Milwaukeeans are friendly, fun, and always up for a good time! The problem is, you might have trouble understanding what we're talking about. Here are nine phrases you'll definitely hear around Milwaukee.
1. "There's a bubbler."
Drinking fountains don't exist in Milwaukee. Only bubblers.
2. "Can you do this 'real quick?'"
We’re not talking about speed here. When asking you for a favor we tend to add "real quick" to the end. Our Midwestern charm leads us to try and make the favor seem like no big deal. But please, take your time.
3."Sure, I'll take a bay-g."
We say the word "bag" with a sharp A sound, and yes we will argue with you about it. Pronounced like "bay-g"...or "bay-gel" (if talking about bagels). This rule doesn’t apply to words like "pack" and "back." But yes, we would like a bag with that...
4. "We're going Up North."
"Up North" refers to northern Wisconsin. We will never be specific, we are merely going "Up North."
5. "I have to go to the tyme machine."
No, we don't time travel. Even though TYME (Take Your Money Everywhere) machines aren't around much anymore, you'll often find a Milwaukeean using this in place of "ATM."
6. "Let me see that once."
It doesn't mean we want to see it only once, but for some reason we add "once" to the end constantly.
7. "The skeeters are out."
Mosquitos are rough on summer nights in Milwaukee. Don't let the skeeters getcha'.
8. "The cheese has to squeak."
A cheese curd isn't a cheese curd if it doesn't squeak when you rub them together.
9. "It's not a sausage, it's a brat."
Seen at many tailgating events and family cookouts are Milwaukee's famous bratwursts. Just don't ever call them sausage.
How many of these phrases do you use? What else do you hear Milwaukeeans say? Tell us in the comments!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!