Philadelphia Diction

OR: “Tawkin’ likea fluffyan”

In an effort to clear up the confusion created by the Philadelphia regional dialect, we have, through much internet scavenging, compiled a list of “must-knows” for local conversation.

Ack A Mee: Acme, a local supermarket.

Arthur-itis: Major joint disease.

Addytood:Attitude.

Beg’ll: The Jewish bread usually eaten at breakfast.

Be Yoo Dee Full: Beautiful.

Bin Dare: I’ve been there.

Samson Shtreet: Sansom Street.

Senner Siddy: Center City.

Dah Iggles: Philadelphia Eagles.

Dah Fills: Philadelphia Phillies.

Dah Fliers: Philadelphia Flyers.

Dah Semi Sixes: Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers.

Downashore: The beach (as found along the New Jersey shore).

Fluffya, Fill Uff Ya: Two other ways to pronounce Philadelphia.

Goddago: I have to go.

Goes: Use in place of “said,” as in “He goes, `I’m not feelin’ so good.’”

Guh Head: Yes, you may do that.

Iggles: The football team that plays in South Philadelphia.

Jawn: All purpose, general noun (and occasional adjective) that can be used for anything. As in: “Pass me that jawn,” “I miss my jawns,” or “Look at those jawny-jawns.

Jeet Yet?: Have you eaten yet?

Jeez Take: Cheesesteak.

King a Presha: King of Prussia.

Langwich: Language.

Mondee, Twosdee, Whensdee, Thirsty, Frydee, Saradee, Sunny: Days of the week.

Mayan and Urine: Mine and yours.

Niceta Meechas: Nice to meet you.

Nint Shtreet: Ninth Street.

Sammich: Sandwich.

Scrapple: Local delicacy made from ground pork products.

Scappleinecks: Scrapple and eggs.

Segal: The bird that flies around down at the shore.

Siddy Haw: City Hall.

Skeeve: Hatred/disgust. (Example: “I skeeve raw scrapple.”)

Skowne On?: What’s going on?

Sow Fluffya: South Philadelphia.

Sow Shtreet: South Street.

Trawley: Trolley.

Wah?: Excuse me, what did you say?

Weubin?: Where have you been?

Whachoolookinat?: What are you looking at? (Often a challenge.)

Widges: With you.

Wooder: Water.

Wooder Eyes: Italian Ice/Shaved Ice.

Yo: Either “hello” or “hey.”

Yunner Stan?: Do you understand?

Yuze (youze, yiz): You people.

For additional examples, visit this site.