10 Words That Have a Different Meaning in North Dakota

It has become well known that North Dakota natives have an accent, but what I didn't realize is how many of our words are not translated the same across the United States.

Take a look at a list of words that we have given a special definition to over the years.

Jaimie Duplass/ThinkStock
Jaimie Duplass/ThinkStock
1
Bars
Definition: A place to meet up with friends and enjoy a few beers (although, we enjoy this as well!)
Our Definition: A type of dessert that usually consists of Rice Krispies and peanut butter. My mom still calls her friends weekly to come over for 'coffee and bars.'
Jupiterimages/ThinkStock
Jupiterimages/ThinkStock
2
Pop
Definition: A light, explosive sound.
Our definition: A carbonated, sugary drink known everywhere else as soda.
Lea Adams/ThinkStock
Lea Adams/ThinkStock
3
"Shorts Weather"
Definition: 65-70 degrees outside, sunny.
Our definition: 40 degrees or above, especially after a long winter! Anything will feel like 80 degrees after that!
Jerod Harris/Getty Images
Jerod Harris/Getty Images
4
Hotdish
Definition: It's rare anyone will know what this is outside of North Dakota or Minnesota.
Our Definition: A popular potluck item consisting of a meat, starch, canned soup and vegetables.
Roberto Caucino/ThinkStock
Roberto Caucino/ThinkStock
5
Snow Day
Definition: A day off from school, or work, if there is the slightest bit of snow falling from the sky.
Our Definition: Almost unheard of, possibly if there's more than 3 feet of snow. However, we all know someone with a snow plow attached to their vehicle.
Russ Ensley/ThinkStock
Russ Ensley/ThinkStock
6
Fair
Definition: Equality among everyone, no cheating.
Our Definition: The best part of the summer. You can go on rides, eat your weight in cheese curds and corn dogs and listen to live music.
Tom Dahlin/Getty Images
Tom Dahlin/Getty Images
7
The Cities
Definition: Referring to more than one city at a given time.
Our Definition: Minneapolis-St. Paul, a very popular vacation destination.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
8
Puppy Chow
Definition: Food for your puppy.
Our Definition: Chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar covered Chex Mix, also known as the greatest snack food ever created.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
9
Beach
Definition: Sandy shore next to an ocean.
Our Definition: A mix of sand and rock next to any body of water including the Missouri River or a lake.
Fuse/ThinkStock
Fuse/ThinkStock
10
Barbecue
Definition: A gathering where meat and other foods are cooked on a grill. We decided to simply call this, grilling.
Our Definition: A ground beef sandwich with tomato and spices. Others may call this a sloppy joe.

Source: 10 Words That Have a Different Meaning in North Dakota Than the Rest of the Country

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