Pennsylvania has one of the most varied vocabularies in the entire country, representing five distinct dialects. You could even say we have our own dictionary. Our Pennsylvania slang is deeply ingrained in our roots. Most non-Pennsylvanians probably look at us a bit funny when we use these 20 popular Pennsylvania words.

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There you have it… Your own Pennsylvania slang dictionary. These PA words are just one of the ways that we Pennsylvanians wear our roots. Which are your favorite slang words from Pennsylvania? What words or phrases have we left out? Join the conversation in the comments! Did you know these are nine words that only Pennsylvanians can pronounce?

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More to Explore

Life In Pennsylvania

What are the most popular foods in Pennsylvania?

Living in Pennsylvania means you probably love food. After all, we live in the Snack Food Capital of the World, and Pennsylvania is home to Pennsylvania Dutch food, Hershey’s, Utz, and a whole lot of other delicious companies.

Here are some of the most popular foods in Pennsylvania

  • Philly cheesesteak
  • Whoopie pies
  • Shoofly pies
  • Pierogis
  • Pizza

Then, of course, there’s scrapple, that one famous Pennsylvania food that you either love or hate. The same could probably be said for Peeps, too, another controversial (but yummy, depending on how you look at it) Pennsylvania food.

What stereotypes are there about Pennsylvania?

People have stereotypes about all states, even the cities and small towns. However, some of those Pennsylvania stereotypes are absolutely true, including:

  • We know how to tell a real Philly cheesesteak from a knockoff.
  • We measure distance by time.
  • Our idea of fun – lawnmower races and outhouse races, for example – may be a little bit out of the ordinary, but that’s just what makes Pennsylvania so special.


Where should I go to take photos of Pennsylvania?

You’d probably have an easier time answering where not to take photos in Pennsylvania. There are so many gorgeous spots in Pennsylvania – from natural to man-made wonders. You might even want to take this road trip to some of the best natural wonders in Pennsylvania, each of which is the perfect backdrop for photos.

Here are some of the best places to take photos in Pennsylvania

  • Pine Creek Gorge (the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania)
  • Cherry Springs State Park
  • Ringing Rocks State Park
  • Ricketts Glenn State Park
  • Mount Washington in Pittsburgh
  • Ohiopyle Falls