Colloquial Ad Hoc Mapping

Colloquial Ad Hoc Mapping is the ubiquitous phenomenon occuring among residents of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The mapper shows the audience the palm of the right hand as an ad hoc version of the map of mitten-like lower Michigan and indicates the location of a town, city, or landmark with a finger from the left hand.

Variations

A less common, yet equally accurate, version of this activity involves the presenter's indication of a location on the back of the left hand with a finger from the right hand.

Acceptability

Colloquial Ad Hoc Mapping is acceptable among all levels of Michigan society. It is also acceptable among Michigan ex-pats and astute residents of other areas (though the latter may require a brief explanation). All others will react with blank stares.

Commercial applications

Colloquial Ad Hoc Mapping is depicted on a t-shirt for Premier Skateshop, designed in 2007 by Neil Hubert: Where We're From T-Shirt.