Pennsylvania is full of rich history, rolling hills, and some very unique local charm. But if you’ve spent any real time in the Keystone State, you’ve probably heard some sayings that left you scratching your head—or laughing out loud.
From Pittsburgh to Philly and all the Amish country in between, Pennsylvanians have a language all their own. Here are 17 hilarious and oh-so-unique sayings you’ll only hear in Pennsylvania.
1. “Jeet yet?”
Translation: “Did you eat yet?”
Pennsylvanians love to talk fast and skip syllables. This classic phrase sounds like one jumbled word—but everyone local understands it instantly.
2. “We’re going down the shore.”
Translation: Heading to the Jersey Shore.
Even though the beach isn’t in Pennsylvania, this phrase is basically summer tradition. Going “down the shore” is what locals say when they head to the coast.
3. “I need to red up my room.”
Translation: I need to clean or tidy up my room.
“Red up” is classic Western PA talk, especially around Pittsburgh. No one really knows where it came from—but it’s still going strong.
4. “Throw your clothes down the cellar steps.”
Translation: Put your dirty laundry downstairs.
Sounds a bit aggressive, but it’s just how many Pennsylvanians grew up doing laundry!
5. “It’s spritzing out.”
Translation: It’s lightly raining.
A gentle way to say it’s kind of drizzling outside—common across much of central and eastern PA.
6. “Yinz coming over later?”
Translation: Are you all coming over later?
“Yinz” is Pittsburgh’s version of “y’all” or “you guys.” If you hear this, you’re deep in Steelers country.
7. “I got stuck in Nebby traffic.”
Translation: I was delayed because of people being nosey.
“Nebby” is Pittsburgh slang for someone who’s nosy. And yes, people really say “nebby traffic.”
8. “The hoagie place is by the Acme.”
Translation: The sandwich shop is near the Acme grocery store.
Philly folks say “hoagie” instead of “sub,” and they’ll give directions based on grocery stores like Acme or Giant.
9. “This needs washed.”
Translation: This needs to be washed.
PA grammar sometimes skips little words. You’ll hear people say things like “The car needs cleaned” or “The dishes need done.”
10. “We’re having dippy eggs for breakfast.”
Translation: We’re having soft, runny eggs—perfect for dipping toast.
“Dippy eggs” is a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite, and many locals grew up on them.
11. “She’s such a jagoff.”
Translation: She’s annoying or rude.
A classic insult in Pittsburgh, but don’t use it lightly—it can be funny or fighting words, depending on how it’s said.
12. “It’s gonna be a scorcher today.”
Translation: It’s going to be really hot outside.
Every Pennsylvania summer, you’ll hear this at least once, usually followed by someone offering sweet tea.
13. “Go grab a buggy.”
Translation: Get a shopping cart.
In most places, it’s called a cart. But in PA, especially in Amish or rural areas, it’s a buggy—even at Walmart.
14. “Don’t be so nebby!”
Translation: Don’t be so nosy!
Yes, “nebby” again. It’s just that good—and still used by grandparents, parents, and kids alike.
15. “He’s a real yinzer.”
Translation: He’s a true Pittsburgh native.
A “yinzer” loves the Steelers, eats Primanti Bros, and says “yinz” without blinking.
16. “Did you put the leftover pierogies in the fridge?”
Translation: Yes, this is a real question.
In PA, especially near Polish neighborhoods, pierogies are practically a food group.
17. “You goin’ to the Penn State game or nah?”
Translation: Are you going to the Penn State football game or not?
Penn State pride runs deep, and this is a common way to casually ask someone if they’re going to the big game.
Pennsylvania is more than just history and Hershey’s—it’s a state full of colourful sayings, quirky dialects, and plenty of personality. Whether you’re “redding up” the house, grabbing a “hoagie,” or planning your next trip “down the shore,” these phrases are part of what makes Pennsylvania feel like home.
If you’ve heard these sayings, you know you’re either from PA—or you’ve spent enough time there to start talking like one!
SOURCES
- (https://keystonenewsroom.com/2025/04/01/your-glossary-of-pennsylvania-sayings-and-slang/)
- (https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/fhyk67/hello_pennsylvania_slang_and_unique_phrases/)
- (https://www.movoto.com/guide/pa/pennsylvania-words/)
