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General

up north

What does up north mean?

A catch-all for going to the more rural, lakeside northern parts of a Midwestern state to relax and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of exact direction.

"We're going up north for a long weekend at the cabin."

Origin

Upper Midwest cabin-and-lake culture, especially Minnesota and Michigan.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'up north' mean in the Midwest?
It's a catch-all for heading to the rural, lakeside northern parts of a state to relax and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of exact direction.
Where is 'up north' used this way?
It's rooted in Upper Midwest cabin-and-lake culture, especially in Minnesota and Michigan.
How do you use 'up north'?
Use it for cabin getaways, like 'We're going up north for a long weekend at the cabin.'
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.