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From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the quiet, rolling hills of the countryside, Pennsylvania has a unique blend of urban and rural culture—and its slang reflects that diversity. Whether you’re grabbing a cheesesteak, tailgating at a Penn State game, or taking a stroll through the forests, these 17 Pennsylvania slang terms will make you sound like a true local. Get ready to talk like a Pennsylvanian in no time!
Yinz
This is the Pittsburgh equivalent of “y’all,” and it’s used to refer to a group of people. “Yinz coming to the Steelers game this weekend?”
Hoagie
In Pennsylvania, a sub sandwich is called a hoagie, especially in Philadelphia. “I’ll take a hoagie with everything on it, please.”
Wudder
It’s not “water,” it’s “wudder.” A little Philly twist on a common word. “Can I get some wudder with that?”
Jawn
A versatile word that can mean just about anything in Philly, from a thing to a person or even a situation. “Pass me that jawn on the table.”
Pee-Wee
Used in Pennsylvania to refer to something small or tiny, but it’s often a nickname for children’s sports leagues too. “We’re heading to the pee-wee football game today.”
The Poconos
Refers to the Pocono Mountains, a popular vacation destination in Pennsylvania. “We’re going skiing in the Poconos this winter!”
Down the Shore
In Philly, this means heading to the beach. “We’re going down the shore this weekend to relax.”
Tastykake
A beloved brand of snack cakes, especially in Philadelphia. “Grab me a Tastykake, will ya? I’m craving something sweet!”
Lager
While most of the country might use “beer,” in Pennsylvania, especially around Pittsburgh, it’s common to call it lager. “I’ll have a cold lager, thanks!”
Soda
Not pop or coke, in Pennsylvania, the carbonated beverage is called soda. “I’ll take a soda with my pizza, please.”
Wiz
Short for cheese wiz, famously used in Philly cheesesteaks. “I’ll take mine with wiz and onions!”
Schmear
A term for spreading cream cheese or any spread on your bagel, used widely in the state. “Can you add a schmear to my bagel?”
The Quaker State
One of Pennsylvania’s nicknames, referencing its early history and the Quaker settlers. “Pennsylvania, aka The Quaker State, has a lot of history.”
Belsnickel
A folk character from Germanic traditions, this is the Pennsylvania Dutch version of Santa’s counterpart. “The Belsnickel came through the town during Christmas.”
Yard Sale
A term used for a garage sale, commonly in suburban areas. “We’re having a yard sale this weekend if you want to stop by!”
Penny Pack
A term for the popular Pennypack Park in Philadelphia, a place for locals to walk, jog, and hang out. “I’ll meet you at Penny Pack for a walk later.”
The Steel City
Refers to Pittsburgh, a nickname earned during the city’s industrial heyday. “We’re visiting The Steel City next weekend to check out the museums.”
Now that you’re equipped with these Pennsylvania slang terms, you’re ready to take on the state like a true local! Whether you’re enjoying a cheesesteak in Philly, heading to the Poconos for some relaxation, or cheering for the Steelers, these terms will help you fit right in. Just remember, in Pennsylvania, it’s all about good food, friendly people, and a healthy dose of local pride!
The post These 17 Slang Terms Only Make Sense If You Live in Pennsylvania appeared first on When In Your State.