Part of growing up a Floridian, for me anyway, was going somewhere else in the country like the Northeast or Midwest, or even a Southern state for the first time and realizing you don’t know what all these weirdos are talking about. I have a hard time thinking of any slang that’s unique to all of Florida, not just one part, like Miami or some of the northern areas, but maybe y’all (or you guys) can think of some.
In the meantime, here are some words that you’re definitely not going to hear us use.
1. Pop
Soda or coke are acceptable. Say pop, and everyone will know you're not from around here.
2. Hoagie or Grinder
Publix hoagie would just sound dumb.
3. On Line
You can say you're waiting "on line," but we're going to assume you're waiting for a video to buffer. We say "in line."
4. Thongs
We have thongs here, but they don't go on your feet.
5. Chughole
Stop trying to make "chughole" happen, Kentucky. It's not going to happen. It's always going to be pothole everywhere else.
6. Rummage Sale or Jumble Sale
If I saw this sign, my first thought would be that someone just put three random words on a poster. Here we usually call them yard sales or garage sales.
7. Carry-In or Hot Dish
This will always be a casserole.
8. Yinz, N'at
Pittsburghese. Yinz = y'all, you all. N'at = and stuff. As in, when yinz going to start speaking English n'at?
9. Shopping Carriage
It's definitely a cart. If you say buggy, I'll know what you mean, but "carriage" will make you sound crazy.
10. Cabinet
Everyone's going to think you hit your head if you call a milkshake a cabinet here, Rhode Island.
11. Duck Bumps
It's goose bumps, silly. You know, like one of the best book series ever?
12. Tump
Some of the more Southern states (that are north of us) say tump or tump over to mean fall over.
13. Whirlygust
I guess country folk use this in some places for a strong wind, but I've never heard it here (and we have plenty of strong winds.)
14. Hoss
This is a Texan word for partner or friend.
15. Bubbler
Can you believe some parts of the country call these bubblers? Actually, it is kind of cute, but we'll stick with water fountain.
Do you disagree with any on this list or have any others we might have forgotten? If you can think of any Florida slang, please share it!
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