Lancaster Words and Slang

If you have moved to the Lancaster area, I am sure you would like to feel as though you fit in with the crowd. Here is a quick guide of some words and phrases that might help out all of us as we continually explore this wonderfully rich area. See how many you’ve heard:


1. Outen the lights = Turn the lights out.


2. Red up your room = Clean up your room.


3. It’s spritzing out = It’s raining out.


4. Cellar = Basement


5. Is the milk all? = Is the milk gone?


6. I’m going to the car nah onse. = I’m going to the car now.


7. Philly = Philadelphia


8. The State Store = Liquor store


9. ‘Wooder’ = Water


10. Slippy = Slippery


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How do I know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets?
I am a local real estate agent and have been a resident of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on buying or selling homes in
Lancaster County:
Call Mary Sue today at

717-333-9653 (WOLF)

Brokered by Keller Williams Elite

No home is too big or too small for our team. We cannot wait to hear from you!


11. Left the dog out = Let the dog out.


12. Look here wunst = Look here a moment.


13. It feels close out = It feels hot/humid out.


14. I’m coming with = I’m coming with you.


15. ‘Macadam’ road = Asphalt paved road


16. Jimmies = Sprinkles for ice cream


17. Ruts = Roots(As in Roots market…check it out sometime!)


18. Dutch = Early German settlers


Simple Pronunciation Guide:
1. Lancaster: LANK -iss-ter (It is not LAND-caster)

2. Ephrata: EF-ruh-tuh

3. Lititz: LIT-its (It is Not LIE-TITS)

4. AAAH -mish – Not AIM ish or AM ish.

5. Intercourse (the town) – Just leave that one alone.



Happy Trails!


How do I know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets? I am a local real estate agent and resident of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on buying or selling homes in Lancaster County:
Call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 (WOLF) or visit our real estate website at www.MarySueWolfRealEstate.com.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We cannot wait to hear from you!


Get the latest and greatest new posts delivered straight to your inbox!