Let's have a little fun today! How did you know when you were an official Pennsylvanian? Was it just a feeling you had? Did you do something special to seal your status as a true Pennsylvanian? While we Pennsylvanians may all be vastly different, we also share some similarities just because, well, we live in PA. Here are 12 things most of us have done that might crown us official Pennsylvanians.
1. Call it PA all of the time.
Everyone else calls it Pennsylvania. Not us. We call our beloved home state PA. And, when you start calling it PA, you, too, will be an official Pennsylvanian.
2. Use the lingo.
We have our own language. In fact, the lingo changes depending on where in the state you travel. In Philly? You’ll probably refer to others as youse when you order soda. In Pittsburgh? Yinz will drink pop. Other phrases you’ll probably hear as you cross the state: Red/rid up, outen the lights, and down the shore.
3. Complain about the gas prices and…
Hey, we have every right to complain about the gas prices. Especially when PA residents pay more in gasoline taxes than every other state in the country. So, while people are enjoying lower gas prices, we’ll always be paying 20 cents more (or more).
4. The cost to drive on the turnpike then...
Yep, driving on the turnpike has become pretty pricey in recent years. The price is set to rise every year for the next few decades, too.
5. Find an alternate route to the turnpike.
We might complain about the turnpike but we do something about it. Like find an alternate, more scenic route to our destination.
6. Choose a side: Wawa or Sheetz?
Which side will you choose? Will you proclaim your allegiance to Wawa? Or, will you make Sheetz your go-to place?
7. Eagles or Steelers?
Most Pennsylvanians will agree there’s just a natural rivalry between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (and the sports teams, in particular). To whom will you cheer for: The newest Super Bowl Champs, the Eagles, or the six-time Super Bowl Champs, the Steelers?
8. Eat scrapple.
Every Pennsylvanian has an opinion when it comes to scrapple. Typically, you either love it or you hate it. Try it. Then, decide whether you’ll eat it again or declare it inedible forever.
9. Swerve to miss a deer but…
Swerving, particularly to miss deer, is just a part of life in PA. Don’t worry, though. You’ll become proficient in it with time.
10. Inadvertently hit a pothole.
Yet, no matter how great you become at spotting wildlife and potholes, you’ll hit a hidden pothole without fail. And, you’ll probably do it more than once.
11. Spend a summer day at the park and…
PA’s brimming with parks – from amusement parks and town parks to 121 state parks. When you spend a leisurely day at a PA park, you’re officially a Pennsylvanian.
12. Wear shorts when it snows.
Snow doesn’t scare us in PA. Proof? Some of us even wear shorts in the cold and snow.
What else do you think newcomers do before coming an official Pennsylvanian? Share below. Click here to read about nine irrational obsessions only Pennsylvanians can really understand.
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