBorn, how do you know? I wouldn't have known you were from Georgia so I don't know how this works... what have I said that gave away my "accent"?
2007-05-16 16:58:08 · update #1
And I don't think I've ever said "eh" in my life... I've been to the U.P. and didn't notice it being said... I guess some people say it now and then, but never in casual conversation... I think thats a Canadian thing.
2007-05-16 16:59:38 · update #2
BTW my question said nothing that would "give me away" as far as mentioning Michigan related topics etc., the person knew just from my wording. But I think that last answer may be right; they case is that I do not have an accent, but even then, why would they not think I was from Illinois or Ohio? Something is distinct about Michigan's accent and I would like to know what it is...
2007-05-16 17:03:10 · update #3
I'm in Georgia, and I can always tell the Michiganers!!!!
Not that it's a bad thing :)
It's an inflection in speech, kind of like shortened syllables. And the referring of Coke as "soda pop". And there is just some intangible nuance in the speech.
2007-05-16 16:53:11 · answer #1 · answered by WinterBorn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that those from the north have a tell tale "accent" but, so does everyone from a different region, really.
I moved to Kentucky after 20 plus years in Illinois. I noticed immediately how much of a southern accent they all had here. But, you know what?... They all told me I was a "damn yankee" or mentioned I was a northener. I was even asked if I was from Michigan several times. There is a very pronounced difference in slang and verbalization. In fact, I am glad I sound more sophisticated and intelligent compared to some of the good `ol boys (and gals) here... No PUN INTENDED! I have noticed that those from say, Texas have an even more pronounced slang than Kentuckians and Tennesseeans... Even those from California (who sound more like northerners) have a little different slang..
For example, us yankees say windows they say winders , over yonder is common here, "Oh, me" is one of the wackiest sighs very often said here.. So is "Be there directly"
Or.. Get this one.. " I' m going to the grocery" .. not the store. Also "pop" is a term we use for a soda, they call ALL sodas "coke" ... If you say you want a Coke, they ask what kind!
It is just the region and how people are cultured.
There are many diverse pronounciations and slang terms all over our vast land!
2007-05-17 00:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by Jenblossom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, what did you ask about?.. I have lived in Michigan for years.. before that Ohio, before that Connecticut, before that South Carolina.. I have noticed some general dialect differences, but coming from Ohio to Michigan no difference at all..
So, things that might give away Michiganders.. A: using your hand (or someone else's) as a map.. B: mentioning a 10 cent deposit on cans (the Soda to Pop thing is not just Michigan, but might give someone a hint), Mentioning grandholm.. ...Maybe mentioning the Ford museaum...Affinity to the Red Wings.. Mentioning things about Buster Keaton.. I don't know.. now I'm really just searching.. It might help to know what your original post was regarding..
2007-05-16 23:58:11 · answer #3 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually out here in the West, we identify them by the way they drive, SLOW AS H**L!
I live in an area frequented by Michigan Snowbirds, they can't drive. ( Big lumbering motorhomes, 25 MPH on the highway, towing some kind of car behind). Traffic backed up for half a mile.
OK, I feel better now, LOL
2007-05-17 00:32:48 · answer #4 · answered by clarklhc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the accent, or I should say the lack of an accent. Illinois and Northern Ohio folks have the same flat speech pattern.
2007-05-16 23:58:38 · answer #5 · answered by Mrs. Goddess 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well- i live in michigan too so i would guess that its the way we measure distances.like i would say i live about 1 hour and a half away from grand rapids or maybe 4 hours to detroit.that might be a giveaway cause other people would say like i live 100 miles south of jackson or whatever.good luck.
2007-05-17 00:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by dixie58 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Michiganders, especially from the U.P., use this word "eh"...not sure how to spell it...
2007-05-16 23:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by Debbie R 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
idk im from michigan and neva new my speech was mesed up. i can tell when a minnesotan is around though
2007-05-16 23:53:03 · answer #8 · answered by AIR JORDAN 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋