Here are 10 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Wisconsin, each packed with local flavor and humor unique to the state:
- “Ope!”
A quick polite way to say “Excuse me” or “Sorry,” often when squeezing past someone or making a minor mistake. - “Cripes! Cheese an’ rice! Jeez Louise!”
Wisconsin-style mild curses used when frustrated, especially when the Packers botch a play—cursing without cursing. - “How are ‘we’ doing?”
Even when talking to just one person, Wisconsinites say this collective greeting, emphasizing community and friendliness. - “Going up Nort’”
No matter which direction, when heading to the north part of the state, folks say they’re “going up Nort’,” dropping the “h”. - “Stop and go lights”
Wisconsinites don’t say traffic lights or stoplights—they say stop and go lights because, well, you stop… then go. - “Bubbler”
A saying for a water fountain or drinking fountain, famously used in Wisconsin and parts of the Midwest. - “You betcha”
A spirited way to say “Yes” or “Definitely,” adding extra friendly emphasis. - “Pop”
Where others say soda or Coke, Wisconsinites almost always say pop to refer to carbonated soft drinks. - “No, yeah” and “Yeah, no”
These contradictory-sounding phrases are uniquely Wisconsin. “No, yeah” means yes, while “Yeah, no” means no. It confuses outsiders but is second nature here. - “Can I borrow you real quick?”
Meaning “Can I ask you a quick question?” Wisconsinites hate inconveniencing others and preface requests with this phrase emphasizing brevity.
These sayings reflect Wisconsin’s charming, humorous, and very friendly local culture that visitors and newcomers quickly come to recognize and love.
SOURCES
(https://upnorthnewswi.com/community/wisconsin-sayings/)
(https://forwardapparel.co/journal/fun/10-sayings-only-wisconsinites-will-understand/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/wisconsin/comments/c1t9vy/what_are_commonbutsubtle_wisconsin_words_and/)(https://matadornetwork.com/read/funniest-wisconsin-expressions/)
(https://b105country.com/10-words-phrases-you-will-only-hear-in-minnesota-and-wisconsin/)
