General
the mitten
What does the mitten mean?
A nickname for Michigan, especially the Lower Peninsula, whose outline resembles a mitten. Locals point to spots on their hand as a map.
"I grew up on the west side of the Mitten."
Origin
From the mitten-like shape of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'the Mitten'?
It's a nickname for Michigan, especially its Lower Peninsula, whose outline looks like a mitten.
Why do Michiganders hold up their hand?
Because the Lower Peninsula is mitten-shaped, locals use their right palm as a map and point to a spot on their hand to show where they're from.
Does 'the Mitten' include the Upper Peninsula?
Strictly the mitten shape is just the Lower Peninsula, but the nickname is often used for the whole state.
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