7 Tell-Tale Signs You Know You're from Pennsylvania ...

By Michelle

When I decided to attend a college in Vermont, I was unaware that the signs you’re from Pennsylvania would creep their way into conversations. To me, certain phrases and ways of doing things are completely normal so no wonder I couldn’t pin-point the signs you’re from Pennsylvania. After talking with my friends in New England however, I became well aware of the differences and wanted to share.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1

PA

The biggest sign you’re from Pennsylvania is by saying you’re from PA. Think about it. You don’t hear other people casually say, “Yeah, I’m from TX” or “That’s right, I’m from RI.” Pennsylvanians are the only people who use their abbreviation. And we can’t claim it’s because of length because California and South Carolina have the same number of syllables.

UPD:

Even when we venture beyond the Keystone State lines, there's a good chance we'll drop that PA in conversation. It’s like a special badge of honor, a shorthand that immediately conveys the essence of home—think hoagies, whoopie pies, and the beloved Steelers, Eagles, Phillies, or Penguins. And let's not forget, people look at us funny when we mention "popping down to the Sheetz or Wawa," but to us, it's as commonplace as cheesesteaks and scrapple. Only in PA!

2

“down the Shore”

Why do people say that you go “down the shore” not “to the beach?” It’s a weird one, mainly tailored to the eastern part of PA which is close to New Jersey’s beaches. The beach we commonly go to isn’t even south of us! I mean, we don’t say we’re “going down to D.C.” which is indeed south of us. This one makes the list for sure!

UPD:

Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, is known for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and unique dialect. One phrase that is specific to the state is “down the shore”. This phrase is mainly used by people from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, which is close to the beaches of New Jersey. It is often used when referring to going to the beach, even though the beach is not actually south of Pennsylvania.

This phrase is also used in other contexts. For example, if someone is planning a trip to the beach, they might say they are “going down the shore”. This phrase is also used to refer to a beach house or vacation rental in the area.

The phrase “down the shore” has been used in Pennsylvania for decades, and it is still used today. It is just one of the many unique phrases that are specific to the state. Other examples include “hoagie” (a sandwich), “wooder” (water), and “yinz” (you all).

3

Hunting Season

The first day of hunting season is a school holiday. That means, you don’t have school. My friends in Vermont were baffled by this because not everybody hunts. So why should they have the day off? Well, there haven’t been any complaints from the kids so that solves that.

UPD:

Indeed, in small-town Pennsylvania, hunting isn't just a pastime—it's tradition. You see, when deer season rolls around, those woods become a communal backdrop for bonding and heritage. And even for non-hunters, the break is like an unexpected snow day—no one's complaining! Besides, it’s a day when the streets quiet down and local diners fill up with camouflage-clad families sharing their morning tales. It's a quirky perk of living in this neck of the woods that even the non-outdoorsy types have learned to savor.

4

“Fire Hall Wedding Reception”

Another sign you’re from the Keystone State is your casual reaction to the phrase “fire hall wedding reception.” I’ve been to wedding receptions, baby showers, and parties at fire halls. They are easy to rent out and clean up isn’t bad at all. But if you think about it, it sounds like you’re bonkers! My friends did a double-take when I told them, unwilling to believe that it’s really a thing.

UPD:

In Pennsylvania, fire halls double as community centers, offering a practical venue for all sorts of celebrations. Chock-full of hometown charm, these spots provide ample space, usually at a fraction of the cost of more traditional venues. It might be quirky to some, but it’s downright practical and beloved to us. You'll often find the local volunteer firefighters pitching in to set up tables or even manning the grill. It's this kind of community spirit that turns what seems bonkers into something brilliantly resourceful and endearing. Plus, it's hard to beat the heartwarming feel of supporting local heroes while celebrating a special day.

5

Wawa

Okay, okay, I know Wawa can be found in more than one state, but still. The addiction of Wawa is not universal. How, I can’t tell you. Wawa is an up-scale convenient store attached to a gas station, though they can stand on their own. My sister goes to school in Maryland and even there, they don’t seem to have the same fixation. In PA, or at least for me, it’s completely normal to go there for gas, food or just because, multiple times a day. After all, you can find one about every ten minutes along the road. In Vermont, they sure didn’t know about Wawa; a loss in my opinion.

Famous Quotes

Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.

Bruce Lee
6

Electric Candles

Electric candles are always in the windows. Driving through a neighborhood you see house after house lit up. But did you know these candles are a sign of hospitality? Originally they were used during the Civil War to guide individuals on the Underground Railroad. They meant that the house with the lights would help in any way they could. Now, they are just used for decoration.

7

Town Names

We’ve got quite the pick of town names. Virginville, Intercourse, Climax and Paradise are all Pennsylvania towns. What’s more, you probably know how to pronounce the names “Wilkes-Barre,” “Bryn Mawr,” “Conshohocken,” “Knoebles,” and “Schykill.” If you’re looking for entertainment, try to get your out-of-state friends to pronounce them. You can’t help but laugh while they stumble over the words!

These are just a few tell-tale signs you know you’re from PA. They may sound sane to you, but that’s the first sign that you’ve been infected. What are other signs that show you’re from Pennsylvania? Is there one you really related to?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I'm from Pittsburgh and I've never seen a wawa and I don't think our schools have off on the first day of hunting season. I've also never heard the shore term. I like the way we say pa though, that's pretty funny lol

Where I'm from, Sheetz is the Holy Grail of gas stations but other than that it's spot on.

I never thought about the whole "I'm from PA" thing until this! Haha!

This is all very true except sheetz over wawa!

I made the mistake of asking "So what does your town drop for New Years"... blank stares.

I'm from the Philadelphia area and go to UVM. This was so on point!

#7 -- Schykill should be Schuylkill

fhhhiii

I'm from the Harrisburg/Lebanon/Mechanicsburg/Hershey area & unless they got some in the last 4 years since I moved to CA, I have never seen a Wawa in PA. I've seen them in Jersey when I've gone to the shore, tho. ;)

Related Topics

analyzing signatures my spending is out of control not a morning person quotes i dont have enough free time how to tell if youre an introvert being level headed meaning signs youre emotionally intelligent touching glasses body language wannabe hippie

Popular Now