Say What Now? Regional Sayings, Quirks & the Language of Home
There was a time when you didn’t need GPS to tell where you were—you just needed to listen. One phrase, one quirky food name, one slightly off way of saying "you all," and you’d know. The U.S. has always been a patchwork of accents, idioms, and charmingly peculiar habits, stitched together by geography and shaped by community. And while modern life has blurred some of those lines—streaming accents from all over, DoorDashing dinner from anywhere—regional touches still hang on in the corners. They’re the breadcrumbs of our cultural trail, and they say a lot about where we’ve been. Sometimes, they even remind us of home—because of course they do.
In this blog, we’re taking a lighthearted look at a few of those regional quirks—words, phrases, and customs that still set certain places apart. From grammar shortcuts in the Midwest to cookie tables in Pennsylvania, we’re highlighting what makes different corners of the country feel wonderfully, uniquely local.
We’re kicking things off with Western Pennsylvania—not just because it’s got chipped ham and gum bands, but because it’s where Penny and Rose raised their family, and where many of our sweetest stories (and strongest dialect opinions) were born. This one’s a little personal—and that’s exactly the point.
Western Pennsylvania: Parking Chairs, Pierogis & a Whole Lotta Grit
A misty view overlooking one of Pittsburgh’s iconic three rivers—bridges, steel, and hometown pride.
Western Pennsylvania isn’t quite Midwest, not quite Northeast. It’s a little steel grit, a little rolling farmland, and a lot of neighborhood loyalty. Home to Pittsburgh, the Appalachian foothills, and some of the most creatively carb-forward foods in the country.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice—446 of them.
- Mr. Rogers was born here, and it shows.
- A folding chair in a parking spot isn’t a suggestion—it’s sacred law.
- And yes, yinz really is in the dictionary now.
How They Say It:
- Jumbo = Bologna
- Gum bands = Rubber bands
- Red up = Tidy up or clean (e.g., “Red up your room.”)
- Yinz = You all
- Pop = Soda
- Slippy = Slippery
- Needs washed = “Your shirt needs washed” (not “needs to be washed”)
- “Eet Chet?” “Not Chet. U?” = “Did you eat yet?” “Not yet. Did you?”—spoken fast and familiar, often around the farm or front porch
Ask for a pound of jumbo outside of Western Pennsylvania and you might get a puzzled look. In some places, it’s bologna. Back home, though, it’s jumbo—and it just tastes better.
Only in Western PA…
- Chipped ham: Shaved so fine it borders on fluffy. Often served warm in barbecue sauce on a bun.
- Cookie tables: Generations of women bake dozens of cookies for weddings—sometimes more memorable than the cake.
- The Pittsburgh Potty: A lone, un-walled toilet in the basement—originally for steelworkers. Now? Local legend.
- Parking chairs: Shovel your spot in the snow, place a chair, and boom—it’s yours until the thaw. No arguments.
- Primanti Bros. sandwich: Grilled meat, provolone, tomato, coleslaw, and a heap of fries—all stacked between Italian bread. A Pittsburgh original since the 1930s.
Western PA is a place of humble pride, strong coffee, sturdy pierogis, and people who know the value of a good bargain and a better parking spot. It may not shout, but it doesn’t need to—it’s the kind of region that quietly builds your character (and occasionally hands you a gum band while it’s at it).
The Deep South: Porch Swings, Pecans & a Whole Lotta “Bless Your Heart”
A grand Southern home framed by live oaks—a canopy of history, humidity, and stories whispered through the branches.
The Deep South isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. The kind you get from a warm breeze on a wide porch, the smell of biscuits in the oven, and the sound of cicadas chirping just past the treeline. It’s tradition and rhythm, with a hint of slow charm and deep roots.
A Few Fun Facts:
- The phrase “Southern hospitality” wasn’t made up—it’s a whole social code.
- Porch sitting is a legit pastime. Bonus points if there’s sweet tea involved.
- It’s one of the only places where “ma’am” and “sir” are second nature—even to dogs.
- Pecans are pronounced “puh-kahn” not “pee-can.” Don’t start a fight.
How They Say It:
- Fixin’ to = About to do something (“I’m fixin’ to leave in a minute.”)
- Hush puppies = Crispy cornmeal fritters, Southern-style. (Despite the name, no dogs involved.)
- Might could = Maybe (“We might could go if the weather holds.”)
- Coke = The word for any soft drink (“What kind of Coke you want?” “Dr Pepper.”)
- Bless your heart = It depends. Could be kind, could be cutting—check the tone.
- Y’all = Plural, friendly, and the most efficient word in the English language
In the Deep South, ordering tea comes with a follow-up question: sweet or unsweetened? No need to clarify hot or iced—it’s assumed the pitcher’s chilled and the ice is plentiful. Around here, tea is more than a drink—it’s part of the greeting.
Only in the Deep South…
- Church hats: Not just fashion—these are generational heirlooms.
- Porch swings: Not just furniture. It’s where stories are passed down.
- Boiled peanuts: A salty, soggy rite of passage sold at roadside stands.
- Blessing of the animals: Yep, even pets attend church—at least once a year.
The Deep South leans into its quirks. And that’s part of the charm. A place where time slows, hearts open, and yes, the food comes with a side of butter and a story.
The Midwest: Hotdish Hospitality & Lightning Bugs at Dusk
A lone bison grazing under a wide Midwest sky—where the land stretches long, the sunsets linger, and quiet strength roams free.
The Midwest is where the tractors are loud, the people are humble, and the weather talks behind your back. It’s also where you'll find a million different ways to make a casserole, an automatic “ope!” when someone bumps into you, and enough community pride to fuel a town parade in subzero windchill.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Many towns host annual butter sculpting contests. Yes, butter. And yes, they're impressive.
- You'll often find someone waving even if they don't know you—it's called the "Midwest wave."
- People measure distance in hours, not miles (“It’s about three hours north of here”).
- There’s always a go-to Jell-O salad recipe—or one already made somewhere in the back of the freezer.
How They Say It:
- Ope! = A tiny Midwest gasp, often said when you bump into someone or drop a pen
- Pop = Soda (never “soda” here!)
- Uff da = A Norwegian-American expression of exasperation or relief
- Hotdish = Casserole, particularly with tater tots on top (because, of course)
- Jeet? = “Did you eat yet?” (often followed by an offer of something with gravy)
In the Midwest, dinner decisions are simple. There’s hotdish in the oven—no questions, no substitutions. It’s hearty, familiar, and always just what the day called for.
Only in the Midwest...
- Corn mazes: A rite of fall. Bonus points if it’s haunted.
- Church basement potlucks: The food is always comforting. So are the gossip updates.
- Polka nights: Not just for grandparents. People dance here—and it’s contagious.
- Friendly snow-shoveling: You wake up and your driveway is already cleared by a neighbor. No note. Just Midwest nice.
The Midwest runs on kindness, hotdishes, and calendars that remind you when county fair season starts. It’s where home feels like a handshake and a second helping—whether you asked for it or not.
Texas: Boots, BBQ & Big Skies That Don’t Quit
A dusty Texas trail under open skies—where the windmill spins slow, and everything else moves on cowboy time.
Texas isn’t just a state—it’s a whole personality. From the sound of boots on a porch to the smell of mesquite smoke curling up from the grill, Texas lives large and proud. The people are friendly, the pride runs deep, and yes—cowboy hats are very much still in fashion. Every day.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Texas was its own country before joining the U.S. in 1845—and sometimes, it still acts like it.
- Whataburger is a fast food chain, a love language, and a political issue, depending on who you ask.
- Texas is home to the world’s largest honky-tonk—Billy Bob’s Texas, complete with indoor bull riding.
- It’s so big, El Paso is closer to San Diego than to Houston. Let that sink in.
How They Say It:
- All hat, no cattle = Someone who talks big but doesn’t back it up
- Come hell or high water = No matter what happens, it’s getting done
- That dog won’t hunt = That idea’s not going to work
- Hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch = Extremely hot (and oddly specific)
- Big as all get-out = Really, really big (“That truck is big as all get-out.”)
- Y’all’d’ve = The Texan triple contraction of “you all would have”—real, efficient, and unapologetically Southern
In Texas, cowboy boots aren’t a novelty—they’re daily wear. From the feed store to the office, they’re part of the rhythm of the day. Flats might turn heads, but boots never need explaining.
Only in Texas...
- Friday Night Lights: High school football isn’t a game—it’s a way of life.
- Drive-thru BBQ joints: Yes, that brisket came from a window, and yes, it’s better than anything you’ve ever had.
- Rodeos: Somewhere between sport, spectacle, and cultural cornerstone.
- H-E-B: A grocery store so beloved, people wear the merch.
Texas is big on space, big on heart, and even bigger on flavor. If you don’t leave with a belly full of BBQ and a pair of dusty boots, you probably missed the whole dang point.
Southern California: Beach Days, Juice Bars & "No Worries"
Wild blooms meet the Pacific breeze—coastal cliffs, colorful petals, and that effortless SoCal charm.
Southern California is where flip-flops are formalwear, smoothies are medicinal, and traffic is its own emotional journey. From beach towns to movie lots, the region carries an effortless vibe—laid-back, eclectic, and always a little sun-drenched.
A Few Fun Facts:
- It’s the birthplace of skateboarding and In-N-Out—and people are equally proud of both.
- You can surf and snowboard in the same day... but most people will just tell you they could.
- The Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland.”
- Southern Californians really do call freeways “the 405” or “the 10.” It’s a thing.
How They Say It:
- The industry = Hollywood and entertainment in general
- No worries = You're welcome, or don't stress it
- Stoked = Really excited (“I’m so stoked for this weekend!”)
- The ’Bu = Malibu (if you know, you know)
- June Gloom = That chilly, foggy, moody weather that ruins early summer beach plans
- Hella = Technically NorCal, but it sneaks in sometimes
In Southern California, coffee orders come with options like oat milk, lavender, and intention. Ask about the vibe, and someone might offer to charge your crystals. Wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle.
Only in SoCal...
- Juice crawls: Like a bar crawl, but with wheatgrass shots.
- Dog yoga: It exists. So do dog bakeries. And yes, your dog deserves both.
- Sunset traffic therapy: Getting stuck on the Pacific Coast Highway... but with ocean views.
- Farmers’ markets: Year-round and full of heirloom everything.
Southern California might be chill, but it’s anything but boring. It’s where avocado toast was born, the sunsets are editorial-worthy, and even the dogs seem a little more enlightened.
Pacific Northwest: Flannel, Fog & A Love Letter to the Rain
Misty mountains and glacial lakes—where coffee warms your hands and the air always smells like pine.
In the Pacific Northwest, the rain is a mood, the forests are ancient, and the coffee is practically a blood type. It's the land of hiking boots, farmer's markets, and people who own more outerwear than they have closet space. It’s chill, it’s charming, and it will absolutely steal your heart with a foggy sunrise.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Home to more indie bookstores per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.
- Seattle was the birthplace of grunge—and a surprising number of waterproof jacket companies.
- Oregon has no sales tax, Washington has no state income tax. Choose your adventure.
- Bigfoot sightings? They’ve got ‘em. Whether you believe is your call.
How They Say It:
- The mountain’s out = It’s a rare sunny day and you can see Mount Rainier.
- Juneuary = When summer forgets to show up until July.
- Ski-to-Sea = Not just a race, but a full identity in Bellingham.
- Spendy = Expensive (“That organic kombucha’s a little spendy.”)
- Coug’d it = Local sports slang for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Umbrellas raise eyebrows in the Pacific Northwest. Around here, a rain jacket and a good cup of coffee are all you really need. The drizzle’s expected—and most days, welcomed.
Only in the PNW...
- Drive-thru espresso huts: You’ll find them on every block, often with pun names like “Brewed Awakening.”
- Tree hugging (literally): Forest bathing is real—and it’s good for the soul.
- REI memberships: Basically required at birth.
- Bike lanes everywhere: Including places that seem way too steep for biking. And yet, they do it.
The Pacific Northwest doesn’t ask for attention—it just quietly captures your heart one cozy drizzle and pine-scented breeze at a time.
The Mid-Atlantic: Fast Coffee, Fierce Opinions & “The Shore” (Never “The Beach”)
City skyline, fast pace, and just enough edge—welcome to the Mid-Atlantic, where pride runs deep and coffee runs strong.
The Mid-Atlantic doesn’t waste time. From the crowded streets of New York to the diners of New Jersey and the stoops of Philly, it’s a region that runs on caffeine, attitude, and unspoken codes of conduct. It’s tough, quick-witted, and often misunderstood—but underneath that no-nonsense exterior is the softest spot for family, food, and the most hometown pride you’ll ever find.
A Few Fun Facts:
- New Jersey invented saltwater taffy, diners, and the jughandle turn—you're welcome, and sorry.
- New York City is home to more than 8 million people—and at least that many opinions.
- Philadelphia soft pretzels are a breakfast food. No debate.
- “The Shore” means something very specific, and don’t you dare call it “the beach.”
How They Say It:
- Schlep = To carry something awkwardly (borrowed from Yiddish—widely used here)
- Jawn = A Philly term for basically anything (person, place, or thing)
- Down the shore = How you say you're going to the beach (especially in NJ)
- Water ice = A sweet frozen treat (think Italian ice, but don’t call it that in Philly)
- Taylor ham vs. Pork roll = A heated NJ debate that divides the state
- Cawfee = How it’s pronounced, whether you're in Brooklyn or the Bronx
Order a “light and sweet” coffee and expect something closer to dessert than a beverage. It’s a Mid-Atlantic thing—and no, they won’t judge you for it.
Only in the Mid-Atlantic…
- Parallel parking: A contact sport with its own unwritten rules.
- Deli culture: Your order better be ready when it’s your turn. And don’t ask too many questions.
- Ice cream in the snow: Not weird. In fact, it tastes better that way.
- Seasonal denial: Shorts in April, no matter what the thermometer says.
- Beach = “The Shore”: And it’s not just a location—it’s a lifestyle, passed down like a good cannoli recipe.
The Mid-Atlantic may talk fast and honk first, but it loves hard. It’s the region that raised us on bagels, snow days, tough love, and tight-knit neighborhoods—and it’ll always hold the door for you, as long as you walk through it quickly.
The Southwest: Dry Heat, Dust Devils & Enough Salsa to Be a Food Group
A desert skyline at golden hour—where saguaros stretch to the sky and the heat hums like a memory.
The American Southwest is a land of sun-baked landscapes, adobe charm, and colors so bold they feel hand-painted. Think Arizona, New Mexico, parts of West Texas and Nevada—where the skies go on forever and the weather forecast includes “chance of tumbleweed.” It’s equal parts mystical and practical, with a rhythm all its own.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Arizona is one of the few places where 110 degrees is still called “a nice dry heat.”
- New Mexico has an official state question: “Red or green?” (They mean chile.)
- The saguaro cactus only grows in the Sonoran Desert, and it can live over 150 years.
- Dust storms have names, personalities, and full coverage on the local news.
How They Say It:
- It’s a dry heat = What locals say to reassure you (and themselves) when it’s 112°
- Monsoon season = Summer storms that feel like the sky’s trying to get your attention
- Haboob = An actual term for a rolling wall of dust (yes, really)
- Red or green? = A legitimate dining question, not a Christmas reference
- Tank tops in January = Fully normal behavior
- “We don’t do daylight saving time” = Arizona opts out. That’s right. Just… no.
One summer morning, a local news anchor cracked an egg on the sidewalk to prove the heat. It sizzled in seconds—and no one was surprised. Just another day in the Southwest.
Only in the Southwest…
- Sunset watching: As close to a sacred ritual as it gets.
- Year-round grilling: You don’t “close up the grill” for winter—you just keep tongs in the glovebox.
- Fiesta season: There’s always one happening, and it will involve chili-roasting and music that makes you want to dance.
- House colors: Beige, terra cotta, or maybe beige again. HOA-approved and heat-reflecting.
- Hydration paranoia: Every purse, backpack, and glovebox contains a backup water bottle—and possibly an electrolyte packet.
The Southwest teaches you how to respect the sun, savor the spice, and never underestimate a shady parking spot. It’s fierce, flavorful, and full of life—even when it’s hot enough to fry breakfast on the sidewalk.
All across this beautiful country, the way we talk—and the way we do things—still carries the fingerprint of where we’re from. Whether it's saving a parking spot with a lawn chair, ordering a Coke that isn’t Coke, or saying “ope” before squeezing past someone, these quirks remind us that identity isn’t just personal—it’s regional. And it’s worth celebrating.
Turns out, it’s a mighty big country—and there was no way we could fit all its sayings, quirks, and charm into one blog. So we didn’t even try. Instead, we wrote a Part 2—featuring seven more regions with even more stories and hometown gems. If you’d like to keep exploring, you’ll find a button at the end to take you there.
After all, it’s those stories and sayings that turn a place into home.
At Penny & Rose, our brand is steeped in nostalgia, but even more so, it’s rooted in a deep love of this country—the people, the places, the patchwork of traditions that make America feel like home. We believe there's something quietly extraordinary about honoring where you come from, however you say it, however you live it.
Got a hometown phrase that still makes you laugh? Or something only your family says that deserves internet fame? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it, and who knows... it might just earn a spot in the blog!
No matter where you’re from, we probably have a fragrance that smells just like home.
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