Philly Accent 101

Abby, Bonnie & Kia

Tony Chestnut

The Philly Accent

Overview
The Philadelphia accent is a changing
accent that varies by generation,
neighborhood, and race/ethnicity
accent stretches throughout SE PA, S.
Jersey and N. Delaware

Philly Slang

Jawn
(n): a person, place or
thing
can be used in almost
any capacity

Drawlin
(v): acting out of
character, not letting
someone be
themselves

Schuylkill
(n): the name of the
river that flows
through Philly; the
highway by the river

Water/Wooter/Wadder
Many native
Philadelphians
pronounce water
with the first syllable
rhyming with the word
put

Hoagie
(n): a sandwich
consisting of a long
piece of bread with deli
meat, cheese, lettuce,
onion and tomato (and
oil instead of mayo)

The Philadelphia Iggles

Philadelphians shorten
both the long -e and
long -a sounds before
the -g in Eagles
(rhymes with giggle)

Youse
second person plural
pronoun
Hey, youse guys goin
dahntahn?

Jimmies
(n): sprinkles
Two types of jimmies:
rainbow and
chocolate.

Shtreet and Shore

Shtreet = street
Shore = sure

Kaw-fee

(n): coffee

Mummers Parade
New Years Day parade
held in Philly
local clubs parade down
Broad Street and
compete in musical and
dancing events
ends with a party at Two
Street (2nd Street)

How to do a Philly accent

How to Order a Cheesesteak

Two Things You Need to Tell the Cashier
1.)
2.)

type of cheese
wid or widdout (fried onions)

Three Words Max

one whiz with = You want one cheesesteak with
Cheese Whiz and fried onions
one provolone widdout = You want one
cheesesteak with provolone cheese but without
fried onions

Time to Practice!