South Dakotans might be a little weird, but there are a few things that bring us together. One of them is the way we talk. Whether you want to argue about our accent or embrace it full force, there are some things we say in South Dakota that you just won’t hear elsewhere. Don’t even begin to correct us – the South Dakota way is absolutely charming!
- You betcha'.
David Goehring/Flickr This one might be used elsewhere, but South Dakotans truly take on the phrase and make it their own. It can be used for “you bet” or even, “you’re welcome!”
- I’m going to take a walk on down to the crick.
Jen & Elwood/Flickr Even though it’s spelled “creek,” we pronounce it “crick.” Don’t get confused!
- French won’t help you here.
hculligan/Flickr If you grew up in South Dakota, you’ll understand that the French pronunciation of our capital is wrong. One way to tell if someone is a true South Dakotan is whether they say “peer” or not.
- It’s noon; time for dinner!
Chelsea Matthews Wait, afternoon? Don’t you eat dinner in the evening? Nope, in South Dakota lunch is dinner and dinner is supper. Don’t worry, you’ll catch on soon.
- Oh, the store is pert’near.
Brett Whaley/Flickr Pert’near…pretty near. Same thing. Can be used for distance or time. I.e.: “We’re pert’near done.”
- It’s kitty corner from here.
Adam Greig/Flickr This means diagonal from where you’re currently standing. It’s kitty corner, not catty.
- We can pick up ingredients for taverns.
Su-Lin/Flickr No, not a neighborhood bar—the sandwich. Some people may call these sloppy joes, or even barbecue. Both are wrong. We eat taverns in South Dakota.
What other phrases do you hear in South Dakota? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
David Goehring/Flickr
This one might be used elsewhere, but South Dakotans truly take on the phrase and make it their own. It can be used for “you bet” or even, “you’re welcome!”
Jen & Elwood/Flickr
Even though it’s spelled “creek,” we pronounce it “crick.” Don’t get confused!
hculligan/Flickr
If you grew up in South Dakota, you’ll understand that the French pronunciation of our capital is wrong. One way to tell if someone is a true South Dakotan is whether they say “peer” or not.
Chelsea Matthews
Wait, afternoon? Don’t you eat dinner in the evening? Nope, in South Dakota lunch is dinner and dinner is supper. Don’t worry, you’ll catch on soon.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Pert’near…pretty near. Same thing. Can be used for distance or time. I.e.: “We’re pert’near done.”
Adam Greig/Flickr
This means diagonal from where you’re currently standing. It’s kitty corner, not catty.
Su-Lin/Flickr
No, not a neighborhood bar—the sandwich. Some people may call these sloppy joes, or even barbecue. Both are wrong. We eat taverns in South Dakota.
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