There Are 27 Words That Have Totally Different Meanings in Pennsylvania
Welcome to the linguistic quirks of the Keystone State! In this article, we dive into 27 words that Pennsylvanians use in delightfully unique ways. Join us as we explore how language evolves in this culturally rich state, proving that even common words can have their own regional twist. We would like to mention that this list was created by iGamingPENN, the best source for all information about the gambling industry of Pennsylvania.
1. PA
What it implies in other contexts: A colloquial expression for father.
What it means in Pennsylvania: "Pennsylvania" is usually referred to by this acronym.
2. Terrible
What it represents elsewhere: Something really terrible.
What it means in Pennsylvania: An impressive (and not terrible) adjective that has come to be associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
3. Youse
What it means elsewhere: To use something with the aim of accomplishing a certain objective (the word "use" is spelled correctly).
What it means in Pennsylvania: It's the equivalent of saying "y'all" in Philadelphia.
4. Yinz
What it signifies elsewhere: a multiplicity of yin, which counterbalances yang.
Meaning in Pennsylvania: The Pittsburghese version of Youse.
5. Wawa
What it means elsewhere: The noise a newborn makes when it cries.
Meaning in Pennsylvania: A convenience shop to which every resident of Eastern Pennsylvania has developed at least a little addiction.
6. Keystone
Generally speaking, it refers to a cheap beer that is often served at college gatherings.
What it means in Pennsylvania: Alludes to the state's moniker, "the Keystone State," which suggests that Pennsylvania is necessary for the nation to survive.
7. Dutch
What it implies elsewhere: Residents of the Netherlands, often referred to as Holland.
What it means in Pennsylvania: A term that is often used to refer to the early German immigrants in the state; it was originally called "Deustch" but gradually became more Americanized.
8. The Shore
What it signifies elsewhere: The location where the earth and sea converge.
What that means in Pennsylvania: The Jersey Shore, and the Jersey Shore alone, is the state's top summer vacation spot.
9. The Bell
What it signifies elsewhere: A ringing musical instrument.
What it signifies in Pennsylvania: The Liberty Bell, a broken piece of mainly copper that draws large crowds of visitors when it chimes.
10. Intercourse
What it means elsewhere: Hanky panky, or sex, is the term for the procedure by which animals procreate.
What it means in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: A little village.
11. Eagles
It commonly implies the greatest sign of American patriotism.
What it means in Pennsylvania: The NFL club that about half of the state may be seen supporting is the Philadelphia Eagles.
12. Gotham
What it means elsewhere: A made-up city that appears in Batman.
What it signifies in Pennsylvania: The well-known Batman city, which oddly enough resembles Pittsburgh from the Dark Knight Trilogy.
13. Snoopy
What it represents elsewhere: Everyone's beloved cartoon black and white dog.
What it implies in Pennsylvania: A certain kind of person.
14. Heinz
What it means in other languages: The world's greatest ketchup.
The meaning of the phrase in Pennsylvania is Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
15. Cheesesteak:
A piece of steak topped with cheese in other languages.
In Pennsylvania, it refers to a hoagie sandwich filled with hot, sliced beef and covered with melted cheese and often sautéed onions. Most individuals have strong opinions about their favorite store and are willing to argue vehemently for it in heated discussions.
16. Crick
What it denotes elsewhere: a backache.
In Pennsylvania, it denotes a little creek.
17. Scrapple
What it implies in other contexts: An incorrect spelling of the well-known spelling game "Scrabble."
What it means in Pennsylvania: A loaf made of flour, cornmeal, and leftover pig that is fried.
18. Lions
What it implies elsewhere: The "King of the Jungle," often seen in American zoos.
What it signifies in Pennsylvania: Penn State sports' Nittany Lions.
19. Virginville
Normally it refers to a place where virgins abound (somewhere you don't want to go beyond age 30).
What it means in Pennsylvania: A little town in Berks County, Pennsylvania, with around 300 citizens.
20. Penn
What it signifies elsewhere: An everlasting writing instrument.
What it signifies in Pennsylvania: The Quakers' home, the University of Pennsylvania.
21. Sheetz
What it implies in other contexts: A piece of cloth on a bed.
In Pennsylvania, it refers to a convenience shop to which all residents of Western Pennsylvania have a little addiction.
22. World Series
The Commissioner's Trophy is up for grabs in this professional baseball championship, which is what it signifies to everyone else.
What it means in Pennsylvania: Teams of 11 to 13-year-olds from all around the world compete in the Williamsport Little League World Series every year in an effort to win the championship.
23. Hoover
Normally it refers to President Herbert Hoover, who is credited for initiating public works initiatives like the Hoover Dam.
In Pennsylvania, it means to vacuum.
24. Lebanon
What it denotes elsewhere: a Middle Eastern nation.
What it means in Pennsylvania: An Eastern Pennsylvanian county that gained notoriety for its Lebanon bologna after being settled by Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants.
25. Pot Pie
What it signifies in other contexts: a flaky pastry that has been brushed with flour and filled with various contents, then baked.
What it means in Pennsylvania: A non-baked, creamy stew made with meat, vegetables, and egg noodles.
26. Pennsylvania
What it signifies in other contexts: That location from long ago when all those patriotic things transpired.
In Pennsylvania, it signifies a diverse state. It has both big and tiny cities, vibrant tech startups, and sizable Amish communities, as well as delectable food inspired by almost every culture on the planet. Above all, it's where you call home.
27. Shoo Fly
What it means elsewhere: The expression used to try to drive away flies.
Meaning in Pennsylvania: A classic molasses-based Pennsylvanian Dutch pie.
Print this Article
