Here are 22 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Pennsylvania

Embark on a linguistic journey through the Keystone State as we unravel 22 slang terms that resonate uniquely with Pennsylvanians. From the iconic “yinz” of Pittsburgh to the elusive “jawn” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania boasts a diverse lexicon that reflects its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re a proud Pennsylvanian or an intrigued outsider, get ready to explore the Keystone State’s distinctive slang that adds a dash of local flavor to everyday conversations.

Yinz

A distinctive Pittsburgh term equivalent to “y’all” or “you guys,” often used as a plural form of “you.”

Gum Bands

Gum bands is another term used for rubber bands in Pennsylvania.

Hoagie

Commonly used in eastern Pennsylvania, referring to a large sandwich made with deli meats, cheese, and various toppings on a long roll.

Jawn

A versatile term used in Philadelphia to represent any person, place, thing, or event. It’s a catch-all word for something whose name is not known or is not important in the context.

Scrapple

In the morning when you ask for dippy eggs at a diner, the waiter/waitress may ask if you want to add scrapple to your order. Scrapple was created by the Amish and is made up of pork fat and trimming with flour and seasoning baked into a load.

Djeetyet?

Well, Djeetyet? If you haven’t you better because you look starved! Instead of slowly taking our time to ask you if you have eaten food yet, well we get quickly to the point with “Djeetyet.”

Pittsburgh Left

An informal driving practice in Pittsburgh where the first left-turning vehicle at a traffic signal proceeds before oncoming traffic.

Soda

While some parts of the country refer to carbonated beverages as “pop” or “soda,” in Pennsylvania, it’s often simply called “soda.”

Buggy

Need to load up on groceries? Go to the store, grab the buggy, and get those groceries. In other states, the grocery cart is the term they would use.

Red Things Up

In Pennsylvania, when you’re told to “red things up” it doesn’t mean grab the paint, it means start tidying!

Wooder Ice

The Philadelphia pronunciation of “water ice,” referring to a frozen dessert similar to Italian ice or sorbet.

Gesundheit

Someone sneezes, and some say “bless you” and others say “Gesundheit.”

Gesundheit is the German version of “bless you” and is used more commonly in Pennsylvania than anywhere else

Wawa

A convenience store chain originating from Pennsylvania, known for its hoagies, coffee, and other convenience items.

Gumband

A term used in western Pennsylvania for a rubber band.

Pierogie

A type of dumpling filled with various ingredients, often associated with Pennsylvania’s Eastern European culinary influences.

Jag Off

A derogatory slang term from Pittsburgh meaning a person who is stupid – a little like the word ‘douchebag’.

Dippy Eggs

Soft-boiled or over-easy eggs, especially popular in the Pittsburgh region.

Dahn

A Pittsburgh term for “down” or “downstairs,” often used to describe going somewhere.

Redd up

To clean or tidy up, commonly used in western Pennsylvania.

Penna

A shortened and colloquial way to refer to Pennsylvania, commonly used in addresses.

Goon

In Philadelphia, a “goon” can refer to a tough or intimidating person.

City of Brotherly Love

A nickname for Philadelphia, emphasizing the city’s history and ideals.