From the outside looking in, people from Pittsburgh say some bizarre things that they just shrug off as their “Pittsburghese” dialect. When someone from Pittsburgh leaves the city, they begin to miss the quirky language that their fellow “yinzers” use.
Here are 15 things that happen when a Pittburgher leaves their city:
1. They constantly hear, "you mean soda?"
No, I mean pop. You understood what I meant, so don't correct me.
2. French fries are a disappointment.
Nothing beats Potato Patch fries loaded with cheese and bacon, and any other fries cannot even compare. Not to mention that fries belong on everything, including sandwiches and salads.
3. "Jagoff" is no longer an offensive term.
You can’t insult someone if they don’t know what the term means.
4. "412" is just a set of numbers
Walking around with the city's area code on your shirts, hats, bodies, etc. isn't something that most other cities would take much pride in.
People who aren't from Pittsburgh most likely don't know that Kennywood is an amusement park nor will they understand why you're telling them it's open. Really, though, it's just a subtle way to tell someone their zipper is down.
6. You have to settle for Pennsylvania's other chocolate company.
While Hershey's chocolate is definitely an amazing thing, it's still heartbreaking when you can't find Sarris Chocolate Covered Pretzels or Sarris Candy Bars (especially caramel) when you aren't in Pittsburgh.
7. It's nerve-wracking to go out to eat and not be certain if there will be Heinz Ketchup.
After years of field trips to the Heinz Factory, the Heinz History Center, and driving past the giant ketchup bottle, there’s no changing any Pittsburgher’s idea of the superiority of Heinz Ketchup.
8. MLB games are lame because there are not Pierogi Races.
On top of the beautiful view of the city from PNC Park, Pirates games are more fun with the added competition of betting on which pierogi will win the race.
9. During prom season, your social media feeds aren't filled with pictures from Mt. Washington anymore.
Prom pictures at the outlook are so basic, but if you don't get them you're kind of missing out. Plus, if you don’t have a million pictures from the Mt. Washington Overlook and the Incline in your camera roll, are you really from Pittsburgh?
10. "Black and Yellow" is just a song.
Besides the fact that the song is mildly annoying because our colors are actually black and gold, the song is more than just that to Pittsburghers. Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fans are a dedicated bunch, “bleeding black and gold."
11. People think that the best popcorn is from the movie theater.
Not even movie theater popcorn can compare to The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company. Some of the delicious and unique flavors include Wisconsin Cheddar, Spicy Bacon Cheddar, Buffalo and Ranch, Chocolate Waffle Cone, Zebra Kettle, and so many more.
12. You have to shop at Giant instead of Giant Eagle.
Nothing compares to “Jine Iggle,” a grocery store where you can leave your kids in “The Eagle’s Nest” daycare center while you shop.
13. No restaurants have cookies as happy as the ones at Eat N Park.
As a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, the highlight of dining at Eat N Park was getting a Smiley Cookie to end your meal. Not to mention “Smiley’s Birthday” events where you got to meet Smiley, receive bracelets and smiley merch, and $.99 kid’s meals.
14. People don't understand why there is a museum dedicated to Campbell's Soup cans.
Among Pittsburgh’s many amazing different art centers and museums is the Andy Warhol Museum, where some of the most unique art is displayed. Whenever you leave the city, the history of the Campbell’s Soup can is unappreciated and misunderstood.
15. If you miss one bridge, it'll be miles until you find another.
Driving in any city can be very stressful, but the good thing about Pittsburgh is that if you miss a turn to cross one of the rivers, there are dozens of other bridges that will help you get to your destination without having to go on a huge detour. In fact, Pittsburgh has 446 bridges, causing it to be dubbed as “The City Of Bridges.”