The Midwest is known for its friendly, down-to-earth people, rolling plains, and phrases that leave outsiders scratching their heads. But for those who grew up in the heartland, these sayings not only make perfect sense—they are pure gold.
1. “Ope, Just Gonna Sneak Right Past Ya”
This is a classic. Whether we’re squeezing by someone in the grocery store aisle or accidentally bumping into them, you’ll hear a Midwesterner let out an “ope” and a quick apology. It’s our polite way of acknowledging any minor inconvenience.
2. “It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity”
Yes, summer can be sweltering, but it’s the humidity that really gets you. Midwesterners know this all too well. To anyone who hasn’t lived through a sticky Midwest summer, this might sound like an excuse—but trust us, it’s the truth!
3. “Jeet Yet?”
Translation: “Did you eat yet?” This one might sound like gibberish to non-Midwesterners, but it’s just our quick way of checking if you’re hungry. And the answer is probably “No, but I’ve got some hotdish in the oven.”
4. “Well, That’s Different”
In the Midwest, this is our subtle way of saying, “That’s strange” or “I’m not sure I like that.” We might not come out and say something’s weird, but this phrase says it all—without sounding rude, of course.
5. “For Cute!”
You’ll hear this one all the time when something is, well, adorable. It’s a go-to phrase for Midwesterners, especially when talking about babies, pets, or anything that melts our hearts. It’s our version of saying, “How precious!”
6. “Uffda”
This one’s Scandinavian in origin, but it’s made its way into Midwestern culture. “Uffda” can mean anything from “Wow, that’s tough” to “I’m exhausted.” It’s a catch-all expression for anything overwhelming, surprising, or just plain tiring.
7. “The Devil’s Beating His Wife”
This one’s a head-scratcher for outsiders. It’s our way of describing a sunshower, when it’s raining while the sun is shining. The saying may be old-fashioned, but Midwesterners have held onto it, even if it sounds a little dark.
8. “If You Don’t Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes”
Midwest weather is notoriously unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s snowing. We Midwesterners like to joke that if you don’t like the weather, just give it a few minutes—it’s bound to change soon enough.
9. “Hotdish”
Not to be confused with a casserole! While they’re similar, hotdish is a Midwestern staple, typically made with tater tots, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup. Outsiders might think it’s just a quirky name, but it’s much more than that—it’s comfort food at its finest.
10. “Knee-High by the Fourth of July”
If you’re not from the Midwest, this one might seem random. It refers to how tall corn should be by early July. For those of us surrounded by farmland, it’s a pretty common saying (and a good sign the crop is doing well!).
11. “Come Over, We’ve Got Bars”
No, we’re not talking about a place to grab a drink. In the Midwest, “bars” refer to delicious dessert squares, like Rice Krispie treats or brownies. If someone’s got bars, it’s a sign you’re in for a sweet treat, not a night out.
12. “The Frost is on the Pumpkin”
This phrase pops up when fall is in full swing. It’s our way of saying the temperature has dropped and the frost has started to settle in. To Midwesterners, this is a sign of sweater weather, harvest time, and pumpkin-spice everything.
13. “We’re Heading Up North”
For Midwesterners, “up north” doesn’t just mean any direction north—it’s shorthand for heading to a cabin, a lake, or somewhere peaceful and remote. It’s where we escape the hustle and bustle, and it’s a cherished tradition for many families.
