South Dakota and Iowa want nothing. At least as far as Google Search’s autocomplete is concerned.

The online tech site Mashable recently conducted an experiment, typing in a state name and seeing what Google would suggest to complete the phrase. For the Northern Plains, the results are sometimes silly, sometimes enlightening.

Type in “Nebraska.” Expect “Cornhusker” to appear next? Nope. It’s “Keystone Pipeline,” which makes sense because its been big news in Big Red.

Try “Minnesota.” Expect “Vikings” or “another losing season”? The result is “to work,” which could either mean unemployed people looking for jobs or the hearty folks wanting even more to do.

Pity poor North Dakota. It has an identity crisis. Type it in and instead of “flat” or “cold” Google suggests “to change its name.” Here’s a suggestion: Flat Cold Place.

Montana is angry. Plug in the Big Sky Country’s name and Google suggests — perhaps not too subtly — “to secede.” Google doesn’t clarify if that is a statement or a wish by the rest of the United States.

Then there is Wyoming. Colorado’s recently legalized pot smoking must be wafting north. “Cowboy” or “really long drive on I-80” don’t come up. “An aircraft carrier” does. The U.S.S. Wyoming? Maybe. The state of Wyoming at sea landing F/A 18s? Not likely.

Then finally South Dakota and Iowa. Google suggests nothing. Could it mean, “nothing to see here, move along” or “the possibilities are endless.” Indeed, South Dakota used to call itself the “Land of Infinite Variety.”

Only Google autocomplete knows for sure.

 

 

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5