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Classic Pittsburgh Iconic / friendly

Yinz

A Pittsburgh way to say “you all” or “you guys.”

“Yinz coming dahntahn later?”
Open word
Attitude Comedic / irritated

Jagoff

A Pittsburgh insult for someone acting annoying, foolish, or inconsiderate.

“Quit parking like a jagoff.”
Open word
Place / pronunciation Local / directional

Dahntahn

Pittsburgh pronunciation of “downtown.”

“We’re heading dahntahn before the game.”
Open word
Personality Playful / corrective

Nebby

Nosy or overly interested in someone else’s business.

“Don’t be so nebby.”
Open word
Home / family Practical / familiar

Redd Up

To clean up, tidy, or straighten an area.

“Redd up the room before people get here.”
Open word
Weather / warning Cautionary / local

Slippy

Slippery.

“Careful, those steps are slippy.”
Open word
Household Everyday / practical

Gum Band

A rubber band.

“Put a gum band around those papers.”
Open word
Food / drink Everyday

Pop

Soda or soft drink.

“Grab me a pop while you’re up.”
Open word
Sports / pronunciation Local / fan

Stillers

Pittsburgh pronunciation of Steelers.

“Stillers are on Sunday.”
Open word
Food / drink Nostalgic

Chipped Ham

Thinly sliced ham, often associated with Pittsburgh-area delis.

“Pick up some chipped ham.”
Open word
Home / family Everyday / practical

Sweeper

A vacuum cleaner.

“Run the sweeper before they get here.”
Open word
Place / pronunciation Rural / local

Crick

A creek.

“We used to play down by the crick.”
Open word
regional Casual / conversational

Baby Buggy

A baby carriage or stroller.

“She pushed the baby buggy down the sidewalk.”
Open word
regional Friendly / family

Carbon Oil

Kerosene.

“My pap still called kerosene carbon oil.”
Open word
regional Local / nostalgic

Beal

To fester, swell, or become infected.

“Do not keep picking at it or it might beal.”
Open word
Everyday Practical

Buggy

A shopping cart.

“Grab a buggy when you go in.”
Open word
regional Everyday / familiar

Bealed

Infected, swollen, or abscessed.

“His ear looked bealed after he ignored it for a week.”
Open word
regional Funny / familiar

Zapper

A TV remote control.

“Who took the zapper? The game is about to start.”
Open word
Food / drink Everyday

Hoagie

A long sandwich.

“I’m getting an Italian hoagie.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Food / everyday speech

Jeetjet?

A tighter Pittsburgh-style compression of “Did you eat yet?”

“Jeetjet? There’s still city chicken in the kitchen.”
Open word
Food / Culture Breakfast / family speech

Dippy Eggs

Eggs with runny yolks, usually served with toast for dipping.

“I’ll have dippy eggs and toast.”
Open word
Food / Culture Everyday speech

Dippy

Runny or suitable for dipping, especially when describing eggs.

“Make the eggs dippy so I can use the toast.”
Open word
food_culture Proud / playful

Oleo

Margarine.

“Grandma wrote oleo in the cookie recipe instead of margarine.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday / list-ending phrase

N’Stuff

And stuff; and so on.

“We got chips, pop, cookies n’stuff.”
Open word
Culture Funny / territorial

Parking Chair

A chair used to claim or protect a parking spot.

“Somebody put a parking chair out front.”
Open word
food_culture Nostalgic / local

Galumbki

Stuffed cabbage, usually cabbage leaves filled with meat and rice and cooked in sauce.

“She made galumbki for the family dinner after church.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday / list-ending phrase

And Stuff N’At

And stuff, and so on.

“We brought pop, gobs, pierogies and stuff n’at.”
Open word
food_culture Local / spoken

Cut

A slice of pizza.

“Can I get two cuts of pepperoni and a pop?”
Open word
phrase Local / casual

Needs Done

A regional grammar construction meaning needs to be done.

“This paperwork needs done before lunch.”
Open word
regional Directional / local

Bobos

Generic, cheap, or off-brand shoes.

“He showed up in those bobos and everybody had something to say.”
Open word
regional Directional / local

Bumbershoot

An umbrella.

“Take a bumbershoot; the sky looks rough over the hill.”
Open word
regional Casual / directional

Cream Rinse

Hair conditioner.

“Use the cream rinse or your hair will be full of knots.”
Open word
regional Proud / playful

Doohickey

An unspecified object, gadget, or thing whose name the speaker cannot remember.

“Hand me that doohickey from the drawer so I can fix this.”
Open word
Pittsburghese Identity Local identity

Gumbander

A Pittsburgher who moved away and came back home.

“She’s a gumbander; moved away for ten years and came right back.”
Open word
Nature / regional Warning / rural

Jaggerbush

A thorny bush or bramble.

“Don’t walk through that jaggerbush.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Ahia

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “Ohio.”

“I have to go to Ahia next week.”
Open word
regional Playful / corrective

Druthers

A person’s preference or choice, usually in the phrase if I had my druthers.

“If I had my druthers, we would leave before the tunnels back up.”
Open word
Pronunciation Household / nostalgic

Worsh

Pittsburgh-area pronunciation of “wash.”

“I gotta worsh the car.”
Open word
regional Household / familiar

Eavespouting

Gutters or guttering along the edge of a roof.

“The eavespouting needs cleaned before the next storm.”
Open word
regional Household / familiar

Grinny

A chipmunk, and in some regional lists a squirrel-like small animal.

“A grinny ran across the porch and scared the cat.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Family language

Baba

Grandmother, especially in Slavic/Eastern European family usage heard around Pittsburgh.

“We’re going to visit my baba this weekend.”
Open word
regional Local / playful

Hankerin

A craving, want, or strong desire for something.

“I have a hankerin for a hot sausage sammich.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase List-ending / dialect phrase

An Aw

And all; and everything else.

“We got gobs, pop, pierogies an aw.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Older / archaic dialect

Fer To

In order to; for; to.

“I came by fer to help redd up.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Brudder

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation spelling of “brother.”

“My brudder is coming over later.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Casual

Jag

To tease, bother, prick, or irritate; the root behind “jagoff” and “jaggin’ around.”

“Don’t jag me while I’m working.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday speech

An'at

Compressed form of “and that,” used like “and so on” or “etc.”

“We got pop, chips, hoagies an’at.”
Open word
regional Food / nostalgic

Hork

To steal or take something, often something small or low-value.

“Somebody horked my last pop from the fridge.”
Open word
regional Food / nostalgic

Lunch-Head

An idiot, fool, or person being mocked.

“Do not be such a lunch-head; the door opens the other way.”
Open word
regional Casual / spoken

Mushball

Softball, especially the large 16-inch ball used in some versions of the sport.

“They played mushball at the park until the lights came on.”
Open word
pronunciation Household / spoken

Surp

A Pittsburghese pronunciation spelling of syrup.

“Pass the surp before my waffle gets cold.”
Open word
food_culture Household / familiar

Wedgie

A folded, half-moon pizza-dough sandwich filled with hoagie-style ingredients.

“I ordered an Italian wedgie instead of a regular hoagie.”
Open word
Pronunciation Household / casual

Cauch

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “couch.”

“Move over on the cauch.”
Open word
Pronunciation Household / old-school

Court

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “quart.”

“Grab a court of milk.”
Open word
Family Family / familiar

Cuzint

A Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “cousin.”

“My cuzint is coming over.”
Open word
Phrase Family / household

Cupny

A compressed way to say “company,” as in visitors coming over.

“We got cupny coming later.”
Open word
Pronunciation Family / playful

Cryyinz

A Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “crayons.”

“Put the cryyinz back in the box.”
Open word
Pronunciation Household / chore

Dishizz

A Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “dishes.”

“Do the dishizz before you leave.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Informal / family speech

Gutcheez

Underwear; a word tied to Pittsburgh’s Eastern European language influence.

“The laundry basket is full of socks and gutcheez.”
Open word
Pronunciation Spoken / urgent

Fahr

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “fire.”

“The fahr truck went by.”
Open word
Pronunciation Spoken / soft

Flahr

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “flower.”

“That flahr is blooming already.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Corrective / humorous

Bring It Dahn A Thahsnd

Quiet down; lower the volume or intensity.

“Yinz need to bring it dahn a thahsnd in here.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Dubbya

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation/spelling of the letter “W.”

“That starts with a dubbya.”
Open word
Pronunciation Home / spoken

Haus

A Pittsburgh-style spelling/pronunciation of “house.”

“We’re going back to the haus.”
Open word
Pronunciation Family / seasonal

Haulladay

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “holiday.”

“Everybody’s coming over for the haulladay.”
Open word
Phrase Casual / conversational

Howzabaht

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “how about.”

“Howzabaht we leave early?”
Open word
Phrase Curious / casual

Howzcome

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “how come.”

“Howzcome nobody told me?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Filled

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation/spelling of “field.”

“They were playing ball on the filled.”
Open word
Pronunciation Funny / everyday

Innernet

A casual pronunciation of “internet.”

“Look it up on the innernet.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / playful

Jimmies

Sprinkles used on ice cream, cake, or desserts.

“Put jimmies on mine.”
Open word
Pronunciation Spoken / practical

Keller

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “color.”

“What keller do you want?”
Open word
Pronunciation Casual / spoken

Ketch

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “catch.”

“Ketch the ball.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Everyday speech

Git

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “get.”

“Git over here and help me.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

A Hunnert

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “one hundred.”

“There must be a hunnert people in line.”
Open word
Pronunciation Household / warning

Mahs

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “mouse.”

“There’s a mahs in the basement.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Outdoor / yard speech

Jaggers

Thorns or prickly parts of a bush.

“Watch out for the jaggers on that bush.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / spoken

Meer

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “mirror.”

“Check the meer before you leave.”
Open word
Pronunciation Food / spoken

Mill

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “meal.”

“That was a good mill.”
Open word
Pronunciation Directional / spoken

Mowl

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “mile.”

“It’s only one mowl away.”
Open word
Pronunciation Directional / spoken

Mowls

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “miles.”

“We drove ten mowls.”
Open word
Family Family / affectionate

Mum

Mom.

“Ask Mum if we can go.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / schedule

Mundee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Monday.

“I’ll do it on Mundee.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / schedule

Tuesdee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Tuesday.

“The appointment is Tuesdee.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / schedule

Wensdee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Wednesday.

“See yinz Wensdee.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / schedule

Thursdee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Thursday.

“The game is Thursdee night.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / weekend

Frydee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Friday.

“We’re going aht Frydee.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / weekend

Sadurdee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Saturday.

“Come over Sadurdee.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / sports

Sundee

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Sunday.

“Stillers play Sundee.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Casual / directive

Scootch

Move over or shift a little.

“Scootch over so I can sit down.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Older / archaic dialect

Fer Til

In order to; for; to.

“He stopped over fer til fix the porch light.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Social / invitation

Stop Up

Come over or visit.

“Stop up after work if yinz have time.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday speech

Sposda

Supposed to.

“You were sposda call me back.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Household directive

Redd Off

Clear off or remove items from a surface.

“Redd off the table before dinner.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Casual

Divvy Up

Divide or separate something into shares.

“Divvy up the cookies before everyone gets here.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Corrective / teasing

Ooglin’

Staring or looking too intently.

“Quit ooglin’ and mind your business.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Expressive / casual

Kimm’awn

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “come on.”

“Kimm’awn, yinz are taking forever.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Everyday speech

Grauge

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation/spelling of “garage.”

“Put the chairs in the grauge.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Nostalgic / summer

Lightning Bugs

Fireflies.

“The lightning bugs are out tonight.”
Open word
Pronunciation Industrial / local

Ahrn

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “iron.”

“That old gate is made of ahrn.”
Open word
Pronunciation Spoken / time

Ahr

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “hour.”

“I’ll be there in an ahr.”
Open word
Pronunciation Sports / casual

Bahl

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “ball.”

“Throw the bahl over here.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / spoken

Cahr

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “car.”

“Get in the cahr.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Maahntins

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation/spelling of “mountains.”

“We drove through the maahntins last weekend.”
Open word
Pronunciation Casual / spoken

Bawt

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “bought.”

“I bawt it yesterday.”
Open word
Pronunciation Casual / spoken

Bowf

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “both.”

“Take bowf of them.”
Open word
Pronunciation Community / spoken

Chawrch

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “church.”

“We’re going to chawrch Sunday.”
Open word
Culture / pronunciation Community / food

Chawrch Basement

A Pittsburgh-style way to say church basement.

“The fish fry is in the chawrch basement.”
Open word
Household Household / practical

Spicket

A spigot or faucet.

“Turn off the spicket outside.”
Open word
Pronunciation Everyday / spoken

Worter

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “water.”

“Get me a glass of worter.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Everyday speech

Maul

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “mall.”

“We’re going to the maul after lunch.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / playful

Sammich

A casual word for sandwich.

“Make me a sammich.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / playful

Sammiches

Plural of sammich; sandwiches.

“We got sammiches for everyone.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Rill

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “real.”

“That was rill nice of yinz.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Identity Language / identity

Pixburghese

Pittsburghese pronounced in Pittsburghese style.

“That phrase is pure Pixburghese.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Sill

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “seal.”

“Make sure the lid has a good sill.”
Open word
Identity Proud / playful

Da Burgh

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “the Burgh.”

“Welcome to Da Burgh.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / spoken dialect

Squorsh

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of “squash.”

“We had roasted squorsh with dinner.”
Open word
Culture / sports Proud / casual

Black N Gold

A casual spelling of Black and Gold.

“It’s a Black N Gold kind of town.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Driving / regional speech

Whinedy Road

A winding road.

“That whinedy road gets slippy in winter.”
Open word
Identity Proud / identity

Yinzer Nation

A phrase for Pittsburgh people and fans wherever they live.

“Yinzer Nation shows up everywhere.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Everyday speech

Ascard

Afraid or scared.

“I was ascard to drive when the roads got slippy.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / community

Fish Fry

A community meal centered on fried fish, especially during Lent.

“We’re going to the fish fry Friday.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / seasonal

Lenten Fish Fry

A fish fry held during the Lenten season.

“The Lenten fish fry line was out the door.”
Open word
Food / culture Wedding / nostalgic

Cookie Table

A wedding or event table filled with homemade cookies.

“The cookie table was bigger than the cake table.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / sweet

Gobs

Cake-like sandwich cookies with cream filling.

“She brought chocolate gobs to the party.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / nostalgic

Lady Locks

Cream-filled pastry cookies often seen at weddings and holidays.

“Save me a lady lock from the cookie table.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / family

Nut Roll

A rolled pastry filled with nuts, often made for holidays.

“My aunt makes nut roll every Christmas.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / iconic

Pierogi

A filled dumpling strongly associated with Pittsburgh food culture.

“I want a pierogi with onions.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / iconic

Pierogies

Plural/common local form of pierogi.

“We’re having pierogies for dinner.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / comfort

Haluski

A cabbage and noodle dish common in Pittsburgh-area ethnic food traditions.

“There’s haluski at the church dinner.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / ethnic

Kielbasa

Polish sausage common in Pittsburgh-area food culture.

“Cut up the kielbasa for dinner.”
Open word
Pronunciation / food Food / spoken

Kolbassi

A local-sounding pronunciation/spelling of kielbasa.

“We’re having kolbassi and pierogies.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / nostalgic

City Chicken

A skewered meat dish made to resemble chicken.

“My grandma made city chicken.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / comfort

Wedding Soup

A soup with greens, small meatballs, and pasta, common at events and family meals.

“Get a bowl of wedding soup.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / nostalgic

Barbecue Ham

Chipped ham served in a barbecue-style sauce.

“We’re making barbecue ham sandwiches.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Expressive

Flustrated

A blend of flustered and frustrated.

“I got flustrated trying to find parking.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Weather / driving

Slippy Whinedy Road

A slippery winding road.

“Be careful on that slippy whinedy road.”
Open word
regional Nostalgic / brand caution

Paper Poke

A paper bag, especially an older regional way to describe a grocery or lunch bag.

“Put those pierogies in a paper poke before they slide around in the buggy.”
Open word
phrase Place / brand caution

Needs Cut

A regional grammar construction meaning something needs to be cut, as in the grass needs cut.

“The yard needs cut before the rain gets here.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Casual

Prolly

Probably.

“I’ll prolly stop up later.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday speech

Zaksame

The exact same.

“Those two shirts are the zaksame color.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Food / everyday speech

No, Jew?

Compressed Pittsburgh-style form of “No, did you?”

“Jeet jet? No, jew?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Hunnerd

Hundred.

“There were a hunnerd people at the fish fry.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Informal / family speech

Dupa

Butt or backside, from Slavic-influenced regional family speech.

“Sit your dupa down and eat.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Historical / caution

Hunky

A Pittsburgh-area Eastern European cultural term; historically used around immigrant communities and should be handled carefully.

“That old family word has a complicated history.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Food / everyday speech

Nuh-Uh, Jew?

Compressed answer meaning “No, did you?”

“Jeet yet? Nuh-uh, jew?”
Open word
Food / Culture Deli / food language

Chipped

Very thinly sliced, usually referring to meat.

“Ask for it chipped thin.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Sound pattern

Orsh

The Pittsburgh-style “orsh” sound used in words like worsh and squorsh.

“That worsh and squorsh sound is pure Pittsburghese.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Historical / community custom

Belling

A noisy mock serenade or celebration for newlyweds.

“The neighbors made a belling after the wedding.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food speech

Cruds

Cottage cheese.

“Put some cruds on the plate.”
Open word
Food / Culture Older family food speech

Crudded Milk

Cottage cheese.

“My gram called it crudded milk.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Older regional speech

Drooth

Drought.

“The garden suffered in that drooth.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Older regional speech

Feature

To think about, imagine, or understand.

“I can’t feature why they did it that way.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Outdoor / yard speech

Grinnie

Chipmunk.

“A grinnie ran across the yard.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Informal / family speech

Undergutchies

Undergarments or underwear.

“The laundry is full of socks and undergutchies.”
Open word
Household Speech Older family language

Hap

Comfort, comforter, or quilt.

“That old hap kept me warm all winter.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Insult / caution

Hoopy

A person seen as rural or unsophisticated.

“He used hoopy as a put-down, but I wouldn’t say it on merch.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Outdoor / yard speech

Jagger

A thorn, sharp point, or prickly object.

“I got a jagger in my finger.”
Open word
Food / Culture Cultural food speech

Kolbusy

Variant pronunciation of kielbasa.

“We had kolbusy with sauerkraut.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Outdoor / yard speech

Monkey Ball

Fruit of the osage orange tree.

“There are monkey balls all over the yard.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Weather / seasonal speech

Onion Snow

An early spring snow.

“That onion snow won’t last long.”
Open word
Household Speech Household directive

Sweep

To vacuum.

“Sweep the living room before cupny gets here.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Winter / clothing speech

Tossle Cap

Knit winter hat.

“Put on your tossle cap; it’s slippy out.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Workplace speech

Trick

A work shift.

“He’s working the late trick tonight.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday grammar

The Butter’s All

The butter is all gone.

“The butter’s all, so put it on the grocery list.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Grammar / usage

Leave Him Go

Let him go.

“Leave him go outside for a minute.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Grammar / usage

Let The Book

Leave the book.

“Let the book on the table.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday grammar

Wants Petted

Wants to be petted.

“The dog wants petted.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Grammar / usage

Babies Like Cuddled

Babies like to be cuddled.

“Babies like cuddled when they’re tired.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Grammar / usage

Punctual Whenever

Using “whenever” to mean “when” for a one-time event.

“Whenever I got home, the power was out.”
Open word
Household Speech Everyday household language

Bitzle

A little piece of dirt, lint, crumb, or debris.

“Pick up that bitzle before you run the sweeper.”
Open word
Home / culture Home / funny

Basement Toilet

A toilet located openly in a basement.

“There’s a basement toilet next to the washer.”
Open word
Home / culture Home / iconic

Pittsburgh Potty

A toilet installed in a basement, often with little or no enclosure.

“This house still has a Pittsburgh potty.”
Open word
Household Speech Everyday household language

Bitzles

Little pieces of dirt, lint, crumbs, or debris.

“Yinz left bitzles all over the kitchen.”
Open word
Everyday Everyday / practical

Pop Machine

A vending machine for pop or soft drinks.

“There’s a pop machine by the door.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Driving / everyday

Blinkers

Turn signals on a vehicle.

“Use your blinkers before you cut across three lanes.”
Open word
School / Family Speech Everyday school language

Bookbag

Backpack.

“Put your homework in your bookbag.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Closing phrase / local humor

That’s It, Fort Pitt

That’s right, or it’s all over.

“That’s it, Fort Pitt — we’re done here.”
Open word
Household Speech Household / cleaning

I Redd The House

I cleaned the house.

“I redd the house before cupny came over.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Transportation / everyday speech

Ride Me Home

Give me a ride home.

“Can you ride me home after work?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Transportation / everyday speech

Can You Ride Me Home?

Can you give me a ride home?

“Can you ride me home after the fish fry?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Everyday pronunciation

Roon

Ruin.

“Don’t roon the surprise.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Household grammar

Needs Swept

Needs to be swept or vacuumed.

“The kitchen needs swept.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Everyday speech

Roont

Ruined.

“The rain roont our plans.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Dialect education

Fowl

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “fowl.”

“That sounded like fahl the way my pap said it.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday grammar

The Lawn Needs Cut

The lawn needs to be cut.

“The lawn needs cut before Sunday.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Food / everyday speech

Jeet Yet?

Compressed Pittsburgh-style way of saying “Did you eat yet?”

“Jeet yet, or should we stop for hoagies?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Corrective / teasing

Neb

To pry, snoop, or get into someone else’s business.

“Don’t neb into their conversation.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Corrective / humorous

Quit Being Nebby

Stop being nosy.

“Quit being nebby and mind your own business.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Household speech

Worshed

Washed.

“I already worshed the dishes.”
Open word
Household Speech Kitchen / everyday

Fridge

Refrigerator.

“Put the heat ups in the fridge.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Casual

Jaggin'

Teasing, bothering, or messing with someone.

“I’m not mad; I’m just jaggin’ you.”
Open word
Household Speech Household pronunciation

Worsh Rag

Wash rag or wash cloth.

“Use a worsh rag for the counter.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Household speech

Worshing

Washing.

“She’s worshing the windows.”
Open word
Regional / Cultural Speech Old neighborhood speech

Gumba

Friend, pal, or neighborhood buddy in old local speech.

“That’s my gumba from down the street.”
Open word
Grammar / regional Grammar / local

Needs Washed

A local grammatical construction meaning “needs to be washed.”

“The car needs washed.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Family language

Pap Pap

Grandfather.

“We’re going to Pap Pap’s after church.”
Open word
Grammar / phrase Household / local

Needs Redd Up

A local way to say something needs cleaned or tidied.

“This room needs redd up before company comes.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Family language

Pap

Grandfather, dad, or father figure depending on family usage.

“Ask Pap if he wants coffee.”
Open word
Pronoun / phrase Friendly / plural

All Yinz

A plural form meaning all of you.

“Are all yinz coming over?”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Family language

Gram

Grandmother.

“Gram made dippy eggs for breakfast.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Family language

Grammy

Grandmother.

“We’re stopping at Grammy’s before the game.”
Open word
Pronoun / phrase Friendly / casual

Yinz Guys

A casual plural address similar to “you guys.”

“Yinz guys ready to go?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Adjective Corrective / teasing

Nibby

Nosy; variant of nebby.

“Don’t be so nibby.”
Open word
Identity / speech Identity / speech

Yinzer Accent

The recognizable sound associated with Pittsburgh speech.

“That yinzer accent came out strong.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Noun Corrective / teasing

Nib

A nosy person or someone who pries.

“Quit being a nib and let them talk.”
Open word
Identity / speech Identity / speech

Yinzer English

A casual name for Pittsburghese or local Pittsburgh speech.

“This whole site is about Yinzer English.”
Open word
Identity / speech Identity / speech

Pittsburghese

The local dialect, words, and speech patterns associated with Pittsburgh.

“Yinz is one of the most famous Pittsburghese words.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Directional speech

Uptahn

Uptown, or the upper part of town depending on context.

“We’re heading uptahn after lunch.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Sports / pronunciation

Football Filled

Football field.

“Meet me by the football filled after school.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Positive / expressive

Rill Deal

Real deal, with Pittsburghese-style pronunciation.

“That cookie table was the rill deal.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday / casual

Aht N’at

Out and that; out and about, and so on.

“We were aht n’at all afternoon.”
Open word
Identity / speech Industrial / identity

Steel Town Speak

A phrase describing Pittsburgh’s industrial city speech identity.

“That phrase feels like Steel Town Speak.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Sports / pronunciation

Baseball Filled

Baseball field.

“The baseball filled is behind the school.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Warning / humorous

Yinz Better Watch Aht

You all better watch out.

“Yinz better watch aht, it’s slippy.”
Open word
Household Speech Household / compressed speech

Dahn Da Cellar

Down the basement / down in the cellar.

“The Christmas stuff is dahn da cellar.”
Open word
Food / Culture Brand-adjacent / caution

Heinzes

Ketchup, especially as a Pittsburgh-culture reference.

“Put the Heinzes on the fries.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Brand-adjacent / caution

Ahrn City Beer

Pittsburgh-style pronunciation of Iron City beer.

“He said Ahrn City Beer like he never left town.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / spoken dialect

Sahr

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation of “sour.”

“This candy is really sahr.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Moody / expressive

Blitzen

Pouting silently away from others.

“He’s dahn in da cellar blitzen.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / spoken dialect

Sar

Pittsburghese-style spelling/pronunciation of “sour.”

“Gross, this milk turned sar.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Directional speech

Back Air

Back there.

“I’m not going back air.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Broken / expressive

Blowdup

Broke or stopped working.

“My toaster blowdup this morning.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Everyday / car speech

Erol

Oil.

“Check the erol before you drive dahntahn.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Compressed speech

Wuhn Cha

Wouldn’t you.

“Wuhn cha rather sit by the fan?”
Open word
Food / drink Food / iconic

Fries On Salad

French fries served on top of a salad.

“I got fries on salad for lunch.”
Open word
Behavior Nosy / playful

Nebbin

Being nosy or prying into someone else’s business.

“Quit nebbin and mind your business.”
Open word
Person / behavior Nosy / corrective

Nebnose

A nosy person.

“Don’t be a nebnose.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / iconic

Pittsburgh Salad

A salad topped with French fries, often with grilled chicken or steak.

“Order the Pittsburgh salad with ranch.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / household speech

Melk

Milk.

“Put the melk back in the fridge.”
Open word
Person / behavior Nosy / old-school

Nosey Parker

A nosy person; someone too interested in others’ business.

“Stop being a Nosey Parker.”
Open word
regional Food / brand caution

Positive Anymore

A regional use of anymore to mean nowadays or these days, even in a positive sentence.

“I take the parkway pretty early anymore.”
Open word
Industrial / speech Industrial / spoken

Still Mill

A local-sounding pronunciation of steel mill.

“His family worked at the still mill.”
Open word
Household Speech Household / dialect phrase

Da Cellar

The basement.

“The holiday decorations are dahn in da cellar.”
Open word
Food / regional Food / nostalgic

Jumbo

A regional word for bologna.

“Put jumbo on the sandwich.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Directional speech

Daun

Down.

“Come daun here and help.”
Open word
Industrial / culture Industrial / proud

Steelworker

A worker in the steel industry.

“His dad was a steelworker.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Household / compressed speech

Dahn In Da Cellar

Down in the basement.

“He’s dahn in da cellar looking for the Christmas lights.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / family

Pizzelle

A thin Italian waffle cookie common at holidays and cookie tables.

“My aunt made pizzelle for the cookie table.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Dialect spelling

Da

The.

“Put da pop in da fridge.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / sweet

Thumbprint Cookie

A small cookie with a filled center, often seen on cookie tables.

“Save me a thumbprint cookie.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / family

Apricot Kolache

A fruit-filled pastry associated with Central and Eastern European baking traditions.

“There were apricot kolache on the tray.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Plural-you speech

Yas

You all; plural you.

“See yas after work.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / nostalgic

Nut Horn

A small nut-filled pastry cookie.

“Grab a nut horn before they’re gone.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Casual / conversational

Yak

To talk, chatter, or speak at length.

“They were yakkin on da phone all night.”
Open word
Food / culture Wedding / iconic

Wedding Cookie Table

A wedding table filled with many homemade cookies.

“The wedding cookie table took up a whole wall.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Casual / conversational

Yakkin'

Talking or chattering.

“My old lady was yakkin on da phone.”
Open word
Community / food Community / food

Church Dinner

A community meal hosted by a church.

“The church dinner has haluski tonight.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Casual / conversational

Yakked

Talked or chatted.

“We yakked for an hour after dinner.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Town / civic speech

Diamond

A town square.

“They met down at the diamond before the parade.”
Open word
Community / culture Community / seasonal

Parish Festival

A church or parish community festival.

“The parish festival is this weekend.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Food / regional speech

Dinor

A diner, especially in northwestern Pennsylvania usage.

“We stopped at a dinor on the way home.”
Open word
Community / culture Community / fundraiser

Raffle Basket

A prize basket raffled at community events.

“Put tickets in for the raffle basket.”
Open word
Community / culture Community / fundraiser

50/50 Raffle

A raffle where the prize is half of the money collected.

“They’re selling 50/50 raffle tickets.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Historical / rural

Cracky Wagon

An old regional term for a light wagon without springs.

“That old cracky wagon would rattle the whole road.”
Open word
Community / food Community / fundraiser

Hoagie Sale

A fundraiser where hoagies are sold.

“The band is doing a hoagie sale.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / seasonal

Fish Sandwich

A fried fish sandwich common at Pittsburgh-area fish fries.

“That fish sandwich is bigger than the bun.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Affectionate / dated

Doll Baby

An affectionate or complimentary term for a childlike or attractive person.

“She was a doll baby in that old family photo.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / picnic

Macaroni Salad

A cold pasta salad often served at picnics and community meals.

“Bring macaroni salad to the picnic.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Directional speech

Catty-Corner

Diagonally across.

“The store is catty-corner from the church.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / deli speech

Chipped Chopped Ham

Very thinly sliced chopped ham loaf.

“Get a pound of chipped chopped ham for lunch.”
Open word
Food / culture Community / food

Covered Dish

A potluck-style dish brought to a shared meal.

“It’s a covered dish dinner.”
Open word
Community / food Community / food

Covered Dish Dinner

A potluck-style community meal.

“The covered dish dinner starts at six.”
Open word
Household / Local Culture Local architecture / humor

Pittsburgh Toilet

Another name for a Pittsburgh potty.

“The basement had a Pittsburgh toilet beside the laundry sink.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Historical / institutional

Orphan House

Orphanage.

“The old story called it an orphan house.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Everyday / street speech

Telly Pole

Telephone pole or utility pole.

“The telly pole is aht in front of the hahse.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Household / spoken dialect

Hahse

House.

“The telly pole is aht in front of your hahse.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Historical / needs research

Schindery

A regional Western Pennsylvania word preserved in dialect references.

“That word is old enough that it needs a source note beside it.”
Open word
Food / Culture Older family food speech

Cruddled Milk

Cottage cheese.

“She called it cruddled milk, not cottage cheese.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Paht

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “pout.”

“Don’t paht just because yinz lost.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / picnic speech

Ham Barbecue

A saucy chipped ham sandwich or chipped ham barbecue mixture.

“We had ham barbecue and pop at the picnic.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Pahn

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “pound.”

“That bag weighs about a pahn.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Pahr

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “power.”

“The pahr went out during the storm.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Household / spoken dialect

Put The Cat Aht

Put the cat out.

“Put the cat aht before you go to bed.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / casual speech

Jumbo Samich

A bologna/lunch-meat sandwich.

“I’m in the mood for a jumbo samich.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / spoken dialect

Patayta

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “potato.”

“Pass the patayta salad.”
Open word
Food / Culture Brand / alcohol caution

Cold Arn

Cold Iron City beer, phrased in Pittsburghese pronunciation.

“He wanted a jumbo samich and a cold Arn.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Food / spoken dialect

Peanit

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “peanut.”

“Get me a peanit butter sandwich.”
Open word
Household Speech Home / family language

Afuhgan

Afghan blanket.

“Grab the afuhgan from the couch.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / spoken dialect

Sahrkraht

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “sauerkraut.”

“Put extra sahrkraht on the kolbassi.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Emotional / expressive

Baw-Win

Crying hysterically.

“He was baw-win after the movie ended.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Household / spoken dialect

Hahs

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “house.”

“We’re going over to their hahs.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Emotional / expressive

Bawlin

Crying hard.

“She was bawlin after the story.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Fahnd

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “found.”

“I fahnd your keys by the spicket.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Weather / spoken dialect

Clahdy

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation/spelling of “cloudy.”

“It’s clahdy, but it might not rain.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Verb Laughing / expressive

Howin

Laughing hard.

“I was howin at that story.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / older family speech

Crud

Curd or cottage cheese-related food word.

“My gram used crud for cottage cheese.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / spoken dialect

Doe Nit

Doughnut.

“Pick me up a dozen doe nits.”
Open word
Grammar Grammar / regional

Needs Fixed

A Pittsburgh/Western PA grammatical construction meaning “needs to be fixed.”

“The porch needs fixed.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / spoken dialect

Doe Nits

Doughnuts.

“Yinz want doe nits with coffee?”
Open word
Grammar Grammar / regional

Needs Cleaned

A regional construction meaning “needs to be cleaned.”

“The kitchen needs cleaned.”
Open word
Traffic / culture Traffic / iconic

Pittsburgh Left

A driving move where the first left-turning car goes before oncoming traffic starts.

“He took a Pittsburgh Left at the light.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Humor / expressive

What A How

What a laugh; what a funny thing.

“That story was what a how.”
Open word
Parking / culture Parking / funny

Chair Saved Spot

A parking spot saved with a chair or object.

“That chair saved spot is spoken for.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Exclamation / humorous

Oh Mi-Laundry

Oh my gosh.

“Oh Mi-Laundry, those fireworks were great n’at.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Adjective Everyday / emotional

Ascared

Afraid or scared.

“I ain’t ascared to climb that tree.”
Open word
Parking / culture Parking / local

Lawn Chair Spot

A parking space marked by a lawn chair.

“Don’t move that lawn chair spot.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Adjective Positive / expressive

Bew-D-Ful

Beautiful.

“That skyline looks bew-d-ful tonight.”
Open word
Household Speech Yard / home language

Dog Box

Dog house.

“I just built a new dog box.”
Open word
Family / Cultural Speech Older family caution

Get A Lickin

Get punished or spanked; an old family phrase.

“My parents used to say I was getting a lickin.”
Open word
Home / culture Home / neighborly

Porch Sit

To sit on the porch and pass time.

“We porch sit when the weather breaks.”
Open word
Household Speech Kitchen / household

Dish Soap

Dishwashing liquid.

“We’re out of dish soap.”
Open word
Household Speech Household directive

Run The Sweeper

Vacuum the floor.

“Run the sweeper before cupny gets here.”
Open word
Community / everyday Community / local

Church Sign

A sign outside a church with messages or event information.

“The church sign says fish fry Friday.”
Open word
Household Speech Household / laundry

Worsh The Clothes

Wash the clothes.

“I need to worsh the clothes before Monday.”
Open word
Culture / community Community / nostalgic

Firehall Wedding

A wedding or reception held at a firehall.

“They had a firehall wedding.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Household / grammar

Them Crumbs

Those crumbs; a Pittsburghese-style phrasing.

“Sweep up them crumbs.”
Open word
Everyday Everyday / practical

Drug Store

A pharmacy or store for medicine and household items.

“Stop at the drug store for cough drops.”
Open word
Community Community / practical

Social Hall

A hall used for parties, dinners, meetings, and community events.

“The reception is in the social hall.”
Open word
Everyday Everyday / local

Pop Bottle

A bottle of pop or soft drink.

“Put the pop bottle in the recycling.”
Open word
Community Community / event

VFW Hall

A veterans hall used for events and gatherings.

“The fundraiser is at the VFW hall.”
Open word
Everyday Household / routine

Garbage Night

The night before garbage collection.

“It’s garbage night; take the cans out.”
Open word
Community Community / event

Moose Lodge

A fraternal/community lodge and event space.

“The party is at the Moose Lodge.”
Open word
Community Community / event

Elks Lodge

A fraternal/community lodge and event space.

“They rented the Elks Lodge.”
Open word
Everyday Household / routine

Garbage Day

The day trash is collected.

“Garbage day is tomorrow.”
Open word
Household Speech Outdoor / household directive

Turn Off That Spicket

Turn off that outdoor faucet.

“Turn off that spicket before it floods the yard.”
Open word
Food / Culture Dessert / regional food

Gob

One gob dessert.

“Save me one gob for after dinner.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / community

Jumbo Fish Sandwich

A large fried fish sandwich.

“Get the jumbo fish sandwich.”
Open word
Household Home / familiar

Front Room

A living room or main room near the front of the house.

“Everybody’s in the front room.”
Open word
Food / side Food / casual

Mac Salad

Macaroni salad, often served with sandwiches or community meals.

“Do you want mac salad with that?”
Open word
Household Home / familiar

Back Porch

A porch at the back of a house.

“Sit out on the back porch.”
Open word
Food / side Food / casual

Cole Slaw

A cabbage-based side dish often served with sandwiches or fish fries.

“That fish sandwich comes with cole slaw.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Adjective Everyday speech

Aloose

Untied or loose.

“Your shoe is aloose.”
Open word
Household Home / practical

Side Yard

The narrow yard space along the side of a house.

“The dog is in the side yard.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Everyday / expressive

How’s Abaht

How about, with feeling.

“How’s abaht yinz help me redd up?”
Open word
Regional Western PA Winter / childhood speech

Sled Riding

Going sledding.

“Which hill is best for sled riding?”
Open word
Regional Western PA Winter / childhood memory

Trash Can Lid Sled

A makeshift sled made from a trash can lid.

“We went sled riding on a trash can lid.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Winter / childhood memory

Cookie Sheet Sled

A makeshift sled made from a cookie sheet.

“We used a cookie sheet sled when the hill got icy.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Warning / humorous

Slow Dahn

Slow down.

“Slow dahn, jagoff.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Directional speech

Going Dahntahn

Going downtown.

“I’m going dahntahn after work.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Sports / brand caution

Watching The Stillers N’at

Watching the Steelers and whatnot, in Pittsburghese style.

“We’re staying home watching the Stillers n’at.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Grammar / usage

Needs Proofread

Needs to be proofread.

“This application needs proofread before I send it.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Household / yard grammar

Needs Mowed

Needs to be mowed.

“The yard needs mowed.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday grammar

Needs Paid

Needs to be paid.

“That bill needs paid today.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Everyday grammar

Needs Signed

Needs to be signed.

“The form needs signed.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Home / grammar

Needs Painted

Needs to be painted.

“The porch needs painted.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Neighbor / yard humor

My Grass Needs Cut

My grass needs to be cut.

“My nebby neighbor says my grass needs cut.”
Open word
Household Speech Family / household

Gumband Stash

A collection or hidden supply of rubber bands.

“I got into my mom’s gumband stash.”
Open word
Food / Culture Breakfast / family speech

Dippy Eggs With Toast

Runny eggs served with toast for dipping.

“I’ll have dippy eggs with toast.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Winter / parking culture

Parking Chair Season

Winter period when people reserve shoveled parking spots with chairs.

“Once the snow hits, it’s parking chair season.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Winter / parking humor

Moved My Parking Chair

A phrase about someone taking a shoveled parking spot.

“Only a jagoff moved my parking chair.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Grammar Question / everyday speech

Yinz Going?

Are you all going?

“Yinz going to the game?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Friendly / welcoming

Yinz Are Welcome

You all are welcome.

“Yinz are welcome here anytime.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Identity Local identity

The Burgh

Pittsburgh.

“There’s no place like The Burgh.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Identity Local identity

Burgh

Short local nickname for Pittsburgh.

“I’m from the Burgh.”
Open word
Food / Culture Comparison / food language

Whoopie Pie

What many places call the dessert Western PA often calls a gob.

“Around here, I call that a gob, not a whoopie pie.”
Open word
Household Speech Cleaning / household

Reddin Up

Cleaning up or tidying.

“I’m reddin up before cupny gets here.”
Open word
Household Speech Cleaning / household

Reddup

Clean up; one-word spelling variant of redd up.

“Go reddup your room.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Spoken dialect

Hahspital

Pittsburghese-style pronunciation of “hospital.”

“They took him to the hahspital after the wreck.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Pronunciation Classic Pittsburghese

Arn

Iron.

“That old fence is made of arn.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Humorous / corrective

Jagoff Move

A rude, inconsiderate, or foolish action.

“Parking there was a jagoff move.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Corrective / humorous

Don’t Be A Jagoff

Do not be rude, foolish, or inconsiderate.

“Don’t be a jagoff — put the buggy back.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Store / courtesy

Put The Buggy Back

Return the shopping cart.

“Don’t be a jagoff — put the buggy back.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Store / everyday language

Buggy Corral

Shopping cart return area.

“Take that buggy to the buggy corral.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Food / drink language

Grab A Pop

Get a soda.

“Grab a pop before we leave.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Food / drink language

Cup Of Pop

A cup of soda.

“You want a cup of pop with that?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Teasing / annoyed

Jaggin Me

Bothering, teasing, or messing with me.

“Are yinz jaggin me right now?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Expressive / humorous

Are Yinz Jaggin Me?

Are you all teasing or messing with me?

“This bill is how much? Are yinz jaggin me?”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Corrective / playful

Quit Jaggin Me

Stop teasing or bothering me.

“Quit jaggin me and hand me the gumband.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Neighbor / teasing

Nosy Nebby

Extra nosy or overly interested in other people’s business.

“My nosy nebby neighbor saw everything.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Neighbor / humorous

Nebby Neighbor

A nosy neighbor.

“The nebby neighbor knows when everyone’s trash day is.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Corrective / teasing

Stop Being Nebby

Stop being nosy.

“Stop being nebby and let them talk.”
Open word
Household Speech Cleaning / household

Redd Up The Kitchen

Clean up the kitchen.

“Redd up the kitchen before cupny comes over.”
Open word
Household Speech Cleaning / household

Redd Up The Living Room

Clean up the living room.

“Yinz redd up the living room while I run the sweeper.”
Open word
Household Speech Family / visitors

Company’s Coming

Guests are coming over.

“Company’s coming, so redd up.”
Open word
Household Speech Family / visitors

Cupny’s Coming

Company or guests are coming over.

“Cupny’s coming, so redd up da house.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Driving / local speech

Dahntahn Traffic

Downtown traffic.

“Dahntahn traffic is backed up again.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Driving / local culture

Parkway Traffic

Traffic on the parkway.

“Parkway traffic made me late.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Driving / complaint

Red Light Runner

Someone who drives through a red light.

“That red light runner almost hit me.”
Open word
Everyday Speech Driving / humorous complaint

Use Your Blinkers

Use your turn signals.

“Use your blinkers, jagoff.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Yard / outdoor speech

Watch For Jaggers

Watch out for thorns.

“Watch for jaggers when you cut through there.”
Open word
Regional Western PA Outdoor / yard speech

Jagger In My Finger

A thorn or splinter stuck in my finger.

“I got a jagger in my finger from that bush.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / family tradition

City Chicken Stick

The skewer used for city chicken.

“Watch the city chicken stick when you bite into it.”
Open word
Food / Culture Food / family tradition

Butter And Onions

Classic topping context for pierogi.

“Put extra butter and onions on the pierogies.”
Open word
Food / Culture Community / seasonal food

Church Fish Fry

A fish fry hosted by a church.

“We’re going to the church fish fry before the game.”
Open word
Food / Culture Community / seasonal food

Firehall Fish Fry

A fish fry hosted at a fire hall.

“The firehall fish fry has the best coleslaw.”
Open word
Household Speech Kitchen / household

T-Towl

Dish towel.

“Dry the dishes with a t-towl.”
Open word
Household Speech Kitchen / household

Dish Towl

Dish towel.

“Hand me that dish towl.”
Open word
phrase Food / brand caution

Let It On The Table

A regional construction meaning leave it on the table.

“Let the book on the table so I remember it in the morning.”
Open word
phrase Food / brand caution

Neb Out

To mind your own business; often used as a corrective phrase when someone is being too nosy.

“Neb out, I am not telling the whole story at the dinner table.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / nostalgic

Chipped Ham Barbecue

Chipped ham served in a sweet or tangy barbecue-style sauce.

“We’re having chipped ham barbecue tonight.”
Open word
pronunciation Food / brand caution

Worshrag

A washcloth, with the regional worsh pronunciation.

“There is a clean worshrag under the sink.”
Open word
food_culture Food / brand caution

Dippy Egg

An egg with a runny yolk, often cooked over easy and used for dipping toast.

“I want a dippy egg with toast so I can clean up the yolk.”
Open word
regional Food / brand caution

Babushka

A headscarf, often associated with older Eastern European women in regional speech.

“She tied on a babushka before walking to church in the cold.”
Open word
phrase Food / brand caution

Kennywood Is Open

A teasing phrase meaning someone’s pants zipper is down.

“Your Kennywood is open, buddy.”
Open word
phrase Food / brand caution

Wants Walked

A regional grammar construction meaning wants to be walked.

“The dog wants walked before dinner.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / sweet

Burnt Almond Torte

A cake/dessert style strongly associated with Pittsburgh bakery culture.

“They brought a burnt almond torte.”
Open word
phrase Food / brand caution

Likes Petted

A regional grammar construction meaning likes to be petted.

“That old cat likes petted when she sits by the heater.”
Open word
Food / regional Food / regional

Pepperoni Balls

Baked dough balls filled with pepperoni.

“Bring pepperoni balls to the party.”
Open word
Food / drink Food / hearty

Steak Salad

A salad topped with steak, often made heartier with fries in Pittsburgh style.

“I ordered a steak salad with fries.”
Open word
Food / community Food / party

Hoagie Ring

A party tray-style ring made with hoagie ingredients.

“Put the hoagie ring on the table.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / family

Cookie Tray

A tray of cookies for holidays, weddings, or gatherings.

“Bring a cookie tray to the party.”
Open word
Food / culture Wedding / playful

Cookie Room

A room or area where cookie-table cookies are stored or arranged.

“They had a whole cookie room at the wedding.”
Open word
Food / culture Wedding / family

Cookie Table Bakers

The family and friends who bake for a cookie table.

“The cookie table bakers started weeks early.”
Open word
Food / culture Food / seasonal

Fish Fry Season

The season when fish fries become especially common, often during Lent.

“Fish fry season is serious around here.”
Open word
regional Sports / brand caution

Berm

The side or edge of the road; a shoulder or curbside strip.

“Pull off on the berm until the truck passes.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Compressed speech

S’Muny

Some money.

“Can I have s’muny for the pop machine?”
Open word
Pronunciation Language / variant

Yunz

An alternate spelling/pronunciation related to yinz.

“Are yunz coming over?”
Open word
Pronunciation Language / variant

Youns

A regional second-person plural form related to youse/yinz/yunz patterns.

“Are youns ready?”
Open word
Pronunciation Language / variant

You-uns

A form of you ones, related to regional second-person plural speech.

“You-uns better hurry up.”
Open word
Pittsburgh Phrase Compressed speech

S’Not

It is not.

“No, s’not mine.”
Open word
Phrase Language / casual

And Nat

A spelling variation of “and that,” meaning and so on or etcetera.

“We got pop, chips, and nat.”
Open word
Phrase Language / iconic

N’at

A contraction-like Pittsburgh phrase meaning “and that” or “and so on.”

“We watched the Stillers n’at.”
Open word
Phrase Language / iconic

Dahntahn N’at

A Pittsburgh-style phrase combining dahntahn with n’at.

“We’re going dahntahn n’at.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Over Dair

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “over there.”

“Put it over dair.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Over Dere

Another spelling for a Pittsburgh-style “over there.”

“It’s over dere by the steps.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Up Air

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “up there.”

“Put that box up air.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Up Ere

A spelling variation of “up there.”

“Come up ere a minute.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Down Air

A Pittsburgh-style way to say “down there.”

“It’s down air in the basement.”
Open word
Pronunciation / phrase Language / directional

Down Ere

A spelling variation of “down there.”

“Go down ere and check.”
Open word
Phrase Language / playful

Neb-nose

Someone who is being nosy or nebby.

“Don’t be such a neb-nose.”
Open word
Phrase Language / funny

Jagoffery

Behavior that feels foolish, rude, or jagoff-like.

“That parking job is pure jagoffery.”
Open word