Let's face it, the Philadelphia area is pretty unique from the rest of the country. We have our own food, our own talk, and our own walk. You might not even realize just how Philly you are until you venture out and people don't know what you're saying when you ask for a hoagie. Here's 25 ways you know you're from Philly.
1. Hoagies
No, they're not subs, they're not heroes, and there is definitely a difference between them and sandwiches. No other area in the country calls them hoagies, but us Philly people will know exactly what you're talking about when you say you want one. It's all about the bread people!
2. Wawa is the best convenience store hands down
Jersey and now Florida can get in on this, but Wawa will forever and always be a Philly haven. Glorious because it is 24/7, every Philly person will fight you if you say Wawa is a glorified 7/11.
You also know the difference between a Wawa and a Super-Wawa.
P.S. They follow me on Twitter. I'm not saying you should be jealous, but you should be jealous.
3. Can I get some wooder?
Okay, I don't say it like that, but my dad and a lot of people will ask for wooder. No, they aren't asking for wood, it's just how Philly folk say water.
4. You'se guys
You Southerners can keep your y'all and Pittsburgh can have their yinz, but youse guys is strictly Philly. Again, I don't usually say this, but my dad and many of my friends do. But even if you don't say it, you will know what it means.
5. Jawn
Can I get that jawn? What the jawn is that? Jawn; it literally means anything. You know you're from Philly when someone uses it in a sentence and you know exactly what they mean.
6. Cheesesteaks should stay in Philly
Going to school in DC and seeing all these impersonators claiming they have Philly cheesesteaks is just insulting. Anyone from Philly knows that you can't get a cheesesteak outside of Philly. It's just blasphemous.
You also know how to order right: "I'll take a steak wit."
Also on that note, you stick out as a tourist if you go Geno's and Pat's. it's Tony Luke's all the way. Really Philly people know where the good cheesesteaks are.
7. Tastykakes are childhood
You other folks might have had Twinkies and other Hostess products growing up, but Tastykakes were the best part of a packed lunch. Whether it was the Cupcakes, Krimpets, or Peanut Patties, you always were looking forward to lunchtime.
8. Jersey drivers are the worst
If you're from Philly and you're driving on 95 with a terrible driver in front of you, you don't even need to look at the license plate to know they're from Jersey.
9. But the Jersey Shore is still awesome.
The drivers might suck, but the Jersey Shore was where you spent every summer. Seaside had its claim to fame, but Wildwood was where it was at.
10. The Mummer's Parade is the best thing to happen downtown.
You know you're from Philly when you and your family would head downtown to watch the annual Mummer's Day Parade. If you couldn't make the trip, you at least had it playing on the TV.
11. Soft pretzels for days.
Yeah, Chicago has their deep dish pizza, but Philly soft pretzels are the perfect summer snack (or anytime really).
12. Rita's Water Ice.
You know it's the first day of spring when Rita's re-opens and gives away free water ice. You would head over after school to stand in line for the Swedish Fish water ice.
13. Herr's Chips
Lays has nothing on Herr's, especially their barbecue chips.
14. Will Smith is the source of our pride.
You will always belt out the Fresh Prince theme song and always let everyone know that he's brethen because you're from Philly too.
15. Wine & Spirit stores
You know alcohol can only be purchased in Wine & Spirit stores, and you feel like you stepped into another country when you travel outside Philly where they have alcohol in CVS.
16. The Rocky Steps
Those infamous steps of the museum are not only great to sled down in the winter, but the Rocky theme song will always play in your head whenever you walk up them.
17. Bagels and pizza can't be bought anywhere else
New York and Jersey are in on this one, but there is a general consensus that you don't get bagels or pizza outside the tristate area because they are just simply disappointing in comparison.
18. Penn State is high school part two
Except for the few exceptions, everyone you know from every school district goes to Penn State, and you roll your eyes because they have way too much pride.
19. Even though we suck, sports are a way of life.
The Eagles have never won a Super Bowl, the Phillies haven't done well since 2008, and the Flyers and 76ers are a joke.
Our sports team are terrible, but Philly has more pride than every other city put together. Plus, the Philly Phantic is hands down the best mascot.
20. But you hate Dallas
No matter what.
21. 2008 wasn't such a bad year...
...because the Phillies won the World Series and you might have gotten out of school early for it.
22. You know what Mischief Night is...
...and you might have even participated a few times.
23. The Liberty Bell is overrated.
You probably saw it once when you were a kid, but it's a stupid tourist attraction.
24. You always look for Penn when driving into the City.
When driving in on 95, you will always try to find Penn standing on top of City Hall.
25. Insomnia Cookie is the original midnight cookie.
There are a lot of imitators, but we all know the Insomnia Cookie is the original (and best for that matter).
Sorry everyone else, but Philly is definitely one of the best places in the country. We have so many things that are strictly Philly that you will never understand and make Philly great.
