10 Words You’ll Only Understand If You’re From South Dakota

South Dakota has a unique vocabulary that reflects its local culture and community values.

Living in South Dakota lends itself to some pretty unique experiences. Learning to DIY, work hard, and celebrate community are just a few of the things you learn when growing up in South Dakota. You also learn an entire vocabulary that, as it turns out, includes unique words from South Dakota. Not sure what we mean? Read on as we explore the 10 words you'll only understand if you're from South Dakota.

1. Pop

When you ask for a "coke" in South Dakota, you are going to get a Coca-Cola. And you will definitely get a weird look if you try to order a "soda." Pop is the word of choice for our favorite carbonated beverage.

2. Hot dish

A hot dish may just be the most uniquely South Dakotan word there is! Whether it's hot dishes for supper and/or hot dishes for pot lucks, we love hot dishes! Why? They are the easiest way to combine a whole bunch of yummy ingredients into a simple dish.

3. Nice

Growing up in South Dakota, you learn the true meaning of the word "nice." Helping your neighbors, fixing flat tires, and sharing with friends are all ways we show just how nice we are.

4. Cold

You don't know the true definition of the word cold unless you live in South Dakota. Cold always involves a combination of single digit or negative temperatures and lots and lots of wind.

5. Corn hole

Yes, corn hole is indeed a South Dakota colloquialism. It's the delightful bean bag toss game you play all summer long.

6. Puppy chow

A South Dakota favorite, this party snack combines cereal, chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar. You can never go wrong with this beloved snack!

7. Knee high by the fourth of July

This is not as much a word as it is one of the more popular phrases people in South Dakota say, which refers to the growing of summer corn.

8. Scotcheroos

Scotheroos are decadent peanut butter bars covered in chocolate because apparently we can't get enough sweets in South Dakota. Get the recipe from your favorite South Dakotan; your taste buds will thank you later.

9. Truck Topper

Called a canopy and a camper shell in other parts of the country, we know the true name for these is a topper.

10. You guys

Everyone is "you guys" in South Dakota, including your grandparents, sister, and even the dog. "You guys" is our all encompassing pronoun.

How many of these South Dakotan words do you use? Which ones did we miss?

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