Depending on which region in Maryland you live in, you may be guilty of using the following phrases. It seems each region has its own unique blend of Maryland slang. From chicken neckers to hand warshin’, these Maryland phrases make it seem like Marylanders have a language all their own. Have you ever used any of these weird things Marylanders say?

1. Hi, Hon!
zizzybaloobah/Flickr
Hon is used as a term of endearment. If someone calls you hon, embrace it.
2. We're going downy oshun.
m01229/Flickr
Going to the beach? Then you're going downy oshun.
3. Can you get me some warter from the zinc?
Gioconda Beekman/Flickr
This is a two-for-one! What is it about adding an r to water that just seems to flow right?
4. Be sure to warsh your hands!
Ruth/Flickr
Another example of Marylanders adding r to words.
5. They're a bunch'a chicken neckers.
BelindaMariepix/Flickr
If you're not from the eastern shore, then you're a chicken necker. The term came from tourists coming to the eastern shore who often use chicken necks to catch crabs from the pier.
6. You from Bawlmer?
Lee Burchfield/Flickr
For some Marylanders, the word Baltimore only requires two syllables.

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7. Can I pet your dug?
A_Peach/Flickr
Seriously, that dug is the cutest.
8. Can I hold your pen?
Paul Varuni/Flickr
If you've ever worked in an office in Maryland, then someone may have asked to hold (borrow) your pen.
9. How bout them O's?
NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr
O's is the short and sweet way to refer to the Baltimore Orioles.
10. Will ya grab me a Natty Boh?
Isaac Wedin/Flickr
When talking about Maryland's favorite beer, National Bohemian sounds so formal. It's Natty Boh to locals.
11. Wanna get a sno-ball?
robbiesaurus/Flickr
Snowballs aren't just for wintertime. In Maryland, they're a summertime favorite, preferably topped with marshmallow cream.
12. That's a whole nother story.
Antoine K/Flickr
Usually said while gossiping. Don't even get me started, cuz that's a whole nother story.
13. There's no place like Merlin.
BrianSwan/Flickr
It's just the best. Period.

Are you guilty of using unique Maryland slang with out-of-towners that just don’t understand the weird things Marylanders say? Any you would add to the list? If you are living in Maryland currently or have spent some time here in the past, feel free to share a few humdingers with us! For more Maryland sayings, click here.

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Weird things Marylanders say

Beth C. | December 06, 2021

What is Maryland known for?

Maryland is known for many beautiful natural areas, National treasures, historic places, and welcoming people. Here are a few things that make Maryland unique:

  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • Antietam National Battlefield
  • Ocean City
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park
  • Smith Island
  • Billy Goat Trail
  • Backbone Mountain
  • National Harbor
  • Swallow Falls State Park
  • Deep Creek Lake
  • Chesapeake City
  • Mallows Bay
  • Point Lookout Lighthouse
  • Assateague Island
  • Fort Frederick
  • Jug Bay
  • Patapsco Valley State Park

If you're planning on visiting the great state of Maryland, you can look forward to experiencing extraordinary natural sites, impressive historic landmarks, friendly people, and an assortment of impressive attractions. Maryland is perhaps most famously known for being the home of the Chesapeake Bay, out of which are sourced some of the best blue crabs and seafood in the world. The capital of Maryland is Baltimore, which historically has served as a major trading post for the U.S. While planning your trip to the Old Line State, be sure to have your bucket list handy. This list may include any of the following Maryland destinations: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Antietam National Battlefield, Ocean City, Baltimore, Calvert Cliffs State Park, Smith Island, Billy Goat Trail, Backbone Mountain, National Harbor, Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake, Chesapeake City, Mallows Bay, Point Lookout Lighthouse, the Chesapeake Bay, Assateague Island, Annapolis, Fort Frederick, Berlin, Jug Bay, and Patapsco Valley State Park. Learn more about these bucket-list-worthy Maryland destinations.

What are the best parks in Maryland?

Some of the best state parks in Maryland include:

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