topic Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES in Community Chat

MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Oznell — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:44:31 GMT

There's a funny twitter account called "Midwest vs. Everybody". For people from that region, or for those who love them, it's an affectionate, gentle spoof of the region, its inhabitants, weather, culture, etc.

My husband is a Chicago boy, who might have a certain number of these characteristics (?), so I got a kick out of this. The amusing thing for me, is that about 70% of the stereotypes about Midwesterners, are also the same stereotypes and preconceptions you encounter about Canadians, with which I am also well familiar.

I took some screenshots of some of the tweets, so apologize for the small, squinchy size of the print. You have to read the captions to get the joke, usually at the top of the images---

10)

11)

12)

The themes of stoicism, (especially in the face of horrendous weather), niceness (not wanting to inconvenience others), understatement and restraint, a friendly, small town feeling-- those are very recognizable characteristics I see in Illinois relatives...

I have a question-- I've heard people use "welp", as a kind of variant on "well" -- a kind of summing up-- but didn't realize it was a Midwesternism. Would like to hear from Midwestern posters about that.

And "ope", which is a variation on "oops" and kind of an apology-type expression.... Any Midwesterners here use that term?

I love this one-- "Yeah, no, for sure".

Anyway, a fun and amusing account to google.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 01:17:29 GMT

We actually have that driveway. It's even more fun when covered with ice and snow. I've always wondered about "welp".

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Desertdi — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:01:37 GMT

I grew up in Chicago. It's true about the weather...after all, it's a lot better than North Dakota... However, the Blizzard of '67 was a deal-breaker...I moved to Los Angeles(!)

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Oznell — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:20:49 GMT

They give a better, more intricate definition of "welp" than I did at the site, @deepwaterdotter . Apparently it's often used as a way of wrapping up a personal interaction, indicating "leave taking" of some kind, but it's more multi-purpose than that, I think.

I'd love to hear more about "ope", but no one has enlightened us...

@Desertdi-- And thus was born, "DESERT"di ! Love the desert too.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

CalminHeart — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:21:40 GMT

The midwest isn't all bad or hick-like. But I get the jokes since I'm in the midwest.

Sadly, a lot of the midwest is going backwards to 1950. I'd love to move but I care for my 91 yr old dad.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Oznell — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:27:33 GMT

Oh, I hope the site didn't come across as portraying the Midwest as a land of "rubes", @CalminHeart -- I should have posted a larger variety of the tweets, but I ran out of steam!

I'd characterize "Midwest vs. Everybody" as a very affectionate, respectful ribbing, which to me ends up being a real tribute.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Patriot3 — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:38:28 GMT

I live in the Midwest and this is so funny!

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Desertdi — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:49:19 GMT

@Oznell I would also like an explanation of the "ope". I am not familiar with that. Maybe it was misspelled??

We Chicagoans (the description never leaves us) use a lot of "NOPE"....and that means a really decisive N-O. di

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

piperbay — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:50:13 GMT

I'm from the Midwest and growing up we called the living room the front room, but pronounced it "frunch room."

To this day, I never call shoes sneakers but gym shoes, lol.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

shoptilyadropagain — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:54:43 GMT

They also have a Facebook page. I have a good friend that shares these every once in a while.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:03:29 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:

The midwest isn't all bad or hick-like. But I get the jokes since I'm in the midwest.

Sadly, a lot of the midwest is going backwards to 1950. I'd love to move but I care for my 91 yr old dad.

I agree. I rather think of where I live as 'flyover country'.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

MoJoV — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:24:26 GMT

@piperbay wrote:
I'm from the Midwest and growing up we called the living room the front room, but pronounced it "frunch room."
To this day, I never call shoes sneakers but gym shoes, lol.

Living room is front room, sneakers are always gym shoes. Soft drinks are soda, never pop. Going to a movie is going to the show. Sofa? No way, it's a couch. Lifelong Chicagoan here.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Lucky Charm — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:58:09 GMT

My dad says *Welp!* (thus, so do I) and he was born in Philly.

He'll say 'Welp, I guess we'd better head home....' as an example.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

LindaSal — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:11:39 GMT

@Oznell I got a kick out of these! So funny! Every place has it's "dialogue" and most people are able to laugh at themselves. Kind of like Boston, fairly close to me, everything is "wicked" LOL

Thanks for the laugh

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

VanSleepy — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:40:13 GMT

How about the all one word "Lookit". You point your finger and tell someone to lookit or you begin to explain something by saying lookit.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Nannerbelles — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:41:24 GMT

Everyone should check out Charlie Berens on facebook and instagram. He is hysterical. This is spot on coming from a Wisconsinite.

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Desertdi — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:43:02 GMT

@VanSleepy wrote:
How about the all one word "Lookit". You point your finger and tell someone to lookit or you begin to explain something by saying lookit.

@VanSleepy I dunno

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

VanSleepy — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:00:51 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
@VanSleepy wrote:
How about the all one word "Lookit". You point your finger and tell someone to lookit or you begin to explain something by saying lookit.
@VanSleepy I dunno

You don't know that one? I left Chicago when was almost 30 and now it's been almost 30 years and I still say it lol

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

country gal — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:40:57 GMT

Having lived in Missouri all my life, I "got a kick" out of this. Wouldn't want to live any place else than in my small town.

One thing Mo. has that NO one else has is....

Patrick Mahomes!!! GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: MIDWESTERN FUN AND GAMES

Mary Bailey — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 18:45:11 GMT

LOL so funny! I'm sw suburban Chicago.

My BIL says he can tell we are suburban Chicago because we say:

"Where you at?" instead of Where are you? I guess.