Yinz Wanna Know About Pennsylvanian? You Betcha!
Ah Pennsylvanian accent, like a Tastykake, is a delightful treat that comes in many flavors. But unlike a Tastykake (no offense, Tastykakes, we love you), a Pennsylvanian accent ain't just one thing. This here Keystone State boasts a smorgasbord of accents, depending on which direction you're heading on I-80. So buckle up, grab a hoagie (that's a sub, for you non-Pennsylvanians), and let's take a whirlwind tour of how folks in PA talk!
Philly Cheesesteak of Accents: The Big Two
Philly Lingo: Head to the City of Brotherly Love and you'll be greeted by the classic Philly accent. Think Rocky Balboa, but with more vowels (and less punching). Philly folks might shorten their vowels (think "wudder" instead of "water") and have a certain fondness for the phrase "you know" which can be inserted literally anywhere in a sentence. ("It's gonna rain, you know, so bring an umbrella, you know?")
Yinzer Yonder: Pittsburgh Pittsburghese Scoot on out west to Pittsburgh and you'll encounter a whole different linguistic animal. Yinzers (that's what Pittsburghers call themselves), have a fondness for a flat "a" sound, like saying "caht" instead of "caught." They also merge "cot" and "caught" so "cot" and "caught" sound pretty similar. Plus, get ready for some interesting vocabulary words, like calling a shopping cart a "buggy" and a basement a "cellar."
Beyond the Big Cities: A Pennsylvanian Patchwork
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
Now, Pennsylvania ain't all just Philly cheesesteaks and Primanti Bros. sandwiches (those things are amazing, by the way). Head out to other parts of the state and you'll find a delightful mix of accents. Central PA leans towards a more neutral American English, while northeastern PA has influences from Inland Northern American English.
There's also a whole other ball game with Pennsylvania Dutch English. This is spoken by some folks with Germanic ancestry, and it's a unique blend of English and German. Don't be surprised if you hear words pronounced differently or even some German words sprinkled in here and there.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
So You Think You Can Talk Pennsylvanian?
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How to speak Pennsylvanian? Well, buddy, that depends on where you're going! There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But the best way to learn is to immerse yourself. Head to Pennsylvania, grab a hoagie, watch some Steelers or Eagles football (depending on where you are), and listen to the locals. You might even pick up a few fun phrases like "shoo-fly pie" or "warsh your clothes" (that means "wash your clothes," for those not in the know).
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
FAQ: Pennsylvanian Lingo for the Curious
How to sound like a Philadelphian? Try shortening your vowels and sprinkle in a few "you knows" for good measure.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How to talk like a Yinzer? Practice your flat "a" sounds and merging your "cot" and "caught."
How to order a hoagie in Pennsylvania? Just ask for a hoagie. Don't confuse it with a sub, a hero, or anything else!
How to avoid a fashion faux pas? Flip flops are called "thongs" in Pennsylvania. Be warned!
How to say goodbye in a friendly way? A simple "yinz take care" will do the trick!
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