What a Minnesotan really means

[haddayr]

Having lived in Minnesota for more than 18 years now, and influenced by the table of Britishisms explained, I have decided to go into public service. You're welcome, transplants to Minnesota!

What a Minnesotan SaysWhat s/he meansWhat the transplant thinks"I'll get right on that!"I will never do this.This will be done very quickly!"Um, I guess that

Comments

[deborahw37]

Hah!

[skylarker]

Great stuff! "That's different" isn't always equal to "I hate it." Sometimes it's more like "I have no idea what this is or what it means and don't want to appear stupid by asking questions."

[naomikritzer]

This is an excellent addendum.

[burgundy]

Wow. This is awesome and illuminating and very funny, and I should never, ever go to Minnesota. (I was raised in Texas by New Yorkers. I'm way too nice for NYC but I would be terribly rude in Minnesota.)

[haddayr]

The neat thing about Minnesota is that if you live there long enough, people get used to you. I am given dispensation, now (grew up near Chicago and later on Long Island and NYC, raised by a Southerner and Chicagoan).

[careswen]

I feel that I am given dispensation by those that love me, but I certainly do not get a free pass for being "not from 'round here" by the rest of the natives. Is that what you mean?

[haddayr]

No; I meant truly I get a dispensation from the language and rules in certain situations (although I also understand them far more, so if I flout them, I at least KNOW I'm flouting them.) After a while, my coworkers get used to me being how I am -- and they most definitely do not love me. Likewise neighbors, although I generally make them love me soon enough. :-P

[sasha_feather]

This is awesome you have nailed it!!

[cakmpls]

"Not too bad a deal"="Deal of the century."
"Not too good a deal"="You are SO screwed."