Etymograph

English

Minnesota nice

From Minnesota + nice, coined by radio personality Garrison Keillor.

A compound of Minnesota + nice

Lakota mní šóta

English Minnesota

Latin sciō ‘to know’

Latin nesciō ‘not to know’

Latin nescius ‘ignorant’

Old French nice

Middle English nyce ‘foolish’

English nice

The story

From Minnesota + nice, coined by radio personality Garrison Keillor.

Today it means

noun A style of pleasantness, courtesy, cooperation, and helpfulness associated with Minnesota culture; a form of Northern Plains charm.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / Minnesota nice