Here Are 12 Odd Habits You Might Have If You Call Pennsylvania Home

Those of us who live in PA all share some traits that just come from living in the same state and sharing some universal experiences. We would probably call those traits (or habits) endearing while non-Pennsylvanians might consider these habits a bit odd. Check out these 12 odd habits Pennsylvanians have (and see what you’d add to the list).

1. You outen the lights.

Everyone everywhere outens the light. Only Pennsylvanians, however, use that particular phrase to turn off the lights.

2. You rid up your house.

Any non-Pennsylvanian who hears us tell someone to rid up their room might certainly raise their eyebrows. After all, not many people know that ridding up just means cleaning up.

3. You sweep the floor.

Okay, so, sweeping the floor isn’t really an odd habit, but telling people that’s what we do just might be. After all, most people say they’re going to vacuum the floor.

4. You know what scrapple is – and still eat it.

It’s a love-hate thing when it comes to scrapple. Pennsylvanians either love it or hate it.

5. You’re an expert at dodging potholes.

We officially live in the Keystone State, but we could call it the pothole state, too, especially in the winter. Not many can expertly dodge potholes like Pennsylvanians.

6. You put fries on your sandwiches and salads.

Fries make a delicious meal or a side, of course, but we also know that they’re the perfect topping. We can thank Primanti’s in Pittsburgh for the habit of using fries as a topping on our sandwiches. They’re also pretty good on salads.

7. You call it PA – not Pennsylvania.

We don’t really hear Californians calling California CA or Floridians referring to their home state as FL. Well, that’s how we do it here. You can usually pick out a longtime Pennsylvania if he or she calls our home state PA.

8. You swear your allegiance to Sheetz or Wawa.

Most of us have our feet firmly on one side – Sheetz or Wawa. Sure, both are pretty amazing, but to which do you swear your allegiance?

9. You attend lawnmower races.

Oh, but it’s not just lawnmower races, although they’re pretty darn fun. We've been known to cheer on sprinting dogs during dachshund races and to even race our own creatively-designed and decorated outhouses.

10. You go to mud sales.

Those of us in Central PA count down the days until the return of the mud sales, which are usually held at our local fire departments. We can usually find some pretty sweet deals at these auctions.

11. You celebrate special occasions at the local fire hall.

It’s just what we do. We’ve all, at least one time, celebrated a wedding, a graduation, or a birthday at our local fire hall.

12. You love snacks – a LOT.

Well, when you think about it, it would be quite odd if you didn’t love snacks. We do live in the Snack Food Capital of the United States, after all. From the oldest ice cream shop in America (Bassetts) to Hershey, Pennsylvania’s all about delicious goodies.

What are some other odd habits Pennsylvanians have (well, they might seem odd to other people)? Join the conversation in the comments! Then see if you agree that these are 16 ways living in Pennsylvania ruins you for life.