Tyme Out!

Wisconsin Lexicon Entry #2

During my first week as a Wisconsin resident, I visited a grocery store near our apartment. As I prepared to pay for my items, the cashier asked me, "Are you using your time card?"

I gave her a blank look, paused, and replied, "I don't...uh, I don't work here."

She said, "No, Tyme card, debit card. T-Y-M-E. Are you using a debit card?"

I felt silly, but then realized people in Wisconsin may actually have to ask someone else, "Do you know if there is a Tyme Machine around here?"

Now if she had asked me if I was using my Cash Station card, I would have totally known what she was talking about. But they don't have Cash Stations in Wisconsin. And I guess the Cash Station name brand was discontinued the year after we left Chicago.

I now just say ATM.