Lisa O
The Midwest is a one-of-a-kind place. It has some amazing spots for vacations, and there are even towns that look like they belong in Europe. You’ll also find lots of tasty food, some pretty quirky habits, and sayings you won’t hear anywhere else. From miles of cornfields to calling soda “pop,” here are 15 things that only people from the Midwest truly get!
The Endless Love for Ranch Dressing
Midwesterners don’t just like ranch dressing; they’re practically its unofficial ambassadors. If it can be dipped, spread, or drenched in ranch, it will be. Pizza? Of course. Fries? Why not? Carrots? That’s a given. The love runs so deep that some Midwestern restaurants even have “ranch fountains” at weddings.
The Art of the “Midwest Goodbye”
The Midwest Goodbye is a marathon, not a sprint. It starts with an “I suppose we should head out,” followed by at least 30 minutes of standing in the doorway while everyone chats some more. There’s the inevitable second round of “one more hug,” a couple of “take care now,” and you’d better believe there’s waving involved until the car is out of sight.
Knowing What a Casserole Is (And Loving It)
To a Midwesterner, casseroles—also known as “hot dishes” in certain parts—aren’t just food; they’re a tradition. Made from any combination of pantry staples, these hearty dishes are a staple at potlucks, funerals, and holiday gatherings. Research even shows that comfort foods like casseroles provide a sense of security and nostalgia. Throw in some cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions, and you’ve got yourself a classic that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
You Don’t Complain About Winter…Because It Could Always Be Worse
Midwestern winters are legendary. With snowstorms lasting for days and temperatures that can plummet to negative numbers, you might expect some whining. But nope. Instead, people shrug, layer up, and go on with their day. Why? Because they know it could be worse—like the -40°F wind chills that hit occasionally.
That Distinct Midwest Accent
From the classic “Ope!” when you accidentally bump into someone to the drawn-out “Yah” and phrases like “You betcha,” the Midwest accent is unmistakable. It’s not just an accent; it’s a point of pride. Linguists have noted that the vowel shifts and unique phrases like “bag” pronounced as “beg” are all part of the Midwest dialect family.
The “Pop” vs. “Soda” Debate
In most of the Midwest, people don’t call it “soda”—it’s “pop.” This regional quirk is so well-known that it’s been studied by linguists and even mapped out to show who says what and where. And don’t even think about trying to change a Midwesterner’s mind on this—they’re super loyal to “pop,” and any debate will probably end with a friendly, “Ope, sorry, but you’re wrong.”
Waving at Strangers is Just Polite
Driving down a rural road in the Midwest, you might notice something strange—everyone waves at you. Whether they know you or not, a friendly hand in the air is almost a requirement. This small-town friendliness is backed by social psychology, which suggests that such small gestures help create a strong sense of community. Plus, it’s just a nice way to say, “Hey, we’re in this together.”
Cornfields, Corn Mazes, Corn Everything
If you’ve driven through the Midwest, you’ve probably seen one thing everywhere: corn—lots and lots of it. The region grows over a third of the corn in the U.S. But Midwesterners don’t just produce it—they celebrate it! Fall means corn mazes, and summer brings festivals. It’s all about making the most of what you’ve got—in this case, a whole lot of corn.
The Obsession with College Sports
In the Midwest, college sports are more than just something to watch—they’re a big deal. Whether it’s Big Ten rivalries or local high school games, Midwesterners are crazy loyal to their teams. College sports help build a sense of community in the Midwest, where fans will pack stadiums and cheer like there’s no tomorrow.
Hot Dish, Bars, and Jell-O Salad Are Part of the Diet
Midwestern cuisine is unique, to say the least. From the beloved “hot dish” (think casserole with tater tots) to dessert “bars” and even Jell-O salad—sometimes with shredded carrots or marshmallows—the Midwest has its own food culture. These dishes are steeped in tradition and reflect the immigrant roots of many Midwestern communities. Plus, they’re oddly comforting, even if they do sound a bit weird to outsiders.
The Power of Layering
The weather in the Midwest is totally unpredictable. You might wake up to sunny 70°F and end the day in a blizzard. That’s why Midwesterners have become very good at layering clothes. You never know what the weather will throw at you—but with a few layers, you’re always ready. It’s a skill handed down through generations, almost like a rite of passage.
Complimenting Someone’s “Sturdy” House
In the Midwest, you don’t need granite countertops or an open floor plan to get a compliment on your home. Call a house “sturdy,” and that’s a high honor. It implies that the house can withstand the test of time—and, more importantly, those brutal Midwest winters. It’s the kind of compliment that would make any Midwestern homeowner beam with pride.
You Know All About ‘The Lake’
For a lot of Midwesterners, “the lake” is like a magical getaway. It doesn’t even need a name—everyone just knows which one you’re talking about. Summers are all about fishing, boating, and having bonfires by the lake, whether it’s one of the Great Lakes or a smaller spot hidden in the woods. Studies show that being near water is super calming, which might explain why “lake life” is such a big deal here.
“If You Don’t Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes”
This saying is practically the unofficial motto of the Midwest, and for good reason. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, blizzards, and scorching heat can all happen within a few weeks—or sometimes, even days. Climate studies show that the Midwest has some of the most variable weather in the U.S. But instead of stressing about it, Midwesterners just roll with the punches. After all, there’s always next week’s forecast to look forward to!
“Uff Da” is a Valid Response to Just About Anything
This Scandinavian saying has become a staple in the Midwest, especially in areas with Norwegian and Swedish roots. “Uff da” can cover everything from “That’s a lot of work!” to “Man, I’m beat.” It’s a go-to expression that nails the no-fuss, friendly vibe of the region. Basically, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of phrases.