Here in the great state of Wisconsin, you can’t swing a block of Colby cheese around your head without smacking into someone wearing a T-shirt that says “OPE!” across the chest. For years now, kitschy Midwestern phrases have seeped into the mainstream, lovingly poking fun at the linguistic touchstones of flyover country. It used to be “you betcha” and now it’s “just gonna sneak past ya here and grab the ranch.”

But don’t we have more to offer than “dontcha know” and “bubbler?” We do. Check it out …

Phrase: supposta-gonna

This handy phrase is perfect for when someone was going to do something, but they haven’t, and this frustrates or annoys you. It’s especially helpful when you’re not 100% sure they were actually going to do the thing, but it sure feels like they were, so we might as well assume it’s a fact.

Example: Yeah no, they were supposta-gonna finish the new transit center years ago.

Phrase: … or no

These two little words are the perfect way to end a passive-aggressive question and/or request when you a) already know the answer, or b) obviously want to hear a particular answer that just makes sense because why would anyone think otherwise? Say this phrase with a tone of finality as it’s not an actual question.

Example: Instead of getting dressed up and going to Jazz Crawl we could just stay home and watch Succession reruns in our pajama pants … or no?

Phrase: … or something

Similar to “or no,” the phrase “or something” is a great way to say what you want (with all your heart) without outwardly committing to it. Add it to any statement which might reveal the shockingly embarrassing truth of who you really are.

Example: Today we could go watch the Wisconsin State Horseshoe Tournament in Carson Park … or something.

Phrase: …or something²

People pleasers have found an alternate use for “or something,” perfect for when you know a certain suggestion would make someone very happy, but there’s no way in hell you’d actually want to do that thing.

Example: Sure, today we could go watch the Wisconsin State Horseshoe Tournament in Carson Park … or something.

Phrase: Oh, for _______!

This phrase was specifically designed for Midwestern moms and aunts who need to express an elevated emotional response to a wide range of stimuli without resorting to swear words, which is nice because grandma’s ghost is probably in the room right now, and we should all just watch our mouths.

Example: 1: Did you see that video I sent of little Madison (that’s your second cousin Emily’s girl) saying “keep’er movin’?” Oh, for cute!

Example 2: Did you see that big hole in the bridge by the library? They’re just going to leave it there for a few years? Oh, for dumb!

Example 3: Did you see the article in the Volume One by that Mike Paulus? Oh, for funny!

Phrase: kinda fun

This is a useful way of saying that something is actually quite a lot of fun, but you haven’t shown a high level of affection for anything in the past 40 years, and by god above, you’re not about to start now. You can use it to describe anything from a new card game to a new TV show to a friggin’ African safari.

Example: We went and saw Hamilton in the Cities last weekend. It’s kinda fun.

Phrase: just stupid

This is how to describe something you really love – like a superhero movie, a canned mojito, or Cheryl’s chocolate caramel bars (Cheryl from Accounting not Cheryl from Pickleball) – but unfortunately, society, your parents, the mainstream media, and Saint Alfonso’s Catholic Church taught you to not express joy.

Example: OMG, try Cheryl’s taco dip! It’s just stupid! Ugh, so dumb.

OK, that’s all for now. If you’re from Minnesota, and you think these phrases are more Minnesotan than Wisconsin-ish, then go ahead and think that, but you’re wrong.