150 Best South Dakota Sayings and Jokes You Won’t Believe Are Real

Ever heard a South Dakotan say something that just made you tilt your head and wonder? From quirky phrases to dry humor, the Mount Rushmore State has a unique way with words. Get ready to dive into the heart of the Midwest and explore the fun side of the prairie with some classic South Dakota sayings and jokes.

Whether you’re a local or just curious about the culture, this post will have you chuckling. We’re uncovering the wit and wisdom baked into the South Dakota landscape. So, buckle up and prepare for a lighthearted look at how folks in the land of infinite skies keep things interesting.

Best South Dakota Sayings and Jokes You Won’t Believe Are Real

• “You know you’re in South Dakota when the wind chill is colder than your ex’s heart.”
• Why did the Mount Rushmore sculptor get a speeding ticket? Because he was rocketing down the road.
• A South Dakota farmer said, “My crops are doing so well, I think I’ll start a corn-cert.”
• South Dakota: Where the tumbleweeds have more social plans than you do.
• What’s a South Dakotan’s favorite type of music? Prairie-gressive rock.
• “I’m not saying South Dakota is flat, but if you lose your dog, you can watch him run away for three days.”
• My South Dakota GPS just said, “Turn left… eventually. There’s probably something there.”
• Two bison were talking. One said, “I’m feeling bullish.” The other replied, “You always are, you’re in South Dakota.”
• A tourist asked, “Is it always this windy?” The South Dakotan replied, “Nope, sometimes it’s worse.”
• Why don’t they play poker in South Dakota? Too many bluff-alo.
• “I tried to make a joke about South Dakota’s weather, but it kept changing before I could finish it.”
• What do you call a fashionable South Dakotan? A prairie-dresser.
• A South Dakota mosquito is so big, it carries its own tiny windbreaker.
• My South Dakota neighbor said he was going to start a business selling silence. I haven’t heard from him since.
• “South Dakota: Come for the Badlands, stay because you can’t find a town with more than one stoplight.”

South Dakota Sayings: A Glimpse into Local Lingo

“South Dakota Sayings: A Glimpse into Local Lingo,” within “South Dakota Sayings and Jokes,” is a fun read! It’s like eavesdropping on a friendly chat at a diner, filled with expressions you might not hear anywhere else. From “prairie proud” to “you betcha,” it offers a charming peek into the…

• “If you don’t like the weather in South Dakota, just wait five minutes…or maybe five days, or maybe until next year, it’s a real toss-up, and you might as well grab a good book, and maybe a snow shovel and a parka.”
• My South Dakota GPS just keeps saying, “You’re near a field, and probably some wind. Good luck finding your way.”
• South Dakota: Where the only thing taller than the silos are the stories about how cold it gets, and everyone is usually wearing a hat.
• “That’s about as likely as a pheasant learning to play the banjo, or a tumbleweed getting stuck in a mud puddle.”
• “Heard about the South Dakota tumbleweed that tried to get to the beach? It got blown to Minnesota, and then decided to just stay there.”
• My South Dakota neighbor says they don’t need a weather app, they just look outside and say, “Yep, looks like another day in South Dakota,” and then grab a warm hat, and probably a snow shovel.
• A South Dakotan’s biggest fear isn’t a blizzard, it’s a day without wind, and then they have to figure out something else to talk about, and then they all go get some pie.
• “That fella’s got a mind like a South Dakota prairie, wide open, a little bit windy, and you never know what you’ll find out there.”
• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in South Dakota, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.”
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “quick trip” to the store involves a detour to check on the crops, and a stop for some pie, and maybe a conversation about the weather, and then realizing they forgot their list.
• “My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor and a testament to the endless roads, and the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it’ll just get dusty again.”
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “speed chase” is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they’ll all get some coffee, and then they’ll start again.
• “You know you’re in South Dakota when the local radio station plays more country music than actual news, and everyone knows all the words, and they’re all probably about a pickup truck, and maybe a lost dog, and maybe a good sunset.”
• “A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and then maybe have some coffee to warm up.”
• “That’s about as likely as finding a mountain in South Dakota, or someone who doesn’t like pie, and maybe you should just go get some pie, and then think about it.”

South Dakota Jokes: Humor from the Mount Rushmore State

Looking for a good chuckle from the land of wide-open spaces? “South Dakota Jokes” is your go-to guide for humor rooted in the Mount Rushmore State. Part of the broader “South Dakota Sayings and Jokes” collection, it offers lighthearted takes on everything from prairie life to small-town quirks. Get ready…

• If you’re not wearing at least three layers in South Dakota, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.
• My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor and a testament to the endless roads, and the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it’ll just get dusty again.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “speed chase” is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they’ll all get some coffee, and then they’ll start again.
• A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and maybe have some coffee to warm up.
• You know you’re in South Dakota when the local radio station plays more country music than actual news, and everyone knows all the words, and they’re all probably about a pickup truck, and maybe a lost dog, and maybe a good sunset.
• They say everything is flat in North Dakota, but have you seen the size of a snowdrift after a good blizzard? It’s practically a white, fluffy mountain range, and then you’re gonna have to shovel it, and probably need a thermos of hot coffee.
• In South Dakota, we don’t have weather, we have “character-building experiences with varying degrees of wind and sunshine.”
• If you’re lost in South Dakota, just follow the sound of a banjo, you’ll either find your way or a really good time, and probably some barbecue.
• They say everything is flat in South Dakota, but have you seen the size of a buffalo? It’s practically a furry, four-legged mountain of majesticness.
• My South Dakota weather app just suggested I invest in a good pair of snow boots, a bathing suit, and a light jacket, all for the same day.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “hill” is a speed bump in a parking lot, and a speed bump is just a suggestion to slow down a bit.
• “I’m not saying South Dakota is flat, but if you lose your dog, you can watch him run away for three days.”
• South Dakota: Where the only thing taller than the silos are the stories about how cold it gets, and everyone is usually wearing a hat, and probably some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.
• A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and then maybe have some coffee to warm up, and maybe some pie, just in case.
• A South Dakota traffic jam is just a slow-motion parade of combines and pickup trucks, and everyone is patiently waiting, and maybe making bets on who will get to the pie shop first.

Unique South Dakota Sayings: Expressions You Won’t Hear Elsewhere

Beyond the usual jokes, South Dakota boasts its own quirky language. You’ll hear folks say “prairie schooner” for a car or “hotdish” for a casserole. These unique sayings, born from the state’s history and landscapes, add a special flavor to conversations you just won’t find anywhere else.

• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in July, you’re probably from Minnesota.”
• “Our biggest traffic jams are caused by a herd of buffalo deciding to have a meeting on Main Street.”
• “In South Dakota, a ‘hill’ is any spot where your car isn’t perfectly level.”
• “We don’t have speed limits, we have ‘suggestions’ based on the wind speed.”
• “If you’re looking for a good time, just follow the sound of a distant polka band and the smell of kuchen, you’ll eventually find a town.”
• “Our state motto should be: ‘We’re not flat, we’re just geographically challenged… and windy, and maybe a little bit cold, but also beautiful, and full of pie’.”
• “A South Dakota forecast is just a suggestion, the actual weather is a surprise party you didn’t ask for, and you didn’t bring a gift for.”
• “If a tumbleweed doesn’t try to steal your hat, you’re probably not in South Dakota.”
• “Our idea of a ‘snow day’ is when you can’t see your neighbor’s house from your kitchen window, and maybe you should just get some coffee and a pasty.”
• “If you’re not complaining about the wind, you’re probably not from South Dakota.”
• “They say you can see forever in South Dakota, but mostly you just see a lot of sky, and a whole lot of fields, and then you see a grain elevator, and then you see some more fields.”
• “A South Dakotan’s version of a ‘speed chase’ is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they’ll all get some coffee, and then start again, and maybe go get some pie.”
• “Our biggest debate isn’t politics, it’s whether lefse is better with butter and sugar or just butter and a little bit of salt, and maybe some cinnamon, and maybe some lutefisk, and maybe some hotdish.”
• “If you’re lost in South Dakota, just follow the sound of a banjo and the smell of barbecue, you’ll either find your way or a really good time, and probably some pie.”
• “They say South Dakota builds character, I’m pretty sure mine is now a grumpy recluse who prefers a hotdish to human interaction, and maybe a slice of pie.”

South Dakota Jokes About the Weather: Coping with the Elements

South Dakotans have a unique relationship with weather, often expressed through humor. From “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” to tales of blizzards and scorching summers, their jokes are a way of coping. These sayings aren’t just funny; they’re a shared understanding of the state’s unpredictable, powerful…

• South Dakota weather is like a surprise party you didn’t ask for, and you didn’t bring a gift for, and you’re not sure if you want to be there.
• If you don’t like the weather in South Dakota, just wait five minutes, or maybe five days, or maybe until next year, it’s a real toss-up.
• South Dakota: where the wind chill has its own zip code and a personal vendetta against your face.
• They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but I’m pretty sure South Dakota winters are just trying to see how much a person can handle.
• My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor and a testament to the endless roads, the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it will just get dusty again.
• A South Dakota speed chase is just a combine trying to catch a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone’s watching, and maybe placing bets, and then they’ll all go get some coffee, and then they’ll do it all again.
• South Dakota: Where the only thing taller than the silos are the stories about how cold it gets, and everyone is usually wearing a hat, and probably some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.
• If you’re not wearing at least three layers in South Dakota, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.
• They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but I’m pretty sure South Dakota wind is just trying to see how long I can hold onto my hat.
• In South Dakota, we don’t have “bad hair days,” we have “windblown adventures,” and we wear them with pride, and maybe a beanie.
• South Dakota weather forecast: Expect wind, with a chance of more wind, and maybe a little bit of sunshine, but probably mostly wind, and then maybe some blowing snow.
• South Dakota summers are so short, the mosquitos have to work double shifts to get their fill, and then they complain about the wind.
• They say you can see forever in South Dakota, but mostly you just see a lot of sky, and a lot of fields, and a grain elevator, and then you see some more fields, and then a tumbleweed, and then a field.
• My favorite South Dakota activity? Complaining about the wind while simultaneously planning a trip to the Badlands, and then complaining about the tourists, and then stopping for some coffee, and maybe some pie.
• “If a tumbleweed doesn’t try to steal your hat, you’re probably not in South Dakota, and maybe you should grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case, and maybe some pie, too.”

Funny South Dakota Sayings: Lighthearted Local Wisdom

Ever heard a South Dakotan say “colder than a well digger’s… you know”? That’s just a taste of the funny, down-to-earth wisdom found in “Funny South Dakota Sayings.” This collection dives into the state’s unique humor, offering lighthearted takes on life, weather, and everything in between. It’s a must-read for…

• “If you’re not sure what to wear in South Dakota, just put on everything you own, and then add a hat, and then maybe some gloves, and then maybe some boots, and then you’ll be ready for anything, and probably still a little cold.”
• “Our version of a speed chase is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they all go get some coffee, and then they start again, and then maybe get some pie.”
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “hill” is a speed bump in a parking lot, and the speed bump is just a suggestion to slow down a bit.
• “In South Dakota, we don’t have ‘bad hair days,’ we have ‘windblown adventures,’ and we wear them with pride, and maybe a beanie, and maybe a hat, and maybe a parka, just in case.”
• “A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and then maybe have some coffee to warm up, and maybe some pie, just in case.”
• “They say you can see forever in South Dakota, but mostly you just see a lot of sky, and a lot of fields, and a grain elevator, and then you see some more fields, and then a tumbleweed, and then another field.”
• “My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor and a testament to the endless roads, and the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it’ll just get dusty again.”
• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in South Dakota, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.”
• “Our version of a ‘traffic jam’ is when two combines meet on a gravel road, and then they stop and have a conversation about the weather, and then they both go on their way, and then you’re late, but it’s okay, because that’s just how it is.”
• “If a tumbleweed doesn’t try to steal your hat, you’re probably not in South Dakota, or maybe you should just get a different hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case.”
• “My South Dakota weather app just suggested I invest in a good pair of snow boots, a bathing suit, and a light jacket, all for the same day… and maybe some coffee, and maybe some pie, just in case.”
• “You know you’re in South Dakota when the local radio station plays more country music than actual news, and everyone knows all the words, and they’re all probably about a pickup truck, and maybe a lost dog, and maybe a good sunset, and they all have a story to tell.”
• “They say South Dakota builds character; I’m pretty sure mine is now a grumpy recluse who prefers a hotdish to human interaction, and maybe a slice of pie, and probably a thermos of coffee, just in case.”
• “They say you can see forever in South Dakota, but mostly you just see a lot of sky, and a lot of fields, and a grain elevator, and then you see some more fields, and then a tumbleweed, and maybe a few cows, and then another field, and then you get to the next town.”
• “If you don’t like the weather in South Dakota, just wait five minutes, or maybe five hours, or maybe until next week, it’s a gamble, and you’ll probably need a good pair of boots, a hat, and a parka, just in case, and maybe some coffee, and maybe some pie.”

South Dakota Jokes: Exploring the Stereotypes

South Dakota jokes often poke fun at our wide-open spaces and quiet lifestyle. “Exploring the Stereotypes” looks at how these jokes play on common perceptions, sometimes highlighting the humor in our perceived simplicity. It’s a lighthearted way to understand how outsiders see us, and a chance for us to laugh…

• They say a watched pot never boils, but a watched pot of chislic will make you hungrier than a prairie dog in spring.
• You know you’re in South Dakota when the biggest traffic jam is caused by a herd of bison deciding to cross the road, and everyone just patiently waits, because that’s just how it is, and maybe takes a picture.
• My GPS in South Dakota just keeps saying “You’re near a field, and probably some wind. Now what?”
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “speed chase” is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they’ll all go get some coffee.
• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in July, you’re probably from Minnesota, or maybe just too trusting.”
• My favorite South Dakota activity? Complaining about the wind while simultaneously planning a trip to the Badlands, and then complaining about the tourists.
• That fella’s got a mind like a South Dakota prairie, vast, open, and a little bit mysterious, and you’re not sure what you’ll find out there, and maybe you should just get some coffee and a slice of pie.
• You know you’re in South Dakota when the local radio station plays more country music than actual news, and everyone knows all the words, and they’re all probably about a pickup truck, and maybe a lost dog, and maybe a good sunset, and maybe a little bit about the wind, and maybe a little bit about a pie.
• My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor and a testament to the endless roads, the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it will just get dusty again.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “hill” is a speed bump in a parking lot, and the speed bump is just a suggestion to slow down a bit, and then you should probably get some coffee.
• A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and then maybe have some coffee to warm up, and maybe some pie, just in case.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of “dressing up” is putting on their best pair of boots, and a hat that doesn’t smell like a buffalo, and maybe a clean flannel shirt, just in case.
• They say South Dakota builds character; I’m pretty sure mine is now a grumpy recluse who prefers a hotdish to human interaction, and maybe a slice of pie, and probably a thermos of coffee, just in case, and maybe a bar.
• “Our version of a ‘speed chase’ is a combine trying to catch up to a runaway tumbleweed, and everyone is watching, and maybe placing bets on who will win, and then they all go get some coffee, and then they start again, and then maybe go get some pie.”
• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in South Dakota, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case, and maybe a thermos of hot coffee, and maybe some pie, too.”

Regional South Dakota Sayings: Variations Across the State

South Dakota’s humor isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll hear “you betcha” more in the east, maybe “uff da” closer to the Minnesota border, and westerners might just say “howdy.” These regional sayings add a special flavor to South Dakota jokes, showing that even in one state, language can be as varied as…

• “If you can see your neighbor’s house, you’re probably in the city, not in South Dakota.”
• “A South Dakotan’s idea of a ‘traffic jam’ is when two combines meet on a gravel road, and then stop to talk about the weather, and maybe the price of wheat, and then they both keep going.”
• “Our state bird should be the tumbleweed, it’s everywhere, and always on the move, and probably going to end up in your yard.”
• “You know you’ve reached peak South Dakota when your car has a permanent layer of dust, and you don’t even bother washing it.”
• “In South Dakota, the wind doesn’t just blow, it practices its tuba solos on your windows.”
• “A South Dakota ‘hill’ is any spot where you can’t see the horizon in every direction, and maybe a speed bump in a parking lot.”
• “If you’re not wearing at least three layers in July, you’re probably from out of state, and you’re probably going to get a sunburn, and you’re probably going to be asking for directions to the nearest pie shop.”
• “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but I’m pretty sure South Dakota wind is just trying to see how much a person can handle, and maybe blow your hat into the next county.”
• “Our idea of a ‘quick drive’ is a two-hour journey to the next town for groceries and a slice of pie, and maybe a conversation about the weather, and maybe a debate about which is the best pie shop.”
• “South Dakota: Where our biggest debates aren’t about politics, but about whether you prefer your chislic grilled or deep-fried, and everyone has a strong opinion, and a story to back it up, and then they all go get some coffee.”
• “They say you can see forever in South Dakota, but mostly you just see a lot of sky and a lot of fields, and then you see a grain elevator, and then you see some more fields, and then maybe a tumbleweed, and then a field. And maybe a cow. And then some more fields, and then you go get some coffee.”
• “A South Dakota joke is like a blizzard: long, cold, and you’re not sure if you’ll ever get to the punchline, but you’re probably going to get through it, and then complain about it, and then maybe have some coffee to warm up, and maybe a slice of pie, just in case.”
• “If you’re lost in South Dakota, just follow the sound of a banjo, you’ll either find your way or a really good time, and probably some barbecue, and maybe some pie, and maybe a cup of coffee, and maybe a story about that time the wind blew the barn down, and then you’ll probably be late for where you were going, but it’s okay, because that’s just how it is.”
• “Our state motto should be: ‘We’re not sure what season it is, but we’re dressed for all of them, and we’re gonna have a hotdish, and maybe some lefse, and maybe a bar, and maybe some coffee, and definitely some pie, ya know?'”
• “They say South Dakota builds character, I’m pretty sure mine is now a grumpy recluse who prefers a hotdish to human interaction, and maybe a slice of pie, and probably a thermos of coffee, just in case it gets windy.”

South Dakota Jokes: Poking Fun at Small-Town Life

South Dakota jokes often playfully highlight the quirks of small-town life. Think witty jabs at the slow pace, the abundance of corn, or maybe a friendly dig at the local accents. It’s all part of the fun, using humor to celebrate the unique charm of South Dakota living. These jokes,…

• They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but I’m pretty sure South Dakota wind is just trying to see how much a person can handle, and maybe blow your hat to the next town over.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a traffic jam is when a herd of cattle decides to cross the road during rush hour, and everyone just patiently waits, because that’s just how it is, and maybe they’ll get a good story out of it.
• You know you’re in South Dakota when the local hardware store sells more snow shovels than actual hardware, and the employees are all experts at using them, and talking about the best way to avoid frostbite.
• My South Dakota GPS just keeps saying, “You’re near a field, and probably some wind. Good luck finding your way, and maybe grab a thermos of coffee, and maybe a slice of pie, just in case.”
• They say the sunsets are beautiful in South Dakota, but that’s mostly because the wind is blowing all the clouds away.
• A South Dakota speed chase is just a tumbleweed blowing across a field, and a farmer trying to catch it with his tractor.
• They say you can see forever in South Dakota, and you can, but mostly you just see more fields, and maybe a grain elevator, and maybe a cow or two, and then you get some coffee, and then you keep going, ya know?
• A South Dakota joke is like a tumbleweed: dry, a little bit prickly, and you’re never quite sure where it’s going to end up, and you’ll probably have to chase it.
• If you’re not wearing at least three layers in July, you’re probably a tourist, and you should probably grab a hat, and maybe some gloves, and maybe a parka, just in case, and maybe some pie, too.
• A South Dakotan’s idea of a “hill” is a slight incline on the road, and the speed bump in a parking lot is just a suggestion to slow down a bit.
• My South Dakota car has a permanent layer of dust, it’s a badge of honor, and a testament to the endless roads, the wind, and the fact that I just don’t wash it, because what’s the point, it’ll just get dusty again.
• They say everything is flat in South Dakota, but have you ever tried to outrun a tumbleweed? It’s a real challenge, and you should probably just go get a coffee, and maybe some pie.
• They say South Dakota builds character, but I’m pretty sure mine is now a grumpy recluse who prefers a hotdish to human interaction, and maybe a slice of pie, and probably a thermos of coffee.
• You know you’re in South Dakota when the biggest news story is about a runaway cow that wandered into a town, and everyone is talking about it, and maybe offering some advice, and probably some pie.
• In South Dakota, a “slight breeze” is when your hat stays on your head but your car starts to swerve a little bit, and you should probably just slow down, and maybe grab a cup of coffee, and maybe some pie.