Moving to Michigan? Learn These 5 Unwritten Rules First

I'm a born and raised Michigander. And being one, I've acquired a great bit of knowledge that is really only applicable inside the great Mitten State.

That probably goes for any state in the country—all with our own little idiosyncrasies. However, if you're unfamiliar with those bits of knowledge, you might be confused.

If you're new to Michigan, or perhaps just visiting, there are some key words and phrases that you'll want to get under your belt. And since I've lived in Michigan my whole life, so I'm basically an expert.

Everyday Michigan Phrases That Confuse Visitors

Here are some of the Pure Michigan things that you'll want to learn if you want to fit in.

It's called pop, NOT soda.

Classic Coca-Cola in a glass bottle next to a cup filled with ice and pop (soda)

Would you like to order a Coke, Sprite, or Faygo (that's a Michigan made brand)? We call it pop here.

MSU fans and U of M fans can agree on one thing: Ohio State sucks.

Sure, Michigan State University and University of Michigan might be huge rivals, but we can all agree that we hate Ohio State more.

A Party Store is for beer and liquor, not party supplies.

A sign that reads Beer & Liquor, outside of a party store

Don't let the name fool you. If you need streamers and balloons, you'll have to go elsewhere.

The names of our towns are pronounced differently than you think.

If you mispronounce names like Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie, Ypsilanti, Dowagiac, or even Charlotte, we'll know you're not from around these parts.

We use our hands as maps.

a picture of a person with short blonde hair, thick black glasses, and a yellow shirt waving hi, flat palm of hand facing out

If you ask where we live, we're going to hold out the palm of our right hand flat, and point to our hand like it's a map. It helps that our state is so appropriately shaped... there's a reason why we're called the Mitten State.

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Sure, there are more unspoken rules about Michigan, but this is a good list to get you started on the right foot.