Pennsylvania is a diverse tapestry—home to the big-city bustle of Philadelphia, the steel-town heritage of Pittsburgh, and the rolling farmlands in between. With such variety comes a colorful patchwork of local dialects and customs, each boasting its own unique quirks and phrases. If you want to talk like you’ve traveled every mile of the PA Turnpike, these 18 slang terms will help you sound like a true Pennsylvanian.
The Keystone State
Pennsylvania’s official nickname—locals might drop it just to show some home-state pride. After all, the state’s central location in colonial times made it the “keystone” of the original 13 colonies.
Yinzer
A proud term for someone from Pittsburgh, derived from the local way of saying “you all” (yinz). If you ever hear “Yinz goin’ dahntahn?” you’ve just met a true Yinzer.
Nebby
Pittsburgh slang for “nosy.” If a friend’s prying into your weekend plans, you might say, “Don’t be so nebby!”
Red Up
Another Pittsburgh gem meaning “to tidy up” or “clean up.” Before guests arrive, a Pittsburgher might say, “I gotta red up the house first.”
Jagoff
A term for someone being rude or annoying, famously associated with Pittsburgh vernacular. It’s not necessarily profane—just a sharp way to say, “You’re being a jerk.”
Hoagie
The Philadelphia-area word for a long sandwich loaded with meats, cheeses, and veggies. Elsewhere, you might hear “sub,” “hero,” or “grinder,” but in PA, it’s a hoagie, plain and simple.
Jawn
A Philadelphia catch-all noun that can mean literally anything—a person, place, or thing. “Pass me that jawn” could refer to a fork, a TV remote, or a slice of pizza.
Wawa
The convenience store chain that’s practically a way of life in Eastern PA. From fresh coffee to made-to-order hoagies, locals will swear by their beloved “Wawa runs.”
Wooder
How many Philadelphians pronounce “water,” as in “Wanna grab a glass of wooder?” Locals will defend this accent, jawn and all.
Water Ice
Also known as Italian ice—but in Philly and surrounding areas, it’s always “water ice.” Enjoy it on a hot summer’s day, or risk being called a jagoff when you complain about the heat.
Jeet?
A rapid-fire contraction of “Did you eat?” If someone says “Jeet yet?” and you’re hungry, best to answer quick before that hoagie disappears.
Pennsyltucky
A tongue-in-cheek reference to the more rural, sometimes mountainous, middle stretch of Pennsylvania (between Philly and Pittsburgh). It can be used affectionately or teasingly, depending on who’s saying it.
Stillers
The Pittsburgh way of saying “Steelers,” the beloved NFL team. If you hear “Goin’ to the Stillers game,” you know you’re in the ’Burgh.
Iggles
Philadelphia’s own spin on “Eagles.” On game day, you’ll see signs like “Go Iggles!” plastered across the city.
Jimmies
In some parts of PA (and much of the Mid-Atlantic), the chocolate sprinkles on ice cream are called jimmies. Don’t be surprised when the ice cream shop asks, “Jimmies on that?”
State Store
Pennsylvania’s liquor stores, officially run by the Liquor Control Board. Locals still call them “State Stores,” a throwback to the days when alcohol sales were more tightly regulated.
The Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike, a toll highway stretching east to west across the state. If someone says, “I gotta hop on the Turnpike,” brace yourself for toll plazas and scenic farmland views.
Yuengling
America’s oldest brewery is based in Pottsville, PA, and “Yuengling” is both the brewery name and its flagship beer. Order one in-state, and no need to specify brand—“I’ll take a Yuengling” says it all.
These slang terms each capture a slice of Pennsylvania’s distinct culture—from Pittsburgh’s proudly blue-collar roots to Philly’s iconic accent and beloved Wawa stops. By mixing “yinz,” “jawn,” and maybe a little “wooder ice” into your vocabulary, you’ll connect with the local spirit that binds the Keystone State together. Whether you’re rooting for the Stillers or the Iggles, one thing’s for sure—Pennsylvania’s charm lies in its shared traditions, hearty food, and down-to-earth talk.
