1

Pancakes

Image: Ala

Imagine you are a tourist in Michigan and decide to go for pancakes. You enter a suitable establishment, sit at the counter, and ask… what, exactly? Yes, most people call them pancakes, and there is a fair chance that you will receive just that without further questions, but if you want to speak like a local, you will ask for flapjacks .

The "flap" part of flapjack is derived from the word the British used to mean "flip." As for the "jack" part, historians say it may refer to the small size of the pancake because "jack" referred to something that was small. You’ll hear pancakes more in the North and flapjacks in the South, but there are exceptions, such as the Flapjack Shack in Traverse City, Michigan.

2

Dessert Toppings

Image: Kate Trysh

For many Americans, dessert toppings for ice creams and milkshakes are like cheese on a pizza: a must. If you happen to be one of them and are visiting New England, you should know that the local word for toppings is " with jimmies. "

Jimmies are a subgroup of the larger category of dessert toppings known as sprinkles, although people across the U.S. might use the terms interchangeably. Jimmies are cylindrical sprinkles, but some people use the word to refer specifically to chocolate or colored varieties. As for round sprinkles, they are technically marketed as nonpareils.

3

Cold Sandwiches

Image: Allen Rad

The word "sandwich" has come to represent practically any food that is stuffed between two pieces of bread and can be eaten—usually—with your hands. But in certain regions of America, this ubiquitous food item goes by different names.

Pennsylvania has its own term: hoagie . Back in the day, the Italian-American community lived in an area called Hog Island, and local cooks were known for their big "Hog Island Sandwiches," which eventually became known as "hoagies." In New England, many people call a sandwich a grinder . That’s because it’s traditionally made from Italian bread, which has a thicker crust than the typical sandwich bread.

4

Stuffing or Dressing?

Image: Louis Hansel

In the northern parts of the U.S., stuffing refers to the thick mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs or croutons often used to fill poultry dishes.

But, in the southern parts of the country, the word used to describe that is dressing . Yes, the same word that is used in the North to describe any kind of liquid topping for salads. It can be confusing, right?

5

Pop or Soda?

Image: Taylor Swayze

Soft drinks are referred to by different names in different parts of the country. If you are on the East Coast, along the Illinois-Missouri border, in southeastern Wisconsin, California, or nearby areas, you probably call it soda .

However, if you are from the Great Plains region or the Midwest, you likely refer to it as pop . And, if you refer to it as Coke or cola —whether it’s Coca-Cola or something else—you’re most likely from the South.

6

Jelly donuts as Bismarck

Image: Leon Ephraïm

Jelly donuts are quintessentially American. These delicious pastries filled with sweet jelly are everywhere—and for good reason. However, in the midwestern region of the country, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, jelly donuts have a different name altogether.

That is because the German immigrants who settled in the region named the dessert "Bismarck" after the 19th-century Prussian chancellor, Otto von Bismarck because those pastries were a favorite snack of his.

7

Milkshakes as "frappes"

Image: Sebastian Coman Photography

A milkshake and a frappe are pretty much the same thing across most of the country—and even the world, we dare say. However, that’s not the case in New England. If you were to ask for a milkshake in that area, you would receive a slightly different—but equally delicious—beverage.

Nearly everywhere else in the U.S., a milkshake is made with milk, ice cream, and syrup blended together. But in New England, that's a recipe for a frappe . A milkshake in that part of America consists of just milk and syrup, shaken or blended until a foamy head appears.

8

Casseroles as a hotdish

Image: sheri silver

A casserole is a warm dish made by layering meat, vegetables, and noodles, along with a can of condensed soup thrown into the mix and then taken to the oven. However, in Minnesota, that same recipe is called a hot dish.

According to Howard Mohr, author of How to Talk Minnesotan , "A traditional main course, hotdish is cooked and served hot in a single baking dish and commonly appears at family reunions and church suppers."

9

Poached Egg vs. Dropped Egg

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New England has appeared a couple of times already on this list, and it’s about to make another appearance. In most parts of the country, the cooking technique of gently dropping an egg into boiling water is called "poaching an egg."

But in New England, the name for this technique has a much more literal term, calling this particular preparation a dropped egg .

10

Peppers and Mangoes

Image: Paul Morley

We’ll close this list with perhaps the most curious case of regional naming we came across. In the Midwestern region of the country, a "mango" does not refer to the tropical fruit commonly known as a mango.

Instead, if a midwesterner asks for a mango at a local grocery store, they will receive a mild, green bell pepper . The suggested explanation for this is that as green bell peppers ripen, they develop red-gold splotches that make them look similar to mangos.

1

Arizona skips Daylight Saving Time

Image: Christoph von Gellhorn

This is partly true because most of the state doesn’t bother with Daylight Saving Time . They stopped changing the clocks back in 1967. The exception is the Navajo Nation, which stretches into Utah and New Mexico and keeps DST so all its communities stay on the same schedule. Now, as for the smaller Hopi reservation, inside the Navajo Nation, it sticks with Arizona time… Yes, quite confusing if you’re not a local.

2

Georgia isn’t really the Peach State

Image: Jessica Furtney

Georgia loves its peaches, sure, but the state’s top fruit money-maker is actually blueberries . In recent years, blueberries have brought in several times more cash for farmers than peaches. Meanwhile, California grows far more peaches than Georgia ever has. The nickname stuck from the old days when Georgia peaches were famous for their flavor, not their volume. So while the pride is real, the peaches aren’t quite the powerhouse people may think.

3

Nevada didn’t record the hottest US temperature

Image: tommao wang

You probably think of Nevada’s desert heat as unmatched, but the all-time record belongs to California’s Death Valley . In July 1913, it hit a mind-melting 134 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest temperature not only in America but the hottest ever recorded on Earth!

4

Minnesota doesn’t have the most lakes

Image: Tom Conway

Minnesota proudly calls itself the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but that’s selling itself short… The real number is closer to 12,000. However, Alaska wins this battle . The state has more than 3 million lakes over five acres in size. In fact, Alaska contains over 40 percent of the nation’s surface water. If you love fishing, kayaking, or just staring at a quiet stretch of water, the true lake capital of America is far up north.

5

Pineapples aren’t native to Hawaii

Image: Christian Joudrey

Pineapples are everywhere in Hawaiian imagery, but the plant actually comes from South America , mainly Paraguay and southern Brazil. Spanish explorers likely brought them to Hawaii in the 1500s after spreading them across the Pacific to places like the Philippines and Guam. Hawaii’s climate turned out to be perfect for growing them and by the 1900s, the islands were producing so many pineapples that the fruit became a symbol of Hawaii itself.

6

Maine isn’t the country’s easternmost point

Image: Chris Henry

If you’re a Geography geek, you’ll love this one. You might picture Maine’s rocky coast as the eastern tip of America, but the actual easternmost point is thousands of miles away, on Alaska’s Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians. How is that possible? Well, that’s because it crosses the 180th meridian, putting it in the Eastern Hemisphere. That means part of Alaska technically sits farther east than anywhere in Maine.

7

The biggest US earthquake didn’t happen in California

Image: Lala Miklós

California has suffered some big earthquakes in its history, but the most powerful earthquake in America struck Alaska in 1964 . It hit Prince William Sound with a magnitude of 9.2. It was so strong it shook the ground for four and a half minutes and triggered massive tsunamis. In today’s dollars, the damage would total more than $2 billion. Alaska sits on a collision zone of tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions.

8

The Everglades isn’t America’s biggest swamp

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

A lot of people picture the Florida Everglades when they think of swamps, but technically, the Everglades isn’t a swamp at all. The real title of the largest swamp in the United States goes to Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin , which spans about 1.4 million acres. This swamp has a vast mix of cypress forests, bayous, and marshes, and it’s more than twice as productive as the Everglades when it comes to wildlife and plant life.

9

Big cities aren’t always capitals

Image: Mackenzie Cruz

It surprises people how often the biggest city isn’t the state capital . New York City? Not the capital… Albany is. Chicago? Nope, that honor goes to Springfield. Pennsylvania’s capital isn’t Philly or Pittsburgh, it’s Harrisburg. Even California’s capital isn’t L.A. or San Francisco, it’s actually Sacramento. Out of fifty states, only seventeen have their most populous city as the capital.

10

Alaska isn’t divided into counties

Image: Rod Long

Alaska likes to do things its own way. Instead of counties, it’s split into boroughs , and a massive area known as the Unorganized Borough has no local government at all. People out there don’t pay property taxes, but that freedom comes with challenges, limited services, fewer job options, and tough living conditions.

1

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has held the title of the most popular dog breed in the US since 2022. Their friendly and adaptable nature, combined with their small size, makes them perfect companions for people living in apartments or smaller homes. They may snore a little when they sleep, but that only makes them even cuter.

Just be cautious around water. Despite their bold personalities, French Bulldogs are not strong swimmers. So it’s important to supervise them closely near pools, fountains, or any other body of water.

2

Labrador Retriever

In second place, we have the beloved Labrador Retrievers, who were surpassed by French Bulldogs only in 2022. For more than three decades, the sweet Labrador was America’s favorite dog, and for good reason.

Known for their outgoing and gentle temperament, they get along wonderfully with adults, children, and even other animals. Their intelligence and sensitivity also help them stand out not only as loyal family pets and hunting companions, but also as therapy and service dogs.

3

Golden Retriever

Right behind Labradors are Golden Retrievers, the good guys of the neighborhood. With their warm temperament and endless energy, they’ve earned the number three spot among the most popular breeds. Often described as "people pleasers," Goldens are more than just obedient; they’re quick learners who are always eager to join you on any adventure.

4

German Shepherd

Fourth on the list are German Shepherds, elegant, impressive dogs renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to learn quickly. Unlike Labradors and Golden Retrievers, however, they often have a more serious image, largely because they’re commonly associated with police work, search and rescue, and service roles. Naturally protective, they tend to be reserved at first but become affectionate with those they trust.

Do you remember Rin Tin Tin? He was a great example of the breed and helped bring German Shepherds to worldwide fame.

5

Poodle

It’s hard to write a paragraph about Poodles, not because we don’t have anything to say, but because it’s easy to be distracted by all that cuteness. Ranked fifth among the most popular breeds, Poodles also rank among the most intelligent dogs in the world. Their extraordinary smarts and enthusiasm to learn come from their history as skilled hunting dogs and even circus performers. Thanks to their obedience, agility, and strong bond with people, they continue to hold a top spot among America’s favorite breeds.

6

Dachshund

In sixth place are the adorable Dachshunds. Famous for their long bodies, short legs, and big personalities, these dogs weren’t in the top rankings a decade ago. Many believe their surge in popularity has been fueled in part by viral internet videos showcasing their charm and humor. But don’t let their small size fool you: Dachshunds may be small, but their deep, bold bark makes them sound much bigger than they really are.

7

Beagle

Beagles come in seventh place, though if there were a contest for best ears, they’d surely take first. They’re loved not only for their adorable looks but also for their intelligence and, above all, their extraordinary sense of smell. Originally bred as rabbit-hunting hounds, Beagles have a highly efficient nose and a powerful tracking instinct.

8

Rottweiler

With their striking appearance and muscled bodies, Rottweilers naturally command respect. Known for their loyalty and strong protective instincts, Rottweilers are a favorite among families who have enough space for these large, energetic dogs.

Did you know they’re considered one of the oldest surviving dog breeds? It’s true! Their ancestors are believed to have accompanied the legions of the ancient Roman Empire, where they were used to herd and guard livestock.

9

Bulldog

They may have a grumpy look, but Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and calm. Ranked number nine on the list, this lovable breed is a great choice for anyone looking for a dog that easily adapts to their home and lifestyle. While they’re not exactly lazy, Bulldogs do enjoy taking plenty of breaks and conserving their energy, often choosing a cozy spot on the couch over a run around the block. Plus, with those funny faces, you’ll never run out of excellent pictures.

10

German Shorthaired Pointer

Last on this list, but still among the most popular breeds in the country, the German Shorthaired Pointer is admired for its elegance and presence. Originally bred in Germany as versatile hunting dogs, this breed excels at pointing, retrieving, and tracking. With their boundless energy, German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited to homes with plenty of outdoor space, as their athletic build and enthusiasm also help them shine in a wide range of dog sports.