1. Yinz Better Get Ready For Some Explanations…
In Pittsburgh, the way you say “y’all” (formally known as “you all”) is “yinz.” Let’s try it in a sentence, shall we? Yinz coming over to watch the Steelers? And, if you’re trying to fit in with the locals, your answer to that question better be yes.
2. Black And Gold Everywhere
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh, be prepared for your world to turn black and gold.
While most out-of-towners associate these colors with Pitt sports teams (which is understandable, considering black and gold are on the uniforms of EVERY major Pittsburgh sports team), they are actually the colors that were on William Pitt’s coat of arms.
3. And It’s “The Pittsburgh Stillers,” By The Way…
In Pittsburgh, it’s not a steel mill. It’s a still mill. At least, that’s how they pronounce it. So, that should explain why all Pittsburghers call their beloved NFL team “the Pittsburgh Stillers”.
And if you’re in Pittsburgh, you better get used to some serious Stillers obsession. The team has won more Super Bowls and more AFC Championships than any other football team.
4. It’s Not A “Sammich” Unless There Are Coleslaw and Fries In It
First of all, it’s sammich, not sandwich. And second of all, its not a sammich without coleslaw and fries on top. And, while you’re in town, you better try this delicious gem of a sammich at Primanti Brothers.
5. Need To Save Yourself A Parking Spot? Try Using Lawn Chairs
The Pittsburgh Parking Chair has become one of the icons of the city. Need to save your parking spot? Use old lawn furniture. Seriously. This is a perfectly acceptable way to reserve your spot in Pittsburgh.
6. If You Want To Fit In, Get Ready To Hate On Philly
If you’re in Pittsburgh and you want to fit in, you should probably start to hate Philadelphia.
Not only do they speak an entirely different language than Pittsburghese (like I already told yinz), they also have some pretty serious sports rivalries with Pittsburgh that the city is just not willing to ignore.
7. The Only Beer Worth Drinking is “Ahrn” (Iron) City
In Pittsburgh, you should be drinking “Ahrn City” (how you pronounce “Iron” in Pittsburghese) or nothing at all. Irony City Brewery began in Pittsburgh and, even though it has relocated, it’s still the defining beer of a city where everyone is all about their “ahrn” and “still” (iron and steel…)
8. It’s Called The City Of Bridges For A Reason
In case you didn’t know this already, there’s a reason Pittsburgh is known as the city of bridges. It is home to about 450 bridges.
And part of getting to know this city is getting to know which bridge to take, and when to take them, so that you can avoid Pittsburgh traffic (which can be a nightmare). You know what isn’t a nightmare? The beautiful Pittsburgh cityscape. The bridges definitely make for a gorgeous view.
9. But If You Want to See The Best View Of Downtown, Head To The Ft. Pitt Bridge
Nightmarish traffic aside, the view from the Ft. Pitt Bridge is by far the best view of “dahntown” (AKA Downtown). So be sure to drive over this iconic bridge at least once, even if it means taking the wrong exit, like, 5 times.
10. If You Need Directions, You Better Know Some Places That Used To Be There
People in Pittsburgh don’t give directions by using street names. They pretty much require that you know where things “used to be.”
For example, a Pittsburgher might say to you, “Take a right by where the old Gulf station used to be”. Which, if you’re an out-of-towner, means pretty much next to nothing to you.
Note: this does not matter to a Pittsburgher. This is the only way they know how to give directions. So accept that you will be eternally lost in this city unless you learn to time travel.
11. If You Need Anything, Ever, You Go To Sheetz
This place is more than just a gas station. It is a way of life in Pittsburgh. Everyone knows this is where you go for all of your made-to-order needs–AKA delicious sammiches, hot dogs, pizza, and–of course–coffee. Cheap and wonderful.
12. But The Best Pancakes In The World Are At Pamela’s
The crepe-style pancakes at Pamela’s Diner are quintessential to Pittsburgh. You can’t really visit Pittsburgh if you don’t head to Pamela’s. You’re welcome.
13. You Have To Check Out Schenley Park
Schenley Park is, by far, one of the most beautiful city parks in the country. Plus, it’s one of the best places to ice skate in Pittsburgh. If you really want to experience the city, you have to head to Schenley.
14. Kennywood Is A Part Of Every Pittsburgher’s Childhood
Kennywood isn’t just a theme park. It’s a Pittsburgher’s childhood. And, as an out-of-towner, it’s your responsibility to head to Kennywood if you want to get to know the heart and soul of a Pittsburgher.
15. There’s Nothing In the World Like Islaly’s Chipped Ham
Isaly’s “chipped” ham (AKA chopped ham) is a must-try when you’re in this city. This is one thing Pittsburghers aren’t ashamed to say they took from Ohio. It’s just that good.
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16. You Don’t Like Pierogies? What? Get Out.
If you don’t know what pierogies are, a Pittsburgher will gladly tell you. If you try them and don’t like them, well, then a Pittsburgher will shun you for life.
These delicious Polish pockets of deiciousness are common in Pittsburgh (due to the large Polish population). Pittsburghers even host the Great Pierogi Race at Pittsburgh Pirates games which involves four people in pierogi mascot costumes racing. It’s not weird at all, I swear.
17. Get Ready To Hear Some German
One-fifth of Pittsburghers have German ethnicity, They’re so German that their “Germantown” is called “Deutschtown.” It’s just more authentic that way.
Plus, Pittsburgh is home to the H.J. Heinz Company and the Pittsburgh Steelers play at Heinz Stadium. So be prepared to hear some German if you’re headed to Pittsburgh.
18. You Push A Buggy In The Market
So if you’re out buying your Heinz ketchup or your Iron City from the supermarket, you’ll be shopping with a buggy, not a shopping cart.
19. And You Redd Up With A Sweeper
And… If you’re redding up with a sweeper, you’re actually cleaning up with a vacuum. We don’t talk funny. Yinz talk funny.
20. Someone Will Probably Sing You The Mr. Rogers Theme Song
Fred Rogers, known for his famous children’s television show, “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” is an icon of Pittsburgh. His ties to the city were extensive and practically everyone here has a story of meeting him or running into him somewhere in Pittsburgh.
Plus, there’s a 10-foot statue of him tying his shoes at the city’s riverfront. You can’t have a better hometown hero.
21. You Never Leave Home Without Your Terrible Towel
The terrible towel is the “rally towel” associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Every single Pittsburgher has one and will generally not leave home without it. After all, you never know when you’ll need to spin your terrible towel over your head to defend the good Steelers name.
22. Never Go To A Penguins/Flyers Game Unless You’re Willing To Risk Your Life
Penguins fans are serious fans. And they’re WAY more serious than those Philadelphia Flyers fans. So if you’re an out-of-towner, you may want to stay out of this unless you’re tough as nails. And if you’re a Philadelphia Flyers fan, you should probably just leave. Like, now.
23. Giant Rubber Ducks Mean A Lot To Pittsburghers
Most out of towners will have no idea what a Pittsburgher is talking about when he or she talks about “the giant rubber ducky.” Bu the giant rubber duck will always have a place in a Pittsburgher’s heart.
Basically, a famous inflatable GIANT rubber duck made Pittsburgh its first U.S. destination. It floated in various places throughout the city, such as right by the Pirates’ stadium.
And it was a HUGE hit (pun intended). 1,000,000 people went to visit the duck when it was in Pittsburgh.
24. If You’re Visiting Pittsburgh, You Better Toughen Up
The people in Pittsburgh are tough. It might be their blue-collar, steel-working sensibilities of generations past but the Pittsburghers of today are just as resilient. In fact, the entire city continued to thrive and succeed even during an economic downturn.
Basically, Pittsburghers handle whatever life throws at them, so if you’re an out-of-towner in Pittsburgh for the first time, you better toughen up.
25. So If You’re Called A “Jagoff,” Don’t Let It Get To You
If you’re an out-of-towner, you can probably guess what it means when someone calls you a “jagoff.” We’re just here to tell you not to take it personally… it’s a Pittsburgh thing. In many cases, it’s even endearing. Kind of…
26. But You’re Always Welcome Here In Steel City
Sure, we’re tough here in Steel City. But it is a well-known fact that Pittsburghers are some of the nicest, friendliest people in the world. So don’t be surprised if you’re visiting and everyone on the street says “hi” to you. This is just what it means to be a Pittsburgher.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Pittsburgh? Tell us in the comments below!
