![[Midwest-map.webp]] ## Midwestern Slang The United States Census Bureau's definition consists of 12 states in the north central United States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Of course, "ope" isn't the only terminology to come from the Midwest! There are other terms ubiquitous to the area as well! **Bubbler** - This is another word for a "water fountain" or "drinking fountain." The term is most commonly heard in Wisconsin, but can occasionally be heard in the bordering states of Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois. **Come with** - A dangling preposition is enough to make many English speakers cringe, but not in the Midwest! Some linguists argue that this phrase is derived from the German verb mitkommen. Mitkommen literally translates to "come along." With the Midwest's heavy German influence, it seems like there's a strong case as to why this phrase is so prevalent! **Doncha Know** - Anytime anyone knocks on the Minnesota accent, the phrase "doncha know" is used. Of course, it's mocked with that thick *Fargo*\-esque accent! **Where at?** - We love our dangling prepositions in the Midwest! For example, "I'm headed to Detroit. Would you like to ***come with***?" **Hot dish** - This is a casserole-like meal particularly popular within Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There is no exact recipe, but it usually is made with a can of cream of mushroom soup as a base with corn, green beans, and beef. The topping is the best part, usually comprised of tater tots or cheese (or even better, both!) **Jeet?** - This is another term that seems to be heavily used all over the Midwest (and is heavily outlined by "[The Michigan Accent & Slang Words](https://owlcation.com/humanities/Michigan-Accent)". It's a quick and dirty mish-mash of "did you eat". **Pop** - In the Midwest, we don't drink soda. Soda is for your laundry! We drink pop. **Cornhole** - A backyard game played at every summer barbeque. **Duck, Duck, Gray Duck** - In some areas of the Midwest, "gray duck" is said instead of "goose" when playing Duck, Duck Goose. **Puppy chow** - The Midwest equivalent of muddy buddies. ---