TagPittsburghese

Fickle Finger of Fate

A young woman wants a family-friendly way to describe a statement that’s fraudulent or bogus, but all the words she can think of sound old-fashioned. Is there a better term than malarkey, poppycock, or rubbish? Also, listeners step up to help a...

Jumbo Bologna

If you hear someone use the word jumbo for “bologna,” it’s a good bet they’re from Pittsburgh or somewhere nearby in southwestern Pennsylvania. A regional company, Isaly’s, sold a brand of lunchmeat with that name. This is part of a complete episode...

Pumpkin Floater

Your telephone is for talking, right? Or is it? We’re guessing it’s been a while since you sat next to a telephone waiting for it to ring. In fact, maybe you’re one of those people who HATE to see that voicemail message light blinking. But for many...

Jaggin Around

Jaggin around is a classic Pittsburghese term for “fooling around,” or “to poke fun or play tricks.” It’s likely related to jaggerbush, meaning a “thorny bush.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Jaggin Around” Hello, you have A Way...

gumbander

gumbander  n.— Note: “Gum band” is a term for a rubberband that is common to Pittsburgh and elsewhere in Pennsylvania. «Instead, people who are now exploring start-up or self-employment opportunities find the prospect of returning home appealing...