You Know You’re From Pennsylvania If You Have Done These Things

If you’re from Pennsylvania, you will definitely recognize the things on this list! So go ahead and browse through the below true signs that you are from this state!

You know what a REAL cheesesteak is like.

Every Pennsylvanian has a strong opinion of how they think a cheesesteak should be made (all thanks to an endless cheesesteak battle that began in Philadelphia). One thing that every Pennsylvanian knows, however, is what a true cheesesteak should be like. You know you’re from a Pennsylvania if you believe that cheesesteaks are often imitated but rarely correctly duplicated.

You knew what a Sheetz was before the rest of the country

Although the Sheetz convenience store chain now spans across 6 states, it all began in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvanians are all about going to Sheetz (or Sheetz’s). 

You feel bad for the rest of the world because they don’t have Middleswarth Chips.

If there’s anything Pennsylvanians love and cherish in terms of food, it’s Middleswarth Chips. Manufactured and distributed to only in certain areas of Pennsylvania, just the idea of these chips makes Pennsylvania natives miss home.

Your idea of pot pie is not really a pie at all. 

You go somewhere out of state and order some pot pie for a little bit of home away from home. To your horror, an actual PIE is sat down in front of you. You know you’re from Pennsylvania if your idea of pot pie is really more of a thick stew with large, square, dumpling-like noodles and ham or chicken made with (or sometimes without) vegetables. 

You “warsh” your clothes.

You don’t wash your clothes. Instead, they get warshed in the warshing machine, (a.k.a. the warsher). 

You use the word ‘yinz’. 

As a true Pennsylvanian, you’ve heard it, if not used it, on numerous occasions. “Yinz” refers to a group of people, like “all of you”. Example: “Do yinz have plans for this weekend?” 

You believe that the first day of hunting season is a legitimate holiday.

The first day of hunting season is a BIG deal in Pennsylvania. People write off from work. Some kids stay home from school. And people usually have such plans locked down weeks ahead of time. 

You can properly pronounce ‘Yuengling’.

It’s not “young-ling” or “you-ng-ling”. It’s “ying-ling” and it was founded in Pennsylvania. A true Pennsylvanian knows this and has no problem helping others learn the proper pronunciation. 

You have a fondness for Birch Beer.

Pennsylvanians know that there is a difference between Root Beer and Birch Beer and many  prefer the latter. Birch Beer is derived from the sap of Birch trees and has a bit of a lighter taste than Root Beer. Although it can be found in many areas of the Northeast, it is mostly popularized in Pennsylvania. 

You have an appreciation for the scenery in certain movies because you know Pittsburgh when you see it. 

From movies like The Dark Knight Rises to The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Pittsburgh has been the host of many a  cinematic creation. You know you’re from Pennsylvania if you can’t help but to get excited when you know Pittsburgh has once again made an appearance. 

A groundhog predicts your next six weeks of weather.

No where else in the country do they have a holiday near the end of Winter in which everyone stares at a groundhog name Phil awaiting the verdict of whether or not it sees its shadow because it is indicative of the next several weeks of weather. Need I say more? 

You experience  65 degree weather and 5 inches of snow in the same week. 

One day it’s sunny outside, just absolutely gorgeous! 3 days later, you’re shoveling your car out of the snow. You know you’re from  Pennsylvanian if you have accepted that you can never really predict the weather in Spring because it’s just going to do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and that’s the end of it. 

You know that Scrapple is for breakfast.

It sounds funny and it’s ingredients are even funnier. Made out of pork scraps and trimmings, cornmeal, some flour, and spices, it is a Pennsylvania Dutch original served as a breakfast side dish. It’s a bit of an acquired taste for some people, but you know you’re from Pennsylvania if it’s a staple in your home.

You have a connection with the railroad.

The Pennsylvania Railroad has roots that run deep. Whether you live by the train tracks, drive over them every day, or work on them, the railroad is a part of every Pennsylvanian’s life. Don’t forget about the numerous railroad museums, special train events (like holiday and murder mystery rides), and the Minor League Baseball team, the Altoona Curve (named fondly after Pennsylvania’s famous Horseshoe Curve).

You have a Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins tattoo.

Pennsylvanians are die-hard sports fans and will support their teams through any means necessary. Why choose something as simple as a decal on your car or a flag on your porch when can have your pride tattooed on your body?

Which of these traits do you agree with if you’re from Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments below.

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