If You Understand These 14 Slang Terms, You’re Definitely from Maryland

If you’ve ever sprinkled Old Bay on literally everything, debated whether it’s “soda” or “pop” (spoiler: it’s neither—it’s “soft drink”), or corrected someone who said “Baltimore” without the proper Balmer twang, then you’re probably from Maryland. The Old Line State might be small, but it’s got big personality—half North, half South, all attitude. From crabs to traffic circles, Marylanders have their own language, and if you don’t speak it, you’ll stick out faster than a D.C. driver at a four-way stop.

So grab your Natty Boh and a bushel of blue crabs—it’s time to see if you’re fluent in Maryland.

1. Downy Ocean

Translation: The beloved local way to say “Ocean City.” Usually uttered in summer with deep excitement and no irony.
Example: “We’re headin’ downy ocean this weekend—gotta get them Thrashers fries.”

2. Hon

Translation: A term of endearment straight outta Baltimore, usually paired with leopard print and a teasing smile.
Example: “How ya doin’, hon? Want some Utz chips with that?”

3. Balmer / Bawlmer

Translation: How locals actually pronounce “Baltimore.” No hard T’s allowed.
Example: “Headin’ to Balmer for the O’s game, hon.”

4. Old Bay

Translation: The state seasoning. Goes on everything—crabs, fries, popcorn, even ice cream.
Example: “If it doesn’t have Old Bay on it, is it even food?”

5. Natty Boh

Translation: National Bohemian beer—the pride of Baltimore and mascot with one eye.
Example: “Grab me a Natty Boh and pass the mallet.”

6. The O’s

Translation: The Baltimore Orioles—Maryland’s official emotional rollercoaster.
Example: “We say we’re rebuilding every year, but we still love the O’s.”

7. Pit Beef

Translation: Maryland’s signature BBQ—charcoal-grilled roast beef, sliced thin and served with horseradish sauce.
Example: “Got some pit beef from the stand off Route 40—don’t tell Texas.”

8. The Beltway

Translation: I-695 around Baltimore—or I-495 around D.C.—either way, it’s where patience goes to die.
Example: “Traffic on the Beltway again? Must be Tuesday.”

9. Crabcakes and Football

Translation: The state’s unofficial motto (thanks to Wedding Crashers).
Example: “What does Maryland do? Crabcakes and football, baby!”

10. The Bay Bridge

Translation: The massive bridge connecting the mainland to the Eastern Shore—and every Marylander’s worst traffic nightmare.
Example: “We left at 5 a.m. to beat Bay Bridge traffic. Still took two hours.”

11. DMV

Translation: Not the place where you renew your license—this one means D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the greater metro area.
Example: “We rep the DMV—just don’t lump us in with Northern Virginia.”

12. The Shore

Translation: The Eastern Shore of Maryland—crabs, charm, and small-town life by the Bay.
Example: “Headin’ to The Shore this weekend—don’t forget the mallets.”

13. Waterman

Translation: A Chesapeake Bay crabber, oysterman, or fisher—part of the state’s salty backbone.
Example: “Watermen been workin’ the Bay since before your granddad was born.”

14. The Terps

Translation: University of Maryland Terrapins fans—proud, loyal, and likely yelling “Fear the Turtle!” right now.
Example: “You went to UMD? Go Terps!”

If every one of these words feels as natural as Old Bay under your fingernails, you’re Maryland through and through. You know how to pick a crab, survive the Beltway, and spot a tourist who says “Baltimore” wrong. So go on, hon—raise a Natty Boh, watch the sunset over the Bay, and remember: you might leave Maryland, but Maryland never leaves you.