Ah, Wisconsin. The land of cheese, beer, and way too much snow. If you’re trying to figure out who’s truly from this chilly paradise, don’t just look for someone wearing a Packers jersey or holding a bratwurst. Here’s how to spot a true Wisconsin local—faster than you can say “cheese curds.”
They’re Wearing a Green Bay Packers Jersey—Year-Round.
No matter the time of year, you’ll spot a true Wisconsite rocking a Packers jersey. It doesn’t matter if it’s 90 degrees in the summer or snowing in February—they’ll be proudly displaying their Green and Gold. Bonus points if they have a cheesehead hat that they wear at every game, even when the Packers aren’t playing.
They’ve Got Strong Opinions About the Best Cheese.
If you’ve ever asked a Wisconsin local about cheese, you’ve made a mistake. They’ll give you a very detailed breakdown of the best local cheeses, and if you ask for a recommendation, prepare yourself for a dissertation on the merits of cheddar, curds, and colby. Just don’t ask about anything “store-bought” or you’ll get a lecture on why Wisconsin cheese is in a league of its own.
They Use the Word ‘Ya’ Like It’s Part of Their DNA.
Forget “you guys” or “y’all.” In Wisconsin, it’s all about “ya.” They’ll say, “Hey, you want to go out for a beer, ya?” and if you don’t respond, they’ll just assume you didn’t understand, and ask again—louder this time. It’s like a handshake, only it’s in verbal form.
They’ve Got at Least One Pair of Snow Boots, and They’ve Been Used.
In Wisconsin, snow boots aren’t just for special occasions—they’re part of the daily wardrobe from November to March. A true local has at least one pair that’s seen its fair share of salt, slush, and deep snowdrifts. If you’re not rocking snow boots from September through April, you’re probably just passing through.
They Know the Best Place for a Fish Fry.
The Friday night fish fry is sacred in Wisconsin, and a local knows exactly where to go for the best one. They’ll walk you through every restaurant in the area that serves fried fish, offering details on the sides (fries vs. potato pancakes) and the type of beer they recommend pairing it with. If you ask the wrong place, expect a very polite but firm correction.
They’ve Got a Story About a Wisconsin Badgers Game.
The University of Wisconsin Badgers? Don’t even think about it. If you bring up college sports in Wisconsin, you’ll get a rundown of their most epic Badgers game experience, along with which game day traditions are absolutely essential. You’ll hear about tailgating, cheerleaders, and the thrill of chanting “On Wisconsin!” at a full stadium.
They Can Name All 72 Counties—And Which One Has the Best Cheese.
Wisconsin locals take pride in their counties, and they’ve got them memorized. If you ask them where they’re from, be prepared for them to name the county first and then tell you what it’s famous for—usually involving dairy, if we’re being honest. “Oh, I’m from La Crosse—great place for cheese, especially on a Friday!”
They Know Every Word to ‘Roll Out the Barrel.’
Sing “Roll Out the Barrel,” and you’re likely to be joined in harmony by a true Wisconsinite who’s been singing it since birth. It’s a state anthem, and locals treat it like one—expect to hear it on repeat at every polka party, Brewers game, and possibly even a random Tuesday.
They’ll Correct You if You Mispronounce a City Name.
If you pronounce “Wausau” or “Menominee” incorrectly, a Wisconsin local will kindly let you know. You’ll hear things like, “Actually, it’s ‘Wah-saw,’ not ‘Wah-sue,’” followed by a polite nod, as if you’ve learned an important lesson in Wisconsin geography.
They’re Always Talking About the Weather, but They’re Never Complaining.
True Wisconsinites are weather experts. They’ll chat with you about the weather in all its glory—be it the brutal winters, the humid summers, or the perfect fall days. And while they’ll acknowledge that winter can get “a little chilly,” they’re never complaining. It’s just a part of life, and they’ll wear it like a badge of honor.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll be spotting a Wisconsin local faster than you can say “cheese curds.” Just remember, to truly fit in, you’ll need to embrace the cold, learn how to pronounce a few tricky city names, and definitely grab a fish fry or two. Because in Wisconsin, it’s all about cheese, beer, and that unbeatable local pride!
