10 Foolproof Ways To Spot An Imposter In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published November 27, 2017
×
Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Minnesotans come from all walks of life. With different backgrounds, values, and interests, there’s no real way to pinpoint a person from Minnesota. However, there are definitely a few ways to spot someone who isn’t from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Next time you doubt whether someone you encounter is from Minnesota, refer to this list of 10 foolproof ways to tell if someone is a Minnesota imposter.
For most Minnesotans, Wisconsin is just a few miles over the border. But there is a rivalry between the states that close proximity cannot get rid of. It comes out most often in sporting events. If a person living in Minnesota is a Packers fan, they probably have some secret ties to the Badger State.
Or Bemidji. Or Edina. Or any of the many other unique place names you can find on a map of Minnesota. That knowledge comes from living here for a while, so it's easy to spot someone who doesn't quite have the hang of it yet.
It may be the largest city in the state, but Minneapolis is not the capital city. It's a common mistake for those who aren't from here, so if you're an out-of-towner trying to blend in, it's best to get it right. The other Twin City is the capital.
A lot of people from Wisconsin like to brag that they have more than 10,000 lakes. But the fact of the matter is, Wisconsin counts every tiny puddle as a lake. In Minnesota, we're more discerning in our approach. We only count named lakes at least 10 acres in size. If we counted lakes the same way Wisconsin does, we'd still have far more.
In the dead of winter, you'll notice that non-Minnesotans are wearing coats just a little lighter than they need to be. And in the springtime, they'll still be wearing those coats until June. Minnesotans, on the other hand, are always prepared for the weather. We have proper winter gear, and we shed it pretty early come spring.
Driving in snow is unavoidable in Minnesota. It's ideal to stay inside while it's really bad, but there will still be times when you need to go out before the streets are plowed. You'll know someone's not from around here when they freak out just a little too much over it.
Here in Minnesota, it's practically forbidden to take the first piece of anything. It's meant to sit there, infinitely cut in half, until someone finally breaks down and throws it out. But someone who isn't from Minnesota? They'll just eat it, no problem.
We Minnesotans tend to get a little long-winded when it comes to saying goodbye. There's just so much to say that we keep talking even as we're walking out the door. But many people who haven't spent too much time here? They'll just leave - sometimes without even saying goodbye.
Of course, we Minnesotans are the epitome of nice. We’re always welcoming to newcomers, and we don’t really spend our time spotting “impostors.” More likely, we’ll be eager to learn about where you’re from and why you chose to move here. If you have any other ways to tell that someone isn’t from around here, leave them in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
