There are some words or slang that only natives of Maryland recognize. Rather than being ashamed of our different pronunciations or dialects, we proudly own them. Our culture is definitely unique and the same goes for our jargon as well. Here are 12 words you’ll only find in Maryland.
1) O's
It's not just a letter in the alphabet. O's fans bleed orange and black.
2) Jimmy
To the rest of the country it's a name, to Maryland, a bushel of Jimmy's (male crabs) is the tastiest thing they'll eat all year.
3) Sally or Sook
On the flipside, a Sally or Sook is a female crab.
4) DMV
No, not the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV is the area of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
5) Sno-ball
When we hear the term sno-ball, this is what first comes to mind. Actual snow, second.
6) Bawlmer
This is only one variation on how Marylanders from different regions pronounce Baltimore.
7) Merlin
Also just one of the ways Maryland has been pronounced by locals.
8) OC
OC is usually known as a popular TV show based in Orange County, CA. Here in Maryland, we understand that you're talking about Ocean City when you mention OC.
9) Moco / Hoco / PG
They're counties. Saying all the syllables is just too much work.
10) Hon
It means hun, or honey, or just "Hey you!"
11) Natty Boh
The rest of the US knows it as National Bohemian. We know it as Natty Boh, or Nat Boh.
12) Terps
Terps is short for the Terrapins. And terrapins are the most royal turtles in our state.
It would be impossible to list all of Maryland’s slang and dialects. Please share your region below and what words you often hear!
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