Philadelphia is a magnificent place. One filled with cheese steaks, "wooder" ice, and teenagers drinking in the woods. Philadelphia has a unique culture, in every part of the city. Whether you are partying on South St. or sitting at home in South Philly, you are bound to hear certain terms any native Philadelphian would recognize. For visitors of the city, you may experience our terminology vicariously through this article. Without further ado, here are some of Philadelphia's biggest words, and pronunciations of various terms.
1. Jawn, a personal favorite
Jawn is easily one of the most vague words that come out of Philadelphia. The term "jawn," describes anything and everything. Everything is a jawn. That jawn next to the table, that cute jawn you met at the bar, the red striped jawn. Jawn is a replacement for any noun, and is simply used to when a name is forgotten. Jawn can be anything you want it to be, and it's a natural phrase here in Philly. The easiest word to use in the existence of spoken language, as everything is a jawn. Typically followed by a description, you can never go wrong with using jawn. Except maybe outside Philly and South Jersey; people may look at you funny. Nowadays it even is used in advertising.
2. Port Fishington
Combining three of the lower income areas into one big, gentrified ball, Port Fishington combines the neighborhoods of Port Richmond, Fishtown and Kensington into one. Neighborhood pride is a huge thing in Philadelphia, which a concept by itself is ridiculous. It is easier to combine the geographical locations into one big phrase, rather than saying you are from a bit of Port Richmond and little of Kensington, with just a dash of Fishtown.
3. Wawa
No, not a toddler asking for water. Wawa is the most popular "convince," store in the area. Originating from a dairy farm in Wawa, Pennsylvania; Wawa recieved it's name from the word for the Canadian Goose in Ojiwbe. Serving everything from hoagies (Subs for you non-locals,) to gas and cigarettes, and even fresh macaroni and cheese. They aren't even a shady chain either, I guarantee you that if you are from Philly or know someone from Philly, they can describe a Wawa just as well as their childhood home.
4. Philly Jesus
Does this one even count? Philly Jesus is an ordinary guy named Michael Grant who runs around Center City dressed like the man of Biblical times. Once a drug addict, Grant found recovery and decided to spread the word of God. Meeting Philly Jesus is some form of a huge deal, and many of us took offense when he was arrested at an Apple store. He does not get paid for his acts, so tip your Philly Jesus. Philly Jesus Arrested in Center City is an article by 6 ABC for you to learn more about the arrest of Philly Jesus. You can also follow Philly Jesus on Instagram, @phillyjesus.
Philadelphia is a magical place, full of colorful people, I hope this article helps you navigate Philadelphia with a little background knowledge of our local dialect.