11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in South Dakota Too Long—Can You Say Them?

Your GBBC –

South Dakota is a state with wide-open spaces, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep sense of pride in its history and culture. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll find that your vocabulary starts to change to match the laid-back, down-to-earth attitude of the locals.

From the Black Hills to the Missouri River, here are 11 words and phrases that will prove you’ve been living in South Dakota for way too long. So, how many can you say?

1. “Pop”

While many parts of the country call it soda, people in South Dakota prefer to call it pop. Whether you’re grabbing a pop at a convenience store or talking about your favorite beverage, this is one of the most iconic terms in the state. If you’ve swapped soda for pop, you’re officially part of the South Dakota crowd.

2. “Slough”

In South Dakota, slough doesn’t mean a swamp or a bog. It refers to a wetland area, often one that holds water after a heavy rain. Locals use this term to describe small, low-lying areas or shallow pools of water, and it’s a great indication that you’ve spent enough time in the state to adopt it.

3. “The Hills”

If you’re referring to The Black Hills, most South Dakotans will simply call them “The Hills.” It’s a term of endearment for this iconic mountain range, known for everything from Mount Rushmore to the stunning vistas. If you know The Hills by name and not by the whole title, you’re definitely a local.

4. “Chili” (with beans!)

In South Dakota, it’s perfectly normal to enjoy a hearty bowl of chili—but here’s the twist: it’s made with beans. Some parts of the country might argue that chili isn’t chili unless it’s bean-free, but in South Dakota, beans are essential. If you order chili with beans without hesitation, you’ve embraced this local tradition.

5. “Junkin'”

11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in Maryland Too Long—Can You Say Them?

11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in Oklahoma Too Long—Can You Say Them?

If you love browsing for old treasures, you’ve probably gone junkin’ around South Dakota. This term refers to the activity of hunting for antiques, collectibles, and interesting finds at thrift stores or yard sales. If you’re always on the lookout for the next junkin’ trip, you’re living the South Dakota way.

6. “Husker”

In South Dakota, Husker refers to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, the state’s biggest college sports rival. While the Huskers aren’t based in South Dakota, the term is deeply ingrained in local sports culture. If you find yourself talking about Husker football or “Husker Nation,” you’ve been in South Dakota long enough to pick up the rivalry.

7. “Thruway”

Locals don’t just call it the highway. In South Dakota, it’s the thruway. The term is used to describe any major road or interstate, and if you’re saying you’re heading out on the thruway, you’ve clearly adjusted to local road lingo.

8. “Prairie”

When people from other states hear the word prairie, they might picture vast, empty fields with nothing but grass. But in South Dakota, the prairie is more than just open land—it’s a piece of the state’s heart and history. From the prairie winds to the rolling grasslands, if you’ve referred to the open landscape as the prairie, you’re speaking the language of a true South Dakotan.

9. “Mooch”

If you’re looking for a place to stay without paying, you might be accused of trying to mooch off a friend. This term, used to describe someone who takes advantage of others without offering anything in return, is used playfully around South Dakota. If you’ve used mooch in this context, you’ve clearly picked up on local slang.

10. “Bison” (Not Buffalo)

In South Dakota, bison is not just another word for buffalo—it’s the proper term, and it’s used to describe the majestic creatures that roam the Black Hills and surrounding areas. Calling them buffalo will get you some confused looks, so if you stick with bison, it’s a clear sign that you’ve embraced the local wildlife terminology.

11. “Cows” (More Than Just Cattle)

South Dakotans are known for their strong agricultural ties, and the word cows comes up in casual conversation all the time. But here, it’s not just about the livestock—it’s about the people who raise them. Whether you’re talking about cowboys, cowgirls, or cow country, if you’ve used this term regularly, you’ve been thoroughly immersed in South Dakota culture.

If you’re using these words in everyday conversation, you’ve clearly become part of the fabric of South Dakota. Whether you’re chatting about junkin’, enjoying a bowl of chili, or heading out to The Hills, these local words and phrases are a sign that the state has left a lasting impact on your vocabulary.

So, the next time you catch yourself using terms like slough or mooch, you can be proud that you’ve truly embraced the South Dakota way of life.

About The Author