How to Talk Minnesotan: A Visitor’s Guide.   Essential reading for any first time visitor, the author, Howard Mohr, has written the definitive textbook for learning the beautiful and mysterios language of the frozen north.  Key phrases from the basic "you bet", "that’s different", and "whatever" to knowing the difference between "not too bad a deal" and "a heckuva deal" can all be found here.  Interwoven with the dialogue lessons are cultural pieces about hot dish, refusing food three times before accepting it, and how close to stand to people (not too close at all).

This satire written by one of the writers of Garrison Keillor’s "A Prairie Home Companion", is as funny as it hits close to home.  None of us here in Minnesota thinks we talk like this.  But we do.