1. “Whiz wit”
Any cheesesteak place in the city whether it be Pat’s, Geno’s, Steve’s, Jim’s, Tony Luke’s, etc. It’s whiz cheese wit onions. You don’t say, “Can I have a cheesesteak with onions?” It’s not the lingo and the workers get extremely confused when you say "with onions."
2. “There’s always next year”
Unfortunately, our sports teams haven’t brought home a title since the ’08 Phillies. That was the only title for the 4 major sports of the city of Philadelphia since the ’82 Sixers. We have been in a big drought and after every season we always say, "There is always next year." It’s tough and were just used to it at this point.
3. “This is our year”
Related to number 2, but every year before the season starts, this is said. I’ll admit I say it all the time. I’m always let down and upset...a really disappointing feeling.
4. “Yo Adrian!”
I don’t know what is wrong if you haven’t seen Rocky. Sylvester Stallone has made the Rocky movies a part of Philadelphia. Rocky is the epitome of an underdog and shows how to always fight and never give up.
5. “How youse doin?”
I definitely don’t say youse. As a city, Philadelphia has made a plural form for the word you. So far from being grammatically correct but who cares, it is one of those words that you will hear.
6. “Wawa”
To everyone else, it sounds like a sound a baby makes. To those in the Philadelphia area, it is a great convenience store that everyone loves. I can’t even predict how much money I’ve spent there.
7. “Water Ice”
To a lot of people it is “Italian ice” for us, its water ice. Sometimes it is mixed with custard. When I talk to those outside of the area, they get really confused when I say water ice. Either way, it is delicious and a great snack in the summer.
8. “CHOP”
For a lot of people, it is cutting wood or a relation to the TV show on the Food Network. For us, it’s the Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia. Granted, it is not a popular term, but it has a special meaning for me. Being at CHOP for different things throughout the years and seeing all the kids, it is a special place. I understand its not the first thing people think about the city, but it is a great thing about the city.
9. “Jawn”
Jawn is pretty much used as a replacement for any object. People say it instead of passing that xyz item. Popular quotes including “Pass me that jawn” “Look at that jawn over there.” It's really only a Philly thing and I was really confused the first time I heard it. It’s one of those things that you hear enough, then you start saying it. That very thing started happening to me.
10. “Tastykake”
The amazing snack foods that were made here in Philadelphia. They are amazing and I haven’t met somebody who doesn’t like them. Whether it’s a butterscotch Krimpet, Candy Kake, or any other snack they offer. They are amazing and I just love them to death.
