The language of the Midwest may cause some confusion when you’re talking with someone from anywhere else. There are a few words in there that might leave them scratching their heads, and some words they think mean something totally different. But if you’re from North Dakota, you’ll definitely understand these eight North Dakota words and know they’re right, even if other people think some of them are wrong.

1. Uff da!
carquestguy/Flickr
Uff da, that snow! This term originated from Norway like many of the people who live in North Dakota and are descended from Norwegians who immigrated here. The phrase seemed to stick and is used all the time.
2. Shelter belt
usdagov/Flickr
I'll admit, before I moved to North Dakota if I had heard the word 'shelter belt' used, I would assume it was some kind of wearable belt. 'Tree row' or 'windbreak' are some other terms for the same thing. Basically, it's the row of trees planted in between fields to help block the wind from ruining them. Slang words in North Dakota don't get much stranger than this!
3. Hot dish
moleofproduction/Flickr
It's NOT casserole! Hot dish is a very popular meal in the Midwest that usually consists of ground beef, cream of something (generally mushroom) soup, vegetables like peas or green beans, and topped with tator tots, all baked in one pan or dish. It's delicious and definitely not called a casserole.
4. Sundog
Sam Bald/Flickr
A sundog is the name for a natural phenomenon that happens when it gets really, really cold. It could be called North Dakota slang but its not really because its a real thing. The rainbow ring around the sun here - not the lens flare in the center - occurs when the air is cold enough to form ice crystals that diffuse the light into this neat halo. They are usually brightest at two points about the same level as the sun horizontally. Not many other states know about these since not many others get as cold as North Dakota can. They're pretty cool! Literally.
5. Barbecue
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau/Flickr
No, we don't mean barbecue food in general. And no, this isn't called a 'sloppy joe.' It's barbecue, or a barbecue sandwich - totally different thing! Okay, fine; it's the same thing as a sloppy joe, we just don't call it that here.
6. Pop
roadsidepictures/Flickr
This is probably not just a North Dakota slang term, but you bake with soda - you don't drink it. Pop is definitely the right term for this and no one can say otherwise!
7. Puppy chow
starmonkeybrass/Flickr
This is not actually food for young dogs, it's a delicious treat of chex mix, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. Which means, of course, you absolutely should NOT feed this to puppies. But to people? Of course! It's delicious and also can be called reindeer treats or muddy buddies. Puppy chow, however, is our word of choice for it.
8. Flickertail
Rocky Cardwell/Flickr
One of our state nicknames is the Flickertail State, and people in most other states probably wouldn't know what it is and take it at face value - a flickering tail. But it iis one of our favorite North Dakota words and refers to a ground squirrel or prairie dog, which are abundant in certain parts of the state. The name comes from the way they quickly flick their tails back and forth.

How many of these North Dakota words did you know? What other words do you know that people in North Dakota would understand but others wouldn’t? Please share them with us in the comment below.

Overall, folks from North Dakota are fun lovin’ but we also like to try unique stuff. Check out these extremely weird things and see if anything suits your fancy!

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North Dakota Words

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 09, 2022

Are there any restaurants that serve Puppy Chow in North Dakota?

Yes. There is a place called Bearscat Bakehouse in Bismarck, North Dakota that serves Puppy Chow! This popular and delicious dish for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner (and don’t forget about dessert!) is made of crunchy Chex mix, smooth chocolate, tasty peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!), and delicate powdered sugar. Bearscat Bakehouse is actually known for their amazing donut varieties but they also bake up a decadent Poppy Chow version that you just have to try. Bring home a box for family or friends and you’ll be a hit!

Where can I find a kid-friendly hike in North Dakota?

You're in luck because there are numerous kid-friendly hikes dotted all over North Dakota. Some of them are short and sweet as well, which makes it great for their adult counterparts who maybe don't want to hike very far or have some mobility issues. Among them are the Wind Canyon Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Little Twig Nature Trail in Fort Ransom State Park, and the Prairie Nature Trail in Lewis and Clark State Park, just to name a few.

Can you suggest a road trip itinerary in North Dakota?

Absolutely! If you enjoy exciting road trip adventures, you might like this one which takes you to five of the least-visited state parks in the state. Those on this itinerary are Beaver Lake State Park, Little Missouri State Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, Grahams Island State Park, and Sully Creek State Park. Despite their anonymity, they really are wonderful and offer their own unique beauty and settings. But the best part might be that you will experience much smaller crowds than you would in the bigger state parks. Enjoy the journey!

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