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 (produced at Plymouth Playhouse by Troupe America, Inc.). The book was also adapted as a television special, which was produced by KTCA and first broadcast January 1, 1993.[1]

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
• Hotdish
• Lutefisk
• 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".