What does ope mean; Tim Walz interrupts the speech to assist the audience member

In particular, he used the term ope when he realized the situation.

“Oops,” Walz said, pausing mid-speech. “Can we find someone to help? Someone’s hot.”

He went on to remind the audience to stay hydrated.

What does ope mean?

Gov. Tim Walz’s use of “ope” is so natural and ingrained in Midwestern culture that it probably goes unnoticed in everyday conversation. However, for East Coasters and others unfamiliar with the term, it can stand out.

Ope is a Midwestern colloquialism often used as an expression of surprise or as a polite interjection when someone is in the way or an accident occurs. It is commonly heard in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

The term ope is often used in everyday interactions, especially in situations involving minor social unpleasantness.