These words may or may not be used in other regions, but they are undeniably part of the Milwaukee vernacular. And that's just fine with this, hey?

1. Ope!

This single-syllable, versatile word conveys apology, surprise and/or acknowledgment. Often said when one person accidentally bumps into another in a public place. “You're fine,” is a common response to "Ope!” in this situation.

2. Bubbler.

This fun word that Milwaukeeans use for “drinking fountain” is always on the shirt-short-SHORT list of local vernacular. And indeed, it is a word we embrace. We even have a bar of the same name. However, eastern Massachusettes also claims ownership of this word. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Water gun fight to determine rights over the word? 

3. Chaser.

Whomever dreamed up the idea that the Bloody Mary cocktail gets served with a SECOND alcoholic beverage at its side should be a houshold name in Milwaukee. But the truth is nobody – not even Google – knows for sure how the tradition of serving a tiny glass or bottle of beer with boozy tomato juice began. What we do know, however, is that if we travel past Wisconsin – except for parts of Minnesota – chances are the barkeep will think you’re either a scammer or a cheap-ass for asking for free beer with your brunch cocktail.

4. Brat.

Brat is short for bratwurst – a word in and of itself that's rarely known beyond our German-rooted parts, is more confusing in writing than it is when spoken. In writing, it appears to be the same word popularized by Charli XCX a few years ago or used to define a spoiled child. However, because bratwursts aren’t widely eaten beyond the midwest, the shortened is misunderstood by many beyond Milwaukee.

5. Fish Fry.

Other places have fish fries, but Wisconsin has the most: hundreds, maybe into the thousands, every Friday (and sometimes Wednesday) night. The Friday night fish fry is a also a popular *year-round tradition in Wisconsin* among people of all religious backgrounds and not just during Lent. This sets us a part from the other fish fry-ing posers. Ope!