Whether you believe it exists or not, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is famous for its Minnesota Nice. But there are a few things that make Minnesotans not-so-nice: snowless winters, lost Vikings games, and the entire state of Wisconsin – to name a few. And here’s one more to add to the list: people who simply won’t accept that the beloved childhood game Duck, Duck, Goose is actually called Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We’re the only state in the nation that plays it differently. But there must be a reason, right? Read on below to learn what it is!
Most kids across the United States have played a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. But not Minnesotans. In our state, we play Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. We’re the only state in the nation to do so! But where does this difference come from?
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
The presiding theory is that it is the result of Minnesotans’ Scandinavian heritage. Many residents come from Sweden and Norway.
TimothyJ/Flickr
There are two versions of the game in Sweden. One is Anka Anka Gås. This translates to “Duck, Duck, Goose.” The other is Anka Anka Grå Anka. As you might guess, this translates to “Duck, Duck, Gray Duck.”
Kaitlin Shiner/Flickr
It may be that Swedes who played the Gray Duck version are those who moved to Minnesota. That would explain why generations of Minnesotans grew up playing that version of the game - and still do!
just_a_cheeseburger/Flickr
Of course, this theory is not 100% proven. But it does seem a likely explanation to the strange difference between Minnesota and the 49 other states. What do you think?
Ben+Sam/Flickr
What do you think? Do you believe this story to be true? Let us know in the comments! And for other uniquely Minnesotan things, check out our past list of 15 Minnesota stereotypes that we always have to explain to out-of-towners.
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
TimothyJ/Flickr
Kaitlin Shiner/Flickr
just_a_cheeseburger/Flickr
Ben+Sam/Flickr
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