I have noticed that there are some very unique expressions used here in ND (as in any part of the country). One of my favorites is "a guy oughtta." Generally this statement is used in a group of men, but can be utilized in a conversation with just two men as well.
Some background. People in this part of the US are very polite and do not wish to offend. There is a distinct difference between someone from, say NY and someone from ND. A New Yorker is very direct, will say what they think whether or not you will be taken aback by what they have said - they don't seem to care. A North Dakotan generally takes great care not to be offensive to others in their speech.
Here are several examples:
1) A group of farmers is standing around in another farmer's yard. They might notice that the fence where the bull is kept is looking a bit weak in one area, possibly permitting the bull to escape if he were so inclined. Without looking at the offending area of the fence, one farmer might say "a guy oughtta have a look at that fence over in the west corner." Another might chime in (none of the speakers are the owner of the farm), "yeah, a guy might want add a strand of wire and maybe a board to the top of the spot over there." Man #3, "the bull might think about getting out if a guy didn't get to that sometime this spring." Topic over - the farmer who owns the place might acknowledge their suggestions or the conversation may move right on to the weather.
2) Two men are looking at the roof where a satellite dish needs to be placed (I observed this happening this week). Man #1 "a guy could put the dish over in that spot." Man #2 "well, a guy could get it up over there and it would be easier." Notice that neither one is the acknowledged "guy" but they both expressed their opinion without using the words "I think we should, or I think you should."
Well, a guy oughtta get her kids some lunch so they don't start chewing on the tablecloth (it just doesn't work in the feminine). More later.
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