Let me begin with, yes, West Virginia is a state. For those who feel the need to say Western Virginia and make funny little jokes such as "You guys have goofy accents" or "You own a pair of shoes?" you are insulting the pride of this state that has been declared its own for 154 years. Just remember when you're in our territory you might want to think twice when trashing our traditions and dialect. Throughout the years West Virginians have formed their own slang and pronunciations that other states don't quite understand. If you ever talk to a West Virginian here are some words or slangs that you might hear.

1. Everything

In West Virginia it isn't everything, it's air-e-thang.

2. Hollow

Forget about a hollow, if you want to make sure a West Virginian knows what you mean to say, Holler.

3. Fireflies

Oh, you mean lightning bugs?

4. Grocery Cart

When you go shopping you use a buggy, it's not called anything else.

5. Sour Milk

When your milk in the fridge goes bad, it's blinked.

6. Creek

When referring to a tiny river or stream, the word we prefer is "crick".

7. 'You all'

Why waste your time saying two words when you can combine them? "Y'all" gets the job done!

8. Chili

Chili is a dish you make during a winter. If you're referring to what goes on a hot dog, that's sauce.

9. Push

Poo-shh

10. Wash

When your momma says to warsh the dishes, you do it!

Us Mountaineers take pride in our state and don't like when others feel the need to correct our traditions or insult the way we speak. It's been 154 years and plenty more to come, we will continue pronouncing words the way we want and forever will bleed gold and blue!