As a radio announcer, one of the first things we’re taught is to get it right before we go on air. That means practicing how to pronounce last names, venue names, and even those tricky ones in funeral announcements. (Trust me, there’s nothing like a 6 a.m. broadcast to remind you how unforgiving the English language can be.) Accuracy matters—because once that microphone is on, there’s no “do-over.”

But then there are words that just don’t seem to matter. No matter how many times we practice, some of them are out there, waiting to tie our tongues in knots. And apparently, North Dakotans aren’t alone! An analysis of Google search data for 2025 revealed the most mispronounced words in each state—and our region’s picks are downright funny.

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Minnesota Thyme
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Minnesota Thyme

Minnesota Has A Thyme Problem

Minnesota’s most bungled word? Thyme—as in the spice, pronounced “TIME.” (So maybe Minnesotans don’t have time for thyme?)

South Dakota Derecho
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South Dakota Derecho

South Dakota Struggles With Weather

South Dakota’s troublemaker is Derecho, that wild weather term pronounced duh-RAY-cho.

Montana Dachshund
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Montana Dachshund

Montana Has Gone To The Dogs

Montana residents get tangled up with Dachshund, which, despite the spelling, is DAKS-hund—not “dash-hound.”

North Dakota Worcestershire sauce
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North Dakota Worcestershire sauce

It's A Sauce Thing For North Dakota

And North Dakota? Our verbal nemesis is none other than Worcestershire sauce—yes, that mysterious condiment or sauce that no one can spell, pronounce, or identify in the fridge. It’s properly said WUSS-ter-sheer, though even the British can’t seem to agree.

Read More: Williston, North Dakota Residents Warned About New Caller ID Scam

So, if you’ve ever found yourself mumbling through “Worcestershire” or Googling how to say “thyme,” don’t worry—you’re in good company. According to research conducted by the word-unscrambling experts at Unscramblerer.com, who analyzed Google search data from January 1 to October 27, 2025, using both Google Trends and Ahrefs, we’re all just trying to sound a little smarter—one mispronounced word at a time!

20 Ways To Save Money Now In North Dakota

Who says saving money has to be boring? From brewing your own coffee to hunting for treasure at thrift stores, there are plenty of clever (and sometimes silly) ways to stretch your dollars. Our photo gallery takes you on a visual tour of simple tricks that add up—packing lunches that won’t mysteriously disappear in your office fridge, turning off lights without starting a household argument, and even planting a backyard garden that might just make your neighbors jealous. Each tip comes with a picture to inspire you, make you smile, and prove that saving money can be both practical and fun. Your wallet—and maybe your coffee mug—will thank you!

Gallery Credit: Scott Haugen

Feeding the Nation: A Look at North Dakota’s Most Valuable Crops

Farming is the backbone of America—98% of the nation’s 2 million farms are family-run, feeding an average of 166 people each year. Though agriculture makes up just 1% of the U.S. economy, it’s rich in tradition and diversity, with more African American, Hispanic, and Latino farmers than ever before. One in four are new to the field, and many have served in the military.
In 2022, U.S. farm exports hit a record $191 billion. According to Stacker, here’s how North Dakota’s top crops ranked by value—and why the Peace Garden State punches above its weight in feeding the world.

Gallery Credit: Scott Haugen

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