The answer, as with many things in life, is nuanced. While there’s no official “Michigander” birth certificate, the state’s identity is deeply ingrained in its residents, regardless of their origin. Michigan’s history, geography, and culture are intertwined, creating a unique sense of belonging.

As a native Michigander…I have no intention of ever calling myself a Hoosier, 99% because this is not where my heart lives, it is not home, and I did not end up here completely by my own choice (and do not have the means to leave). If my daughter decides she wants to call herself a Hoosier (actually born here), that’s fine. But me? No way. I don’t even like tenderloin sandwiches. READ MORE: Michigan Once Drank Gallons of ‘Detroiter Cola’ No One Remembers it Today Ope. No tenderloin love in Indiana is like a Michigander rejecting Faygo, fudge, Vernors and coneys.

But is it really that simple? The concept of “Michiganderhood” is a relatively new one, gaining traction in recent years. It’s a term coined by a Michigan-based writer and blogger, who sought to capture the essence of what it means to be a true Michigander.

This is a question that has been asked by many, and the answer is a resounding no. There is no official or widely accepted term for someone who moves away from the Upper Peninsula (UP) and lives in the Lower Peninsula (LP). The reason for this lack of a term is multifaceted. First, the geographic separation between the UP and LP is not as stark as some might think.