Wisconsin and Minnesota share many similarities. Things like the pride we share in living here in what others call "flyover country" in the upper Midwest. Our agricultural roots. Or our ability to not only survive, but celebrate, a cold, snowy winter. But there are some unique differences, too -- especially in our vocabulary.

Having lived in Wisconsin all my life until moving here to Rochester three years ago, there a couple of odd phrases unique to each state that are just different enough to make residents of the other state scratch their heads.

Like the term used to describe the temporary permit or drivers license you receive while you're learning to drive. Back in Wisconsin, we call them 'temps'. As in, "Did Erin get her temps yet?" Here in Minnesota, of course, it's referred to as a permit. I have to say, 'permit' seems to make more sense. I assume 'temps' is short for 'temporary license,' but the term, 'temps' does sound a little weird, even to me.

Another one is the ATM, or automatic teller machine. These days, the term 'ATM' is fairly common, even over in Wisconsin. But 25 years ago, when I first got an ATM card, the machines back in Wisconsin were referred to as 'TYME' machines, which was short for 'Take Your Money Everywhere.' But it still turned some heads when you were out of state and said, "I need to stop at the TYME machine!"

A third colloquial difference I've noticed is how each state differently refers to the activity of hopping on a sled and heading down a snow-covered hill. My wife, a native Minnesotan, says you're going sliding. Back in Wisconsin, though, we'd say you were going sledding. Now, sure, the sled itself slides down the hill, but the activity is still 'sledding.' When you put on a pair of skis and head down a run at Welch Village, it's called skiing, isn't it? I rest my case.

Then, of course, there's the often-noted difference in how Minnesotans and Wisconsinites refer to the child's game of Duck, Duck, Goose. I know, here in Minnesota, it's called Duck, Duck, Grey Duck. But on this one, I've got to side with my fellow Wisconsinsites. Grey duck? What is that? It's a goose!

 

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