It is Just PA
Pennsylvania is one of few states in which locals refer to their home simply by its abbreviation. The word “pee-ayy” is more often than not heard in place of the full name.
Pennsylvania Has Some Huge Cities
Housing both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is home to some of the biggest cities in the country. Locals are usually very familiar with these big cities and the influence they have on the rest of Pennsylvania.
There Are Also Tons Of Tiny Towns
In between the big cities of the Keystone State, there are tons of very small towns often built around farming. Life moves a bit slower here, making it a true definition of contrast.
Nittany Lions Probably Won’t Maul You (Unless You’re From Ohio State)
Penn State is where most Pennsylvanians place their college sports allegiance. With one of the largest fan bases in the country, the Nittany Lions are a football and one of the most ferocious teams around.
Pennsylvanians Don’t “Go To The Beach”
While Pennsylvanians might literally go to the beach, that’s not what they tell people they’re doing. If a Pennsylvanian is talking about heading to Jersey, they’ll say they’re “going down the shore.”
Season Starts Out With A Bang
The start of hunting season is basically a holiday in PA, with people taking off of work and some schools even canceling classes.
It’s Best Not To Cheer For The Other Team
Between Eagles and Steelers supporters, Pennsylvania is home to some of the most die-hard, ruthless fans around. Word to the wise: it’s best not to wear opposing colors on game day.
Things Are “Terrible” Around Here!
First used in 1975, the “terrible towel” is the rally flag that Steelers fans wave from stands at Heinz Field. This word tends to get used as an adjective all around Steeler’s country, but it’s usually just a means of showing support for the black and gold.
There’s A Reason Pittsburgh Looks So Familiar
If you think you’ve seen Pittsburgh’s unique layout somewhere before, it’s probably because you’ve seen the Dark Knight Trilogy. With its iconic bridges, Pittsburgh was the perfect setting of the fictional Gotham in the popular Batman series. Who needs Hollywood?
Everyone’s Own Favorite Philly Cheesesteak Place Is Actually The Best
It should be obvious, but Philly Cheesesteaks are a pretty big deal in this state. Everyone has their own favorite and will argue to the death for their favorite shop.
Get Used To Hearing “Youse” and “Yinz”
Just like the South has it’s “Y’all”, Pennsylvania has its “youse” and “yinz.” The terms stem from the two larger cities, with “youse” coming from Philly and “yinz” being a Pittsburgh thing.
Hersheypark Isn’t Just About The Chocolate
Hershey chocolate is a big deal in Pennsylvania, but a trip to Hersheypark is even sweeter. With 12 roller coasters and dozens of other rides, you won’t know which is stronger: your sugar rush or your adrenaline rush.
Scrapple Is No Board Game
Blocks of mush made of cornmeal, flour, and typically undesirable pork scraps, let your out-of-town friend try scrapple before you tell them what it is made from.
Some Town Names Will Make You Laugh
It’s hard not to stop. giggle and take a picture with some town signs in Pennsylvania, with names like Intercourse, Blue Ball, Provocative, and Virginville popping up across the countryside.
Yuengling Is Said With A Zing
While the word might look difficult to pronounce for an out-of-towner, just remind them that the first syllable in this beer’s name rhymes with “zing.” It’s not “young-ling”, it’s “ying-ling.
Liquor Laws Are A Bit Wacky
Don’t head to the grocery store to buy hard alcohol or wine in Pennsylvania. Strangely unique state liquor laws require that these types of alcohol are only sold at the state-owned Wine & Spirits Stores.
Chicken, Gravy, And Waffles! Oh My!
Though most people think it’s a Southern food tradition, the chicken and waffles plate puts up a strong showing in Pennsylvania as well, usually topped with gravy.
This Crick Will Get You Wet
A “crick” isn’t just something that’s found in an aching back in Pennsylvania. Tons of the Pennsylvanians call what most Americans would call a “creek” a “crick.” In this state, a “creek” is really just the sound wooden floorboards make.
It’s Not Odd To Be Invited To A Party In A Fire Hall
In small towns across Pennsylvania, the fire hall is often the largest, most accessible building around. As a result, these buildings are often rented out for special events like weddings, baby showers, and banquets.
Prepare To Start Craving Hoagies
Called tons of different things across the country, people with roots in the Philly area prefer the term “hoagie” and they make these sandwiches better than anywhere else in the country. Italian bread split down the middle and stuffed with tons of meat, if you’re getting a hoagie in Pennsylvania, you can’t go wrong.
Pennsylvania’s World Series Is A “Little” Smaller Than You Would Think
Held every August in South Williamsport, the Little League World Series attracts teams from all around the globe. And while Pennsylvania hasn’t won since 1960, locals still go crazy for this tournament every year.
Texas Hot Dogs Are A PA Thing
Don’t let the name fool you. Texas Hot Dogs are made in Altoona and they are a major source of Pennsylvania pride. Topped with their famous chili, a stop here will have you coming back for more.
Middleswarth Potato Chips Are Just Right
Middleswarth Potato Chips are so awesome, they’re shipped around the country to displaced Pennsylvanians with a late night craving. If an out-of-towner comes to visit, make sure they take a few bags home to spread the love.
Lebanon Bologna Isn’t Imported
This sausage loaf comes straight from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and was developed by the local Dutch community in the 19th century. It’s made of beef that’s been smoked and cured, comparable by most to summer sausage with a uniquely tangy bite.
Everything Seems To Be Connected To The Dutch
Early Dutch settlements played a huge role in the development of Pennsylvania. While this culture is simply a part of normal life for people in the Keystone State, out-of-towners are sure to point out how common the word “Dutch” seems to appear.
Tastykake Is The Most Descriptive Brand Name Ever
A local brand of snacks, Tastykakes blow competitors like Little Debbie and Hostess out of the water (or “wudder” if you choose to say it phonetically like a real PA resident). With favorites like Krimpets and Kandy Kakes, it’s hard to go wrong as long as there’s a Tastykakes logo on the box.
Do not Underestimate The Power Of The Pothole
Pennsylvania has some of the worst roads in the country. Make sure out-of-towners know to take the potholes easy at the risk of needing expensive repairs at the conclusion of their trip.
Birch Beer Is Not Root Beer. I Will Repeat This. It is not Root Beer.
Another Pennsylvania favorite, birch beer is made with the sap from birch trees, while root beer is made with flavoring that comes from sassafras. While some say the two drinks taste similar, Pennsylvanian’s know that their birch beer takes the top prize.
Shoo The Flies Away From The Pies
Another Pennsylvanian Dutch food that’s delicious is the shoofly pie. It is made with molasses and often topped with something resembling coffee cake, be warned: it’s impossible to stop at just one slice.
Pot Pie And How It Was Intended To Be Enjoyed
While the rest of the country is making soup filled pastries and calling them pot pies, Pennsylvanians enjoy this comfort food how it was always meant to be. Here, it’s more of a creamy stew served in a bowl featuring meat, veggies, and egg noodles. There’s no crust and it isn’t baked.
A War Was Brewing Over Wawa And Sheetz
Spoiler alert: Wawa won. Every Pennsylvanian is addicted to making daily trips to their local convenience store, which one depends on their location in the state. If they’re living in the Eastern part of the state, they tend to swear by Wawa, while those in the West love Sheetz. Come to Florida and see the strategic growth of Wawa if you feel the desire to fight me on this take.
Mike Hamson 