Talk like a Milwaukeean
Milwaukee is a wonderful place to live. It is a city steeped in tradition-- from its architecture to the way people talk.After getting transplanted here about 15 years ago, I marveled at the beauty of City Hall and the many Frank Lloyd Wright sites sprinkled throughout the city. Something else that captivated me was listening to the "locals" talk. At times I thought I needed a translation guide -- "English to Milwaukee-ese."
Like the first time I asked for directions to the nearest ATM. The reply, "There's a Tyme machine about two blocks to the north." A what? Do I look like Michael J. Fox in search of a souped up DeLorean? I need a couple of $20s, not a trip back to when Elvis was king.
For all you non-Milwaukeeans, TYME (or Take Your Money Everywhere) franchised all the local ATMs and did one heck of a marketing job to make their trademark synonomous with ATMs.
Here's a few other Milwaukee-ese that will have you sounding like a local:
Borrow -- Used as a verb in place of loan. As in, "Will you borrow me $10 for lunch?"
Bubbler -- A water fountain.
Eh? -- Think Canadian. Just add this to the end of any sentence and you'll get a knowing nod.
Flatlander -- Someone from Illinois.
The KK -- Short for Kinnickinnic Avenue.
Mock chicken leg -- Watch for this delicacy on school lunch menus. It's actually pork shaped like a chicken leg.
Once -- Another word often added to the end of sentences.
Polish flat -- A duplex bungalow.
Tapper -- Beer from a keg.
Tosa -- Short for the suburb of Wauwatosa.
Up North -- Northern Wisconsin.
White soda -- Sprite or 7-Up.
What's your favorite local expression? Please pass them along, eh.
Posted by:
Steve Bauman
