Only People From Virginia Know What These 12 Slang Terms Actually Mean

Living in Virginia means dealing with traffic that somehow starts at sunrise and never fully ends, while still claiming the state has “a little bit of everything.” It’s a place where beach towns, mountain cabins, Civil War history, and government workers all somehow coexist. Somewhere between Northern Virginia commuter culture, Blue Ridge weekends, and debates over ham biscuits, Virginia locals developed slang and phrases that outsiders usually don’t fully understand.

1. “NoVA”

Locals instantly know this means Northern Virginia.
Example: “Traffic in NoVA is unreal.”

2. “The Beltway”

A phrase capable of causing immediate stress for commuters around the Washington, D.C. area.
Example: “The Beltway was backed up for miles again.”

3. “The Parkway”

Usually refers to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Example: “We spent the weekend driving the Parkway.”

4. “Ham Biscuit”

A beloved Virginia food that locals treat with deep respect.
Example: “Nothing beats a warm ham biscuit.”

5. “The DMV”

Not the Department of Motor Vehicles — locals use this to refer to the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metro area.
Example: “Living in the DMV means permanent traffic.”

6. “Y’all”

Still very much part of Virginia vocabulary, especially outside NoVA.
Example: “Y’all heading to the cookout?”

7. “The 757”

Refers to the Hampton Roads area code and regional identity.
Example: “The 757 has its own vibe.”

8. “Mountain Time”

Not the timezone — a slower pace of life in western Virginia.
Example: “Things move on mountain time out here.”

9. “Colonial Williamsburg Trip”

A mandatory childhood field trip experience tied to Colonial Williamsburg.
Example: “Every Virginia kid went on a Colonial Williamsburg trip.”

10. “The Rivah”

A very Virginia pronunciation of “river,” especially in coastal and rural areas.
Example: “We spent the weekend down by the rivah.”

11. “Virginia Is for Lovers”

The state slogan locals quote both sincerely and sarcastically.
Example: “Traffic this bad? Virginia is for lovers, apparently.”

12. “Tunnel Traffic”

A uniquely Hampton Roads problem involving backups near bridges and tunnels.
Example: “Tunnel traffic added another hour to the drive.”

Virginia slang is a mix of Southern traditions, East Coast energy, and commuter survival instincts. Outsiders may not understand how one state can feel so different depending on where you are, but Virginians know that’s part of the charm. And honestly, if you’ve ever complained about Beltway traffic while eating a ham biscuit on the way to the rivah, you’re officially from Virginia.