8 North Dakota Words You Will Only Understand If You Are From Here

The language idiosyncrasies 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 slang words and know they're right, even if other people think some of them are wrong.

Why North Dakota Has Its Own Unique Words

Our local dialect is a fascinating patchwork of cultural influences, starting with the deep Norwegian and Scandinavian roots that still define much of the Red River Valley and beyond. When European descendants settled these plains, they brought their linguistic quirks with them, and those phrases proved to be just as hardy as the people themselves. There's also the significant influence of our rural and agricultural lifestyle; when you spend your days working the soil or bracing against a North Plains wind, you develop a shorthand that makes sense to those in the same line of work. Learning these words only North Dakotans can pronounce correctly is practically a rite of passage for anyone trying to understand what it is really like living in North Dakota.

8 North Dakota Words You Will Only Understand If You Are From Here

1. Uff da!

Uff da, that snow! This term originated in Norway, as did many of the people who live in North Dakota and are descended from Norwegians who immigrated here. The phrase seems to have stuck and is used all the time to express everything from surprise to frustration. It's one of the most interesting North Dakota accent words, and you might hear it when a neighbor tells you their tractor broke down or just when the wind chill hits 20 below.

2. Shelterbelt

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 between fields to help block the wind from ruining them. They are essential for protecting the topsoil and offer visual relief across the flat plains. Slang words in North Dakota don't get much stranger than this!

3. Hot dish

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 tater tots, all baked in one pan or dish. It's a staple at church potlucks and family gatherings, representing a shared regional identity that goes beyond the ingredients. If you're living in North Dakota, you've most likely tried hot dish at least once.

4. Sundog

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 it's not really because it's a real thing. The rainbow ring around the sun here occurs when the air is cold enough for ice crystals to form, diffusing the light into this neat halo. They are usually brightest at two points, about the same level as the sun, and are a beautiful, if freezing, reminder of our extreme winters. Not many other states know about these since not many others get as cold as North Dakota does.

5. Barbecue

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—a totally different thing with a nostalgic tone for many locals. Okay, fine; it's technically the same thing as a sloppy joe, we just don't call it that here.

6. Pop

I know this isn't just a North Dakota slang term, but here, you bake with soda—you don't drink it. Pop is definitely the right term for this, and no one can say otherwise! It’s a key part of our Midwest linguistic identity.

7. Puppy chow

This is not actually food for young dogs; it's a delicious treat of Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. This means, of course, you absolutely should not feed this to puppies. But to people? Of course! It's a holiday favorite often called reindeer treats or muddy buddies. Puppy chow, however, is our word of choice for it, and it certainly makes life in North Dakota a bit sweeter.

8. Flickertail

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's one of our favorite North Dakota words, referring to a Richardson's ground squirrel, which is abundant in certain parts of the state. The name comes from the way they quickly flick their tails back and forth as they scamper.

More North Dakota Sayings You Might Hear

Beyond these common words and phrases, there are a few other North Dakota sayings locals use that'll really help you blend in. You might hear someone say they are "going to town," which could mean anything from a short drive to an all-day trip, depending on how remote the farm is. There's also the classic "not too bad," which is actually the highest form of praise for a job well done or an exceptionally good hot dish.

How many of these North Dakota slang words did you know? What other words do you know that people in North Dakota would understand but others wouldn't? Overall, folks from North Dakota are fun-loving and like to try unique things. Terms like these are just one of the things only North Dakotans understand about life on the prairie. Mastering the local lingo is a great way to discover all the quirky facts about North Dakota that make us special.