Wisconsin is one-of-a-kind. There’s truly no other place like it, which is why, for a newcomer, some things can be somewhat surprising. Longtime residents likely don’t even realize all the peculiarities that come along with life in The Badger State – but there are plenty of them. Need some convincing? We thought so, which is why we came up with 10 quirky and unusual things no one tells you about living in Wisconsin.
- Comparing a brat to a hot dog is a major no-no.
Alan C./Flickr Don’t worry, though. If you make this mistake, a Wisconsinite will quickly correct you.
- “Or no?” is the proper ending to just about every question.
Valerie Everett/Flickr Are you guilty of this or no?
- Fridays are for fried fish.
Lynn Friedman/Flickr Friday night fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin – and a tasty one at that. Typically, the battered and fried fish is served with potato pancakes (sometimes fries) and rye bread. Is your mouth watering yet?
- It’s a “bubbler,” not a water fountain.
Photos by Clark/Flickr Many Wisconsinites refer to water fountains as bubblers. And though this expression is a common one, its origin isn’t exactly clear. It’s often said that bubbler is a brand name that was trademarked by Kohler Co; however, according to Kohler Co, that’s not true.
- There’s no “pop” in Wisconsin.
girlwparasol/Flickr It’s soda in Wisconsin. Asking for a “pop” here will surely garner a few strange looks.
- Shorts season starts as soon as the snow begins to melt.
Lisa Moffatt/Flickr Sure, it may be 40 degrees outside, but that’s not going to stop a Wisconsinite from donning shorts and flip flops.
- The State Fair = fantastic fried foods.
Mike Steele/Flickr Everything’s better fried. And if you need proof, just head to the Wisconsin State Fair, where you can chow down on everything from fried Oreos to fried cheese curds.
- Wisconsin grandmas and grandpas know how to boogey.
Al/Flickr As the official state dance, it’s safe to say that polka is a big deal in Wisconsin. With that in mind, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that many of the state’s senior citizens can get down to some polka.
- Stoplights don’t exist in Wisconsin.
rosefirerising/Flickr You know the traffic lights that change from green to yellow to red, telling drivers when to stop and go? In Wisconsin, those aren’t stoplights. They’re “stop and go lights,” which, makes way more sense. It’s just a matter of time before the rest of the world gets it right.
- Wisconsinites are particular about pickles.
Woodman’s - Altoona, WI/Facebook Everyone knows that Wisconsin produces some great cheese and beer. But pickles? It’s true; the state is responsible for Milwaukee’s Dill Pickles. The tiny pickles pack a powerful punch and lots of crunch. They’re easily some of the best in the world (not that we’re biased or anything). Not only a statewide favorite, Milwaukee’s Dill Pickles can be found in both national chains as well as local ones, such as Woodman’s.
So, what do you think? Do these qualify as “quirky and unusual” things no one tells you about living in Wisconsin? What else would you add to this list?
Alan C./Flickr
Don’t worry, though. If you make this mistake, a Wisconsinite will quickly correct you.
Valerie Everett/Flickr
Are you guilty of this or no?
Lynn Friedman/Flickr
Friday night fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin – and a tasty one at that. Typically, the battered and fried fish is served with potato pancakes (sometimes fries) and rye bread. Is your mouth watering yet?
Photos by Clark/Flickr
Many Wisconsinites refer to water fountains as bubblers. And though this expression is a common one, its origin isn’t exactly clear. It’s often said that bubbler is a brand name that was trademarked by Kohler Co; however, according to Kohler Co, that’s not true.
girlwparasol/Flickr
It’s soda in Wisconsin. Asking for a “pop” here will surely garner a few strange looks.
Lisa Moffatt/Flickr
Sure, it may be 40 degrees outside, but that’s not going to stop a Wisconsinite from donning shorts and flip flops.
Mike Steele/Flickr
Everything’s better fried. And if you need proof, just head to the Wisconsin State Fair, where you can chow down on everything from fried Oreos to fried cheese curds.
Al/Flickr
As the official state dance, it’s safe to say that polka is a big deal in Wisconsin. With that in mind, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that many of the state’s senior citizens can get down to some polka.
rosefirerising/Flickr
You know the traffic lights that change from green to yellow to red, telling drivers when to stop and go? In Wisconsin, those aren’t stoplights. They’re “stop and go lights,” which, makes way more sense. It’s just a matter of time before the rest of the world gets it right.
Woodman’s - Altoona, WI/Facebook
Everyone knows that Wisconsin produces some great cheese and beer. But pickles? It’s true; the state is responsible for Milwaukee’s Dill Pickles. The tiny pickles pack a powerful punch and lots of crunch. They’re easily some of the best in the world (not that we’re biased or anything). Not only a statewide favorite, Milwaukee’s Dill Pickles can be found in both national chains as well as local ones, such as Woodman’s.
Wisconsin’s quirkiness extends beyond unusual habits, tastes, and preferences. Click here to read about one of the state’s quirkiest roadside attractions.
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Address: Wisconsin, USA
