How to Talk Minnesotan


How to Talk Minnesotan is a book by Howard Mohr, a former writer for A [Prairie Home Companion]. Published in 1987, the book provides examples of stereotypical Minnesotan speech and mannerisms. There was a musical version by Mohr and Drew Jansen. The book was also adapted as a television special, which was produced by KTCA and first broadcast January 1, 1993.
Some of the things the book covers:
  • Useful phrases such as "You bet", "That's different", and "Whatever"
  • Not accepting food until the third time it's offered
  • The art of waving
  • Hotdishes
  • Loons
  • Talking about cars and starting cars in the winter
  • The Minnesotan "long goodbye"
Much of the material for the book was originally performed as sketches on A Prairie Home Companion. The book also includes fictional ads for improbable businesses such as "Raw Bits Cereal", "Polka Pants", and "Walleye Phone Company".