10 Pennsylvania Food Sayings That Outsiders Have No Idea What They Mean

Pennsylvania has its own food language that sounds like complete nonsense to anyone from outside the state.

From ordering cheesesteaks to grabbing dessert, locals use phrases that make visitors scratch their heads in confusion.

If you’ve ever been baffled by someone asking for “wiz wit” or offering you “jimmies,” you’re about to get the inside scoop on what Pennsylvanians are really saying.

1. Wit

When you’re standing in line at a famous Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, you’ll hear people barking orders using just one word. “Wit” is shorthand for “with onions,” and it’s the quickest way to tell the cook you want those grilled onions piled high on your sandwich.

Some locals also pronounce and spell it as “wid,” but “wit” is widely accepted in the cheesesteak culture.

Tourists often look confused when they hear this rapid-fire ordering system. But locals know exactly what they want and waste no time getting to the point. The beauty of “wit” is its simplicity—no need for full sentences when you’re hungry.

This abbreviated ordering style keeps the line moving fast during lunch rush. Next time you’re in Philly, try saying “wit” with confidence and watch the magic happen.

2. Witout

Not a fan of onions? Then “witout” is your new best friend at the cheesesteak counter. This cleverly condensed phrase means “without onions,” and it’s just as essential as its opposite twin.

Pronouncing it correctly is part of the fun—say it fast, like one smooth word. The ordering culture in Philly cheesesteak joints values speed and efficiency above all else. Nobody has time for lengthy explanations when there’s a hungry crowd waiting behind you.

Some people swear by their onions, while others can’t stand them on their sandwich. Either way, knowing “wit” and “witout” makes you sound like a true local instead of a confused tourist fumbling through your order.

3. Wiz Wit

Ordering “wiz wit” at Pat’s or Geno’s instantly marks you as someone who knows their cheesesteak game. This iconic phrase means you want Cheez Whiz as your cheese and grilled onions on top—the classic combination that many consider the authentic Philly way.

While some cheese snobs turn their noses up at Whiz, true Philadelphians embrace its creamy, melty goodness. The bright orange sauce soaks into every crevice of the roll, creating pure sandwich perfection. There’s even friendly debate about whether Whiz, provolone, or American cheese reigns supreme.

Mastering this two-word phrase is your passport to cheesesteak credibility in Pennsylvania’s biggest city.

4. Water Ice

Ask for a snow cone in Pennsylvania and prepare for strange looks—what you actually want is “water ice.” Locals pronounce it “wooter ice,” and it’s a frozen treat that’s smoother than a snow cone but icier than Italian ice.

This beloved dessert comes in every flavor imaginable, from classic cherry to exotic mango. Rita’s Water Ice, founded near Philadelphia, has become a statewide favorite with hundreds of locations across Pennsylvania and beyond.

The texture is perfectly shaved and absorbs the flavor syrup in a way that makes every bite burst with taste. On hot summer days, Pennsylvanians line up for their favorite water ice flavors. Don’t call it anything else unless you want confused stares!

5. Hoagie

Forget subs, grinders, or heroes, in Pennsylvania, that long sandwich packed with cold cuts is called a hoagie. The term originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century, possibly linked to “Hog Island” shipyard workers, though its exact origin is debated.

A proper hoagie comes loaded with Italian meats, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a generous drizzle of oil. The roll matters just as much as the fillings—it needs to be fresh, slightly crusty outside, and soft inside. Wawa has turned the hoagie into an art form, offering customizable versions at every location.

Calling it a “sub” in Pennsylvania might get your order filled, but you’ll definitely out yourself as an outsider who doesn’t know the lingo.

6. Jimmies

When Pennsylvanians want sprinkles on their ice cream, they ask for “jimmies” instead. This quirky term confuses people from other states who have no idea what you’re talking about at the ice cream counter.

The word typically refers to chocolate sprinkles specifically, though some people use it for any color. There’s ongoing debate about the origin of this term, with various theories floating around Philadelphia and Boston. What matters most is that ice cream shops across southeastern Pennsylvania know exactly what you mean.

Kids grow up requesting jimmies on their soft serve without realizing it’s regional slang. The term is so ingrained in local vocabulary that many adults are shocked to learn it’s not universal!

7. Red Gravy

Italian families in Pennsylvania call their tomato sauce “red gravy,” and they’ll defend this terminology with passion. This isn’t just any jarred sauce—it’s the slow-cooked, all-day Sunday sauce loaded with meatballs, sausage, and love.

The term “gravy” emphasizes that this is a hearty, meaty sauce rather than a simple marinara. Grandmothers across South Philadelphia and other Italian-American neighborhoods have perfected their red gravy recipes over decades, each one slightly different but equally delicious. The sauce simmers for hours, filling the whole house with incredible aromas.

Outsiders find it weird to call tomato sauce “gravy,” but Pennsylvanians wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s tradition, family, and Sunday dinner all rolled into one phrase.

8. Sharp Prov

Head to any Philadelphia-area deli counter and you’ll hear people ordering “sharp prov” like it’s the most normal thing in the world. This abbreviated phrase refers to sharp provolone cheese, which is tangier and more flavorful than the mild version.

Sharp provolone has a bite that elevates any sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s particularly popular on roast pork sandwiches and certain styles of hoagies where you want that extra punch of flavor. The cheese has a firm, aged texture with a strong, nutty flavor, sharper than mild provolone but not as hard as parmesan.

Saying the full “sharp provolone” takes too long when you’re at a busy deli counter. Locals shorten everything to keep orders moving efficiently!

9. Roll with Seeds

Ordering a sandwich in Pennsylvania requires specifying your roll preference, and “roll with seeds” means you want those sesame seeds on top. This simple phrase ensures you get the classic seeded roll that adds extra texture and flavor.

The seeds toast up nicely and provide a subtle nutty taste that complements Italian cold cuts perfectly. While this phrase is most common in Philadelphia’s Italian bakeries and hoagie shops, it’s not widely used statewide.

Some people are passionate about seeded rolls, while others prefer them plain—it’s a personal choice that defines your sandwich experience. Bakeries across the state produce fresh rolls daily, and the seeded version remains the traditional favorite.

Never assume your roll will automatically come with seeds. Always specify your preference to avoid disappointment when your sandwich arrives at the table!

10. Eat Yourself Full

Pennsylvania Dutch families use the phrase “eat yourself full” as a warm invitation to enjoy as much food as you want. It’s not just permission—it’s practically a command to load up your plate and go back for seconds.

This expression reflects the generous hospitality culture in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where tables groan under the weight of homemade dishes. Grandmothers use this phrase while piling more food onto your already-full plate, refusing to let anyone leave hungry. The saying emphasizes satisfaction and abundance rather than restraint or portion control.

Hearing “eat yourself full” means you’re truly welcome at the table. It’s an invitation to relax, enjoy, and experience food the Pennsylvania Dutch way, with plenty to go around!