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Philly’s Flavor: Juicy Slang To Sprinkle On Your Cheesesteak

Published:

by Deane Weiss

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Philadelphia, known for its rich history and iconic cheesesteaks, also boasts a unique local dialect. If you’re planning a visit, learning some Philly slang can make your trip even more enjoyable. Imagine ordering a cheesesteak "wit" or "witout" onions and understanding the lingo like a local. From "jawn" to "hoagie," these words add flavor to your experience. Whether you're chatting with a vendor at Reading Terminal Market or cheering at an Eagles game, knowing the local slang helps you fit right in. Ready to sound like a true Philadelphian? Let’s dive into some of the most popular Philly slang terms.

Philly's Flavor: Juicy Slang to Sprinkle on Your Cheesesteak

Philadelphia, known for its rich history and iconic cheesesteaks, also boasts a unique slang that adds flavor to everyday conversations. Whether you're a local or just visiting, knowing these terms can help you blend in and enjoy the city like a true Philadelphian.

Jawn: The All-Purpose Noun

"Jawn" is perhaps the most versatile word in the Philly lexicon. It can mean just about anything, from a person to an object.

  1. "Pass me that jawn." – Hand me that thing.
  2. "Did you see that jawn?" – Did you see that event or person?
  3. "This jawn is amazing!" – This thing is amazing!

Wooder: The Philly Pronunciation of Water

In Philly, water isn't just water; it's "wooder." This pronunciation is a hallmark of the local accent.

  1. "Can I get a glass of wooder?" – May I have a glass of water?
  2. "Wooder ice is the best." – Italian ice is the best.
  3. "The wooder in the river is high." – The water level in the river is high.

Yo: The Universal Greeting

"Yo" is more than just a greeting in Philly; it's a way of life. It can be used to get someone's attention or as a casual hello.

  1. "Yo, what's up?" – Hi, how are you?
  2. "Yo, check this out." – Look at this.
  3. "Yo, you coming?" – Are you coming?

Down the Shore: Heading to the Beach

When Philadelphians say they're going "down the shore," they mean they're heading to the beaches of New Jersey.

  1. "We're going down the shore this weekend." – We're going to the beach this weekend.
  2. "I love spending summers down the shore." – I enjoy spending summers at the beach.
  3. "Down the shore, the boardwalk is fun." – The boardwalk at the beach is fun.

Wit or Witout: Ordering Your Cheesesteak

When ordering a cheesesteak, you'll be asked if you want it "wit" or "witout" onions. This is a crucial part of the Philly cheesesteak experience.

  1. "I'll take mine wit." – I want my cheesesteak with onions.
  2. "Make it witout." – Make my cheesesteak without onions.
  3. "Wit or witout, it's always good." – Whether with or without onions, it's always delicious.

Hoagie: The Philly Sub Sandwich

In Philly, a sub sandwich is called a hoagie. It's a staple of local cuisine.

  1. "I'll have an Italian hoagie." – I'll have an Italian sub sandwich.
  2. "Hoagie Fest is the best." – The annual hoagie sale is the best.
  3. "Nothing beats a hoagie for lunch." – A sub sandwich is the best lunch option.

The L: The Elevated Train

The Market-Frankford Line, known as "The L," is a major public transit route in Philly.

  1. "Take The L to 69th Street." – Ride the elevated train to 69th Street.
  2. "The L is running late." – The elevated train is delayed.
  3. "I always take The L to work." – I always use the elevated train for my commute.

Cheesesteak: The Iconic Philly Dish

No visit to Philly is complete without trying a cheesesteak. Knowing how to order one is key.

  1. "I'll have a cheesesteak wit wiz." – I'll have a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz.
  2. "Provolone on my cheesesteak, please." – I want provolone cheese on my cheesesteak.
  3. "Cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's?" – Should we get a cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's?

The Birds: Referring to the Eagles

Philadelphians love their sports teams, especially the Eagles, affectionately known as "The Birds."

  1. "The Birds are playing tonight." – The Eagles have a game tonight.
  2. "Go Birds!" – Cheer for the Eagles!
  3. "The Birds won the Super Bowl!" – The Eagles won the Super Bowl!

Bringing Philly's Flavor to Life

Philly's slang adds a unique twist to everyday conversations. Using words like "jawn", "hoagie", and "wit" can make you feel like a local. These terms aren't just words; they carry the city's history and culture. Next time you're in Philadelphia, try ordering a cheesesteak "wit" onions or asking for a hoagie. You'll see how quickly you blend in.

Learning local slang can make your visit more fun and engaging. It shows respect for the city's traditions and helps you connect with people. So, don't be shy. Sprinkle some Philly slang into your chats. Whether you're talking about food, places, or just hanging out, these words will add flavor to your experience. Enjoy your time in Philly, and remember, it's all about the vibe.