If you walk down Milwaukee streets, your ears might perk up at a few strange words in our conversations. What’s a bubbler or a blinker? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and will let you know what’s the deal with these nine words you’ll only hear in MKE.
- Ope!
Martin Deustch / Flickr Ope: an exclamation that’s used when accidentally bumping into someone, or being startled by someone bumping into you. This Midwestern exclamation is absolutely uncontrollable.
- Oof-da
ehpien / Flickr This term is used in the expression of complete exasperation or frustration. “Oof-da! Today was a long day.”
- Bubbler
Sean / Flickr Because saying “water fountain” just sounds weird.
- FIB
Wally Gobetz / Flickr If you don’t know what it means, you shouldn’t probably shouldn’t ask, but we definitely yell it at Illinois drivers.
- Blinker
Hani Arif / Flickr Most of the country says “turn signal,” but Milwaukeeans must base words off of sounds.
- Bag/Bagel
jcbonbon / Flickr Midwesterners tend to use a strong a, like in the word bagel.
- Tyme Machine
Jib / Flickr Wisconsin’s ATMs used to be owned by Tyme, which stands for “take your money everywhere.” Now, whenever we see an ATM whether it be on its own or in a bank, it’s a Tyme Machine— which sounds pretty cool.
- Do you want to “go by” the store?
Harold Meerveld / Flickr We don’t “go to” the store…for some reason we “go by” it.
- “Can you come here just once?”
Chase Elliott Clark / Flickr Not twice, not thrice, just once. (Even though we don’t always mean just once.)
There you have it, nine phrases you’ll only hear in Milwaukee. What words do you hear around here that make you tilt your head? Let us know in the comments!
Martin Deustch / Flickr
Ope: an exclamation that’s used when accidentally bumping into someone, or being startled by someone bumping into you. This Midwestern exclamation is absolutely uncontrollable.
ehpien / Flickr
This term is used in the expression of complete exasperation or frustration. “Oof-da! Today was a long day.”
Sean / Flickr
Because saying “water fountain” just sounds weird.
Wally Gobetz / Flickr
If you don’t know what it means, you shouldn’t probably shouldn’t ask, but we definitely yell it at Illinois drivers.
Hani Arif / Flickr
Most of the country says “turn signal,” but Milwaukeeans must base words off of sounds.
jcbonbon / Flickr
Midwesterners tend to use a strong a, like in the word bagel.
Jib / Flickr
Wisconsin’s ATMs used to be owned by Tyme, which stands for “take your money everywhere.” Now, whenever we see an ATM whether it be on its own or in a bank, it’s a Tyme Machine— which sounds pretty cool.
Harold Meerveld / Flickr
We don’t “go to” the store…for some reason we “go by” it.
Chase Elliott Clark / Flickr
Not twice, not thrice, just once. (Even though we don’t always mean just once.)
Looking for more cool Milwaukee stuff? Check out these 10 Undeniable Habits That No Milwaukeean Can Ever Unlearn.
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