If you are from The Mountain State, you may have noticed that there are some weird things people say in West Virginia… and sometimes, it sounds like we have our own language. Odds are that these very words are probably a part of your everyday vocabulary. A lot of the things that I say are things that my Nan always said to me growing up. I always said “Ma’am” and “Sir.” If I didn’t say thank you when I got my dinner, my Nan would look at me like she just smelled some onions. Whether you learned these from your predecessors or your peers, odds are that you have a unique way of speaking. See how many of these you relate to:
I heard this come out of my mother's mouth every time we went to the store. Around where we lived, we went to a locally owned grocery store called T & M Meats. My Nan knew the owner and they all called her Miss Claire. Once, she forgot her checkbook and they told her to just run it back to them later. Funny how familiar words like buggy bring back such cherished memories.
Or chili! It just depends on where you are in the state. But here in West Virginia, we top our hot dogs with both! And oh, are they delicious. If you ever bring an out-of-towner to a local diner, this is one food that belongs on their West Virginia bucket list.
Ears? No! 'Eers is short for Mountaineers! And here in West Virginia, Mountaineers are always free. (If you didn't know, the Latin version of this phrase, Montani Semper Liberi, is the state motto.)
Peck! Here in West Virginia, a peck doesn't mean a short kiss. Peck means a whole lot. My Nan always used to tell me, "I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck."
Sure, you may have had pepperoni rolls outside of West Virginia. But if you have never had a true West Virginia pepperoni roll, you haven't lived! Pepperoni rolls were supposedly invented by our coal miners. You're welcome, world! (And, if you're wondering, the first mentions of these mouthwatering snacks come from the Roaring Twenties, supposedly sold by "Joseph" Argiro in Fairmont.)
I always know that it's springtime when I see people selling locally grown veggies on the side of the road. My personal favorite is when they have a sign set out similar to the one above! West Virginia is quite famous for ramps, or wild onions, and many local producers ship throughout the U.S.
How do I even begin to explain the heavenly goodness that is Tudor's Biscuit World? I honestly can't! This home-cookin' breakfast and lunch restaurant is simply so amazing... And West Virginia is its home. These biscuits are truly a treat worthy of royalty.
Each time I go over to my Nana's house, even if it is only for a short while, odds are she'll ask me to run out to the line and grab the clothes off of it before they get rained on. I hardly hear anyone say britches anymore, but I always think of my cute little Nan every time I hear it.
The true meaning of rednecks started right here in these mountains. The United Mine Workers Union would put on red bandannas around their necks to fight for safer working conditions for coal miners. Not only was this common with West Virginia coal miners, but with coal miners everywhere.
And it is true! We call it "by God" because it really is almost Heaven! There isn't a more magnificent place on Earth than The Mountain State. Don't believe it? Let a local show you around... you'll find that not only do we have our own way of talking, but we truly have our own little slice of paradise here amidst the Appalachian landscape.
Sometimes, West Virginia sounds pretty Southern, and there isn’t a thing wrong with that! My West Virginia twang shines sometimes, and if I travel, people usually guess a Southern state. Of course, these weird things people say in West Virginia just might give my homeland away. What is something that you always hear in West Virginia? Comment below!
Want to get to know some of the most special places in The Mountain State? Check out some stunning landmarks and see what kind of vernaculars and accents you encounter during your visit.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Things People Say In West Virginia
Nikki Rhoades|November 08, 2020
What are the best things about living in West Virginia?
Aside from charming accents and a vernacular all our own, you'll find that there is much to love about life in West Virginia. You'll also come to love our traditions, our local landmarks, and, of course, some great cookin'.
Do West Virginians have any strange habits?
West Virginians are just like everyone else... we put coleslaw on our hot dogs and put our pants on one leg at a time. Everyone has at least one annual roadkill cookoff, right? ...We swear we're normal in West Virginia.
Where can I find more of the best photos of West Virginia?
Ah, so you've fallen in love with The Mountain State. We don't blame you one bit. Sign up for our newsletters for near-daily peeks at some of the best photos of (and best things to do in) West Virginia.
