If You Don’t Know These 15 Words, You’re Definitely Not from Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania isn’t just a state—it’s a collection of accents, rivalries, and snack brands held together by the Turnpike and passive-aggressive weather. Outsiders think they know us because they’ve driven through once, but if you’ve never argued about hoagies, scrapple, or what to call a sub sandwich, you’re definitely not from here.

These words aren’t just slang—they’re cultural code. Learn them, or risk being labeled “from Jersey.”

1. Wawa

The holy grail of convenience stores. Where Pennsylvanians get their hoagies, coffee, and life advice at 2 a.m.

2. Hoagie

Not a sub. Not a grinder. It’s a hoagie. Say anything else and we’ll assume you’re lost.

3. Jawn

Philly slang for literally anything. Person, place, or thing—it’s all a jawn.

4. Yinz

Pittsburgh’s answer to “y’all.” If you use it correctly, congratulations—you’re officially a Yinzer.

5. PennDot

Our Department of Transportation, a.k.a. the reason there’s always roadwork somewhere. Always.

6. The Turnpike

Our toll road to everywhere—and a shared trauma for everyone who’s ever driven it.

7. Scrapple

A breakfast meat made from… well, we don’t ask questions. We just fry it and eat it.

8. The Crick

What outsiders call a “creek.” If you correct us, we’ll throw you in it.

9. Pop

Not soda. Never soda. If you say “soda,” you’re either from New York or trying too hard.

10. The Shore

That’s where we vacation. Not the “beach.” The Shore. Usually in Jersey, but we don’t like to talk about that part.

11. Sheetz

Central and western PA’s Wawa rival. Choosing a side in the Sheetz vs. Wawa war defines your entire identity.

12. Pierogi

A gift from our Pittsburgh Polish grandmas. Dough, potatoes, cheese—perfection.

13. Dippy Eggs

Sunny-side-up eggs with runny yolks. Perfect for dipping toast. Outsiders look confused—we look satisfied.

14. Wooder

That’s “water,” Philly-style. If you don’t hear it, you’re not listening hard enough.

15. Pennsyltucky

Affectionate term for everything between Pittsburgh and Philly—rural, proud, and full of deer.

Pennsylvania isn’t one thing—it’s many. It’s soft pretzels and Steelers, cheesesteaks and coal towns, red barns and row homes. If you don’t know your Wawa from your Sheetz, or your yinz from your jawn, you’ve still got some learnin’ to do.

But don’t worry—we’ll hand you a hoagie, pour you some wooder, and let you pick a side in the great convenience store war. Just don’t say “soda.” Ever.