The Detroit Dictionary
Story by Biba Adams
Anywhere you travel has a language of its own. Even here in Detroit.
Our fair city has cultivated its own dialect inspired by our Midwestern roots, the Southern influence of people who migrated here in the 1950s and 60s, words from hip-hop music and culture--and even some influence by our Canadian neighbors.
We've put together this Detroit Dictionary for you to learn our lingo and navigate the city like a local.
What up doe?
There is no more "Detroit" phrase than this one. As a reference, "What up doe?" is like the Detroit version of "Aloha." It is our traditional greeting and Detroiters use it here at home and abroad. Lately, it's been paired with "My baby," and that's not just for a baby--but for anyone who is a close friend or relative. Oh, and the proper response to "What up doe?" is "What up doe?"
Eh?
Blame this one on Detroit being only 1.4 miles away from Windsor, Ontario. The Detroit/Canadian relationship is close. A significant number of Canadians work in the city and Canada's lower drinking age once made it a right-of-passage destination for 19-year-olds. We use "Eh?" in the traditional Canadian sense meaning that it sometimes comes at the end of a sentence almost as its own punctuation, like, "This is your first time in Detroit, eh?"
Ope
This one is very Michigan/Midwestern. There have been those who have researched its roots and there are a few. The most likely origin is that it is a derivative of "Oops." Detroiters and other Michiganders use it when we've bumped into someone or need to move past them. "Ope, Sorry," is our version of "Excuse me."
Pop
We don't drink soda in Detroit--or at least we don't call it that. Here in The D, it's only ever been and only ever will be "pop." We also have our favorites--Faygo is a hometown favorite and comes in tons of delicious flavors and we believe that an ice-cold Vernors has medicinal properties.
The Mile
This one has a plot twist. When Detroiters say "The Mile" we aren't talking about the infamous one that became an Academy Award-winning motion picture. We are talking about the one before it--Seven Mile. if you visit Detroit and are looking for authentic experiences, great shopping, and amazing food--take a ride down "The Mile."
313
Detroit's area code is one of the most recognizable in the nation. Thanks to that aforementioned movie. But, we have been loving the 3-1-3 for much longer than that. We have a few nicknames for it: 3 one-third, tre-one-tre, and 3-1-thrizzle are a few favorites. In fact, we love our area code so much that March 13 is an unofficial holiday around here with lots of things to see and do.
The Big 3
You might hear this one if you ask someone where they work. The phrase refers to someone who works for Ford, General Motors, or Stellantis (formerly known as Chrysler). The phrase is used outside of the city to describe the companies as well--but it's definitely real Detroit slang.
Squeezed or Sliced?
This one is actually a question and you know what: the answer is definitely subjective and we suggest you try to find it for yourself. Squeezed or Sliced refers to the kind of cheese that you want on your chili cheese fries at a coney island restaurant. Most, but not all, Coneys offer these two options--you might luck up and find one that has grated cheese too, but usually, it's Squeezed or Sliced and it is a tasty question to answer.
Coney Island and Coney Dog
The "Coney Dog" is the official food of Detroit. The all-beef hot dog is characterized by its yummy "snap" when you bite into it. A coney dog is dressed with chili, onions, and mustard and it tastes best late at night or, strangely, early in the morning. They are served at Coney Island restaurants which you can find all over the city--if you want to be informal about it, you can just call them a "coney."
These diners serve every kind of food from breakfast specials, to tasty lunch meals, and even interesting dinner options. No matter your taste--you can probably find a dish to enjoy at a coney. Now your next goal is to find your favorite one.
Bet!
Here's another one that is kind of old school. "Bet!" is a form of agreement. It seals the deal. Here's an example: "Let's meet in the lobby at 7." and you reply, "Bet!" See how easy that is? It's an oldie, but goodie.
The Lodge
The M10 Expressway is also known as the John C. Lodge Freeway and parts of it are even known as The Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway. But, here in Detroit--we just call it "The Lodge." The freeway runs through the city from the south in Downtown Detroit to the northwestern suburbs. According to history, The Lodge was built in segments during the 1950s and 1960s. The intersection of the Lodge and the Edsel Ford Freeway, which was built in 1953, was the first complete interchange between two freeways built in the United States.
Wanna know more about "The Lodge" check out Detroit rapper G Mac Cash and his song "On The Lodge Wit It."
Square
This is what Detroiters call cigarettes. Not much more to say about that one except don't smoke squares, kids! It's bad for your health! And if you think squares is a weird name for a cigarette--don't ask what our friends in London call them.
Cardi's or Buffs
This one isn't describing the famous female rapper. In Detroit, we have an official favorite pair of eyeglasses/sunglasses. Cartier frames--especially the buff-colored wood grain. How much do Buff Cartiers represent Detroit? Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was presented with a pair of the frames as thanks for her leadership. Oh, and by the way, in Detroit, Gov. Whitmer is known affectionately as "Big Gretch."
In a Minute
This one is a classic. Just like we have "What up doe?" to say Hello, "In a minute" is an awesome casual goodbye. This one is used in a similar way to "See you later."
These are just a few words and phrases that you can use and may even hear in everyday conversation that will have you communicating like a Detroiter. Let us know if you hear some others. Until then, "In a minute, my baby!"
