While Minnesotans may have some of their own words and phrases, it's also true that the language of Minnesota excludes some words found in the vocabulary of others. Here are some words and phrases that Minnesotans just won't comprehend.
Whether you believe it exists or not, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is famous for its Minnesota Nice. But there are a few things that make Minnesotans lean not-so-nice: snowless winters, lost Vikings games, and the entire state of Wisconsin - to name a few. And here's one more to add to the list: people who simply won't accept that the beloved childhood game Duck, Duck, Goose is actually called Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We're the only state in the nation that plays it differently. But there must be a reason, right? Read on below to learn what it is!
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Most kids across the United States have played a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. But not Minnesotans. In our state, we play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We're the only state in the nation to do so! But where does this difference come from?
There are two versions of the game in Sweden. One is Anka Anka Gås. This translates to "Duck, Duck, Goose." The other is Anka Anka Grå Anka. As you might guess, this translates to "Duck, Duck, Gray Duck."
It may be that Swedes who played the Gray Duck version are those who moved to Minnesota. That would explain why generations of Minnesotans grew up playing that version of the game - and still do!
Of course, this theory is just an educated guess. But it does seem a likely explanation to the strange difference between Minnesota and the 49 other states. What do you think?
It's true that Duck, Duck, Goose in Minnesota may be called something different from what the rest of the country expects, but it's a beloved childhood game all the same!
What do you think? Do you believe this theory to be true? And for other uniquely Minnesotan things, check out our list of Minnesota traditions and stereotypes that we always have to explain to out-of-towners. And feel free to let us know what else you'd add in the comments!
Speaking of geese (or gray ducks, if you prefer), Minnesota's iconic Gooseberry Falls is just one of the state's easy-access waterfalls that are worth visiting this season on a long weekend.
Many well-known Olympians from Minnesota have made names for themselves beyond the borders of our state and even the U.S.A. - far too many to name in this article, in fact. The number of Olympic hockey players - men and women - from Minnesota, alone, would number well more than 100, and all of the fine athletes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes who've represented our country are a great source of state pride for us Minnesotans. Nevertheless, we thought we'd single out (in alphabetical order) a few Olympians with Minnesota roots to highlight ahead of the upcoming games.
Saint Paul native Herb Brooks was an Olympic hockey player, himself, but is best known as the coach of the gold medal-winning 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team. There were 13 Minnesotans on that team, alone, including Neal Broten. Brooks coached the University of Minnesota men's team, as well as the Minnesota North Stars professional team. A beloved Minnesotan, he was one of the strongest ambassadors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for the state's favorite sport.
Hailing from Afton, via Stillwater High School, Jessie Diggins is currently the most decorated Nordic skier in U.S. history. In 2018, she became the first American Olympic gold medalist in the sport in almost half a century. In addition to her three Olympic medals, Diggins has also won two golds and four other medals at the world championships. In 2024, Diggins advocacy helped to bring the first world cup-level competition to Minnesota.
Gymnast Sunisa "Suni" Lee was born and raised in St. Paul. She has won gold medals in both the Olympic games and the world championships, as well as the NCAA championships. She also happens to be the first Hmong-American to compete in the Olympics. She's beloved in both Minnesota and the local Hmong community.
Lakeville native Regan Smith burst onto the international swimming scene in 2018, and in 2019, at the age of 17, she took gold at the world championships, barely missing a world record in the 200-meter backstroke and setting a world record with her teammates in the 400x100 meter medley. She took two silvers and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This young champion will be fun to watch in future competitions.
Rising to fame at the same time as Suni Lee, Isanti native and artistic gymnast Grace McCallum is occasionally overshadowed by her teammate's fame. But don't let that fool you. She won Olympic silver at the 2020 Tokyo games and has won many, many medals - including gold - in international competition. We see you Grace McCallum!
Gable Dan Steveson, whose name is an homage to Olympic wrestling titan Dan Gable of Iowa, was born in Indiana but moved to Apple Valley as a young teen. He wrestled for Apple Valley High School and the University of Minnesota, where he won many championships before taking gold in freestyle wrestling at 125 kilograms at the 2020 Tokyo games.
Lindsey Vonn is probably the most famous Olympian from Minnesota outside of the state. (Nobody is likely to outshine Herb in the State of Hockey). The Alpine multi-medalist was born in St. Paul and cut her teeth on the slopes at Buck Hill before her parents, recognizing her talent, moved to Colorado so Vonn could train and compete on a grander stage. And it sure looks like they were right!
Clearly, there are many more Olympians from Minnesota who could be on this list. Who would you add? Let us know in the comments!
