hometown-first language

i have a bit of an obsession with minnesota, my beloved state of origin. so much so that i have been accused of bringing it up in almost every conversation, often in the form of “oh in minnesota we have this similar/better/unusual thing that’s so great” even when there’s no reason to be comparing. well, guilty as charged! how lucky to have grown up in a place that i want to brag about and visit and love all the time even when i’m far away. this trait has been referred to as “minnesota-first language” and i think that’s perfect. so the rec here is, if you’re from a place you love and you’re not there anymore—especially if it’s a little smaller or “flyover country” to those on the coasts—hype it up! embrace that hometown-first language! tell everyone why your little slice of the world is better than, or at least as good as, wherever you are now