North Dakota is a state known for its wide-open spaces, small towns, and deep-rooted rural traditions. If you’ve spent enough time in the Peace Garden State, your vocabulary has likely shifted to include words and phrases unique to this part of the country. Whether it’s the local way of referring to weather, food, or family, these 11 words prove you’ve lived in North Dakota long enough to adopt its distinct language. So, how many can you say?
1. “Hotdish”
In North Dakota, if you’re preparing a meal that’s a casserole of some sort, you’re making a hotdish. Whether it’s the classic tater tot version or something with noodles and ground beef, a hotdish is a staple at any family gathering, potluck, or church event. If you’ve been using this word instead of casserole, you’ve definitely spent some time in the state.
2. “Pop”
When it comes to soft drinks, forget about calling it soda—in North Dakota, it’s always pop. Whether you’re grabbing a cola or a sparkling water, it’s referred to as pop by locals. If you’re using this word without thinking, you’re undoubtedly a North Dakotan at heart.
3. “Fargo” (Not Just the Movie)
While most people recognize Fargo as a famous movie title, North Dakotans know it as the state’s largest city and cultural hub. If you’re casually referring to Fargo as the place to go for shopping, dining, or even just saying, “I’m heading to Fargo for the weekend,” you’re fully immersed in the local lingo.
4. “Supper”
In North Dakota, dinner is typically referred to as supper. If you find yourself saying, “We’re having supper at Grandma’s,” or “Let’s go to town for supper,” you’re deep into North Dakotan traditions, where supper means the evening meal.
5. “The Valley”
In North Dakota, The Valley usually refers to the Red River Valley, a region that stretches from the Canadian border down to the southern edge of the state. If you’re talking about The Valley, chances are you’re referring to the fertile farming region and the cities of Fargo, Grand Forks, and others in the area. If you’re using this term to describe your local geography, you’re living the North Dakota life.
6. “Bison”
While many parts of the country call them buffalo, in North Dakota, the term bison is used to refer to these iconic animals. The state has a deep connection to bison, with conservation efforts and bison ranches scattered across its plains. If you’re casually referring to these creatures as bison, you’re definitely a local.
7. “Haying”
If you’re a farmer, you probably spend a lot of time haying. This refers to the process of cutting and drying grass to make hay for livestock. If you’ve ever said, “We’ll be haying this weekend,” you’ve certainly embraced the agricultural way of life that defines much of North Dakota.
8. “Crick”
In North Dakota, a crick isn’t a minor injury or a pain in your back—it’s a small stream or creek. If you’ve ever said, “We went down to the crick to fish,” you’ve adopted this local term for a waterway. It’s one of those words that locals use with pride, despite how many people outside the state might correct them.
9. “Wintering”
Given North Dakota’s harsh winters, it’s common to hear the term wintering used to describe people or animals hunkering down for the cold months. Whether it’s a herd of cattle or someone “wintering in Arizona,” this term is deeply connected to the North Dakota lifestyle, where enduring winter is a rite of passage. If you’re planning to winter somewhere warm, you’ve got the lingo down.
10. “Chokecherry”
The chokecherry is a small, tart fruit that grows wild in North Dakota and is used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. If you’ve ever picked chokecherries from a bush, or referred to them by name, you’ve embraced a true North Dakota tradition. It’s not just a fruit—it’s part of the state’s rich agricultural heritage.
11. “Bismarck” (Not Just the Capital)
While Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota, locals often refer to it casually by just using the name Bismarck. Whether you’re talking about Bismarck in terms of government, culture, or just a day trip, it’s a city that holds significant weight in the state. If you’ve referred to it as Bismarck without adding “North Dakota” at the end, you’re definitely living the local lifestyle.
If you’ve found yourself using these 11 words in daily conversation, then you’ve fully embraced life in North Dakota. From the beloved hotdish to the unique crick, these local terms are part of what makes the state so special. Whether you’re wintering somewhere warm or talking about a trip to Fargo, these phrases reflect the culture, community, and lifestyle of the Peace Garden State. So, the next time you’re discussing a Bison or planning your supper, know that you’re speaking the language of a true North Dakotan.
