If You Can Pronounce Or Understand These 7 Words, You've Lived In Georgia For Far Too Long
By Marisa Roman|Published April 16, 2021
×
Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
For anyone who hasn’t lived in Georgia for too long, or who is just visiting the Peach State, it may seem like residents have their own vocabulary when compared to the rest of the world. Which, isn’t entirely inaccurate. There are plenty of words and phrases peppered into Georgian vocabulary that anybody outside the state likely wouldn’t understand. Ready to hear a few? Let’s get to gettin’…
At first glance, you might want to pronounce this small city in Jackson County as "Hosh-ton" but unfortunately, you would be wrong. Real Georgia natives know that this tiny community northeast of Atlanta is pronounced "HOOSH (like push)-tun."
If you’ve ever heard someone outside of Georgia use the phrase "OTP" it usually is in reference to a couple that is perfect for each other - otherwise known as One True Pairing. But Atlanta natives know that when "OTP" is used in Georgia, it means you’re going outside the perimeter, or into the suburbs of Atlanta.
This small city in northwest Lowndes County, Georgia looks like it would be pronounced exactly as it’s spelled "Huh-hee-rah." Except that it’s not, and a true Georgian would know this. This city is pronounced "Hay-HI-ra."
If you’re from Georgia, you’ve likely heard this one before or heck, even said it yourself when you’ve been running late. What do you tell somebody when you’ve lost track of time and you’re going to be late for something? "Let’s go, we got to get-to-gettin’."
Anyone who’s from New York will pronounce this one "All-bun-ee." But for those long-term Georgia residents, this city is pronounced something different entirely. Anyone from Georgia knows that this huge city is pronounced "ALL-binny."
Looking like Dracula just without the "R" right? Wrong. Anyone who has lived in Georgia for a long time knows exactly how to pronounce this gem. Actually, anyone who has lived in Atlanta, too, should be pronounced this suburb properly. For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s pronounced "Duh-CUE-la."
No, this isn’t what you’re carrying your sweet tea in when you're headed to your aunt’s house for Sunday dinner. This term, which has been made popular thanks to many Atlanta rappers, means something else. When somebody uses the term "juug" he or she is usually detailing an unlawful act for personal financial gain, through theft or stealing, scheming or lying.
How many of these Georgia words and phrases did you already know? Did you know how to pronounce all of those city and town names?! We’d love to hear from you in the comments section. Or, if you have more that you’d like to add to this list, then make sure to shout them out, too.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
