Most of the Yoopers we've met up here are very nice people and most are quite proud to call themselves Yoopers. The Baby Yoopers are appropriately attired. . .
and the Yooper Dogs are properly outfitted.
Most consider their Yooper heritage to be a blessing.
However, a local news report two weeks ago has sparked some fierce debate between Yoopers, other Yoopers, non-Yoopers and Yooper Wannabes.
What was the big news?
After a 10-year campaign, "Yooper" has been added to the 2014 Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Officials first had to determine that it wasn't just a local word. Once they were confident of that, it was approved.
Here's the official definition according to Merriam-Webster: "a native or resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - used as a nickname."
Uh Oh! Let the controversy begin! Did some Yoopers get upset about that definition?
YOU BETCHA!
They liked the "native" part, but many were extremely upset about the "or resident" part of the definition. There are other Yoopers, however, who are willing to accept that definition and graciously extend the term to non-natives - IF you're a resident who chooses to live here because you love it here.
So, according to the new Merriam-Webster definition, Steve and I are Yoopers! However, considering the internet firestorm created by this new definition of Yooper and the strong feelings exhibited by some of the natives, we will be content to remain as we are and never strive to be more than a. . .
Most Yoopers won't be offended by that!
All is well in the Keweenaw.
"Yooper wannabes" are we! EH?
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