Here are 11 Words You’ll Only Understand if you Hail from Delaware

Hey there, fellow Delawareans and honorary First Staters! Get ready to dive into the quirky lexicon of the Diamond State, where we’re all about the slower lower vibes and pumpkin-flinging shenanigans. From chicken necks to DuPont dynasties, Delaware’s unique vocabulary is as diverse as our beaches and as rich as our scrapple breakfasts. So grab a scrapple sandwich and let’s explore 11 words that’ll have you feeling right at home in the First State!

Slower Lower

A colloquial term used to refer to the southern part of Delaware, known for its slower pace of life and more rural character compared to the northern part of the state.

Baggin’ up

Cracking up or laughing. As in, “I was baggin’ up when she told me that joke.”

That-a-way

Over there or over in that direction.

Crick

A creek or stream. Little Creek (Crick) is the name of a small town outside of Dover.

Wooder

Another word for water.

Clay-in

Delawareans have a tendancy to let the back of their mouth pronounce the ‘t’ in words. Instead of Clayton, its “Clay-in”.

Beggle

That thing you had for breakfast

Cradle of America

A nickname for Delaware, derived from its historical significance as one of the original 13 colonies and the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

Chicken Neck

Refers to a type of fishing bait commonly used in crabbing, particularly in Delaware’s coastal areas, consisting of a chicken neck threaded onto a string or wire trap to attract blue crabs.

Delmarva

Refers to the Delmarva Peninsula, a geographic region that includes parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, known for its agriculture, seafood industry, and natural beauty.

Scrapple

A type of savory pork meatloaf commonly eaten in Delaware and other Mid-Atlantic states, made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, often sliced and fried for breakfast.