Where the words live.

Based in Madison, the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE, not to be confused with D.A.R.E.), has set out to save some of America's colorful colloquialisms from obscurity. In its quest, DARE visited 30 Wisconsin towns from Algoma to Wautoma to track down the state’s regional words. Some of these — hot dish, covered-dish meal, and lutefisk — were not new to me. I was surprised to learn that a "golden birthday" is a Wisconsin thing, and that "German potato salad" might not be as common everywhere as it is here. But then it got weird. I have never once heard fireflies referred to as “sewing needles,” large bottles of beer as “picnics,” or chives as “schnittlauch.”

The crown jewel, however, is “whoopensocker” (which refers to something extraordinary of its kind). I think DARE might just be messing with me, as I’ve never heard anyone use “whoopensocker” in my life. Are there pockets of Americans left who still say this?