12 Phrases Only a True Marylander Says and Understands

Maryland may be small, but it’s packed with personality—from crab feasts on the Chesapeake to heated arguments about whether you’re in the DMV or Delmarva. And let’s be honest: no one outside the state fully understands your obsession with Old Bay. If you’ve ever dodged a speed camera, measured your seasons by blue crab availability, or gotten oddly defensive about your brand of pit beef, congrats—you’re speaking fluent Maryland.

1. “Where’s the Old Bay?”

Translation: It goes on everything—crabs, fries, popcorn, probably ice cream.
If it’s not seasoned with Old Bay, is it even food?

2. “I’m from right outside of D.C..”

Translation: You live in Maryland but want street cred.
Translation #2: You’re from Silver Spring, Bethesda, or College Park and proud of it.

3. “We’re steamin’ crabs this weekend.”

Translation: Prepare for an all-day backyard affair with newspaper-covered tables and mandatory bibs.
Also: bring your own mallet and don’t you dare ask for butter.

4. “O’s or Nats?”

Translation: The Orioles vs. Nationals debate splits families, friend groups, and fantasy leagues.
Your answer says everything about your zip code.

5. “You takin’ the Beltway or 95?”

Translation: The eternal question of how you want to suffer in traffic.
Spoiler: either way, it’s gonna be awful.

6. “Put some Natty Boh in the cooler.”

Translation: National Bohemian beer is basically state pride in a can.
No one’s drinking it for the taste. It’s about tradition.

7. “We’re headin’ ‘downy ocean, hon.”

Translation: Going to Ocean City for boardwalk fries, mini-golf, and probable sunburn.
Said with a true Baltimore twang and a beach chair in the trunk.

8. “He’s actin’ like he’s from Bawlmer.”

Translation: He’s got that thick Baltimore accent and attitude to match.
Translation #2: Might be saying “wooder” instead of “water.”

9. “Gotta get my snowball fix.”

Translation: Summer = soft shaved ice + neon syrup + marshmallow topping.
This is not the same thing as a snow cone. Don’t mix them up.

10. “I’ll grab a sub from Royal Farms.”

Translation: Yes, it’s a gas station. Yes, it’s delicious. Yes, that’s normal here.
Try the fried chicken. Life-changing.

11. “That’s crab dip—not just dip.”

Translation: There are dips, and then there is Maryland-style crab dip.
Bubbling hot, creamy, and served with pretzel bread or crackers sent by the food gods.

12. “It’s a Maryland thing—you wouldn’t understand.”

Translation: We know we’re particular. We know it’s weird. We don’t care.
Whether it’s our flag, our seafood, or our weather mood swings—we’ll defend it to the end.

If you’ve said any of these phrases while wearing an Under Armour hoodie, sitting in I-695 traffic, and planning your weekend around crabs, then there’s no doubt—you’re a true Marylander. Our accents may vary and our sports teams test our patience, but one thing’s for sure: we’ll always take our fries with Old Bay, our beer with Boh, and our summers downy ocean, hon.