Marylanders are often known for their colorful language and creative use of Maryland slang words or phrases.
Learning Maryland slang is a unique and fun way to connect with Marylanders, so don’t be afraid to give it a try.
Marylanders love hearing someone else use their local dialect, and you never know — you may pick up a few more Maryland slang words and phrases in the process!
Maryland Slang Words And Phrases
Maryland slang has been around for centuries and is believed to have roots in Maryland’s colonial days.
Maryland was also a popular destination for enslaved people, who brought their unique dialects.
These dialects were absorbed into Maryland slang over time and can still be heard today.
Maryland slang is most commonly used in Maryland and the surrounding areas.
Marylanders often use this type of language when talking to one another, but it can also be heard outside Maryland!
Maryland’s unique phrases and words set it apart from other regional dialects.
For example, Marylanders often use the phrase “youse guys,” which is a combination of “you” and “guys.”
Marylanders also tend to substitute hard ‘r’ sounds with an ‘h’ sound, such as saying “warsh” instead of “wash.”
These characteristics of the local dialect give Maryland and its natives a unique identity.
30 Popular Maryland Slang Words And Phrases
If you’re from Maryland, you know that Maryland has a distinct way of talking.
Marylanders often use unique phrases and words that may sound unfamiliar to those from other parts of the country.
In addition, Marylanders use a few words that may sound unfamiliar.
For example, “Crab cakes” refers to Maryland’s iconic dish made from Maryland crab meat.
Similarly, Marylanders also use the phrase “hon” as an endearment or term of endearment for someone they consider close with.
Here are some common Maryland slang words and phrases:
1. Jimmies:
This term refers to sprinkles on top of an ice cream sundae or other desserts.
It is used in Maryland and other parts of the mid-Atlantic.
For example, “Can I get some jimmies on my ice cream?”
The term is often used interchangeably with “sprinkles”. It may also be used as a term of endearment.
2. Maryland Crabs – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
This is an affectionate name for Maryland seafood, particularly the Maryland blue crab.
It’s often used in phrases like “Let’s go get some Maryland crabs!” or “We should have Maryland crabs for dinner.”
The term can also be used as a term of endearment or refer to Maryland.
It originated in Maryland but is now used in other parts of the country.
3. Hon:
This term is used in Maryland and is a shortened version of “honey”.
It can address someone or something endearingly, such as “What’s up, hon?” or “Be careful, hon.”
The term is sometimes used sarcastically.
It’s believed to have originated in Maryland but is now used in other areas of the country.
4. Gubmint:
This slang term is Maryland slang for “government” and is often used to refer to government employees or bureaucracy.
It can also be used sarcastically when referring to policies or regulations.
This term is Maryland slang, but it’s also used in other parts of the country.
For example, it’s commonly heard in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
5. Git Out Of Here!:
This phrase is Maryland slang for telling someone to leave or go away.
It can also be used when expressing disbelief or shock.
It’s believed to have originated in Maryland but used in other parts of the United States.
It is commonly heard in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
The term can also be used jokingly, as if to say, “you can’t be serious!”
6. Cawfee:
This Maryland slang word is a contraction for coffee, and it’s often used when referring to a cup of coffee or a coffee shop.
This term is mostly used in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
It can refer to the beverage itself or a coffee shop.
For example, when Marylanders say, “let’s go get some cawfee,” they refer to going out for coffee.
7. Slippahs – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
This Maryland slang word is a contraction of “slippers” and often refers to flip-flops or sandals.
Marylanders often use this term when referring to shoes they want to wear when relaxing around the house, on the beach, or elsewhere.
For example, Marylanders might say, “I’m gonna throw on my slippahs and head to the beach.”
8. Sis:
In Maryland, this slang word is often used as an affectionate term for a friend or family member, similar to how one would use “sis” in other parts of the country.
For example, Marylanders might use this word when saying goodbye to a friend: “Bye, sis, see ya tomorrow!”
The term can also express agreement or approval, such as “Sis, that’s the truth.”
9. Choptank:
This Maryland slang term is a contraction of the two rivers of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Choptank, and the Nanticoke.
Marylanders often use “Choptank” to refer to anything related to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, such as activities or locations.
For example, When referring to a trip down to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Marylanders might say something like, “Let’s go down to Choptank this weekend!”.
10. Youse – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
Marylanders often use this slang word as the plural form of “you” and pronounce it like “youss” or “youse guys.”
Marylanders might say something like “How are youse guys doing today?” when referring to a group of people.
The term can also be used to refer to a single person. Such as “What’s up youse?”
11. Crabcakes:
Marylanders are known for their famous Maryland-style crabcakes, steamed or fried and served with tartar sauce or Old Bay seasoning.
Marylanders often use the term “crabcake” to mean anything related to Maryland, such as Maryland blue crabs or Maryland-style food.
For example, a Marylander might say, “I’m in the mood for some Maryland crabcakes tonight.”
12. Natty Boh – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
Natty Boh, or National Bohemian beer, is a Maryland favorite and can often be seen at Maryland bars, restaurants, and sporting events.
Marylanders often use “Natty Boh” to mean anything from Maryland pride or local nostalgia to simply enjoying a cold beer.
For example, a Marylander might say, “Let’s grab some Natty Boh and head down to the waterfront.”
13. Park That:
“Park that” is Maryland slang for parking a car.
Marylanders are known for their love of cars, so it’s no surprise that this phrase has become popular.
For example, a Marylander might say, “We need to park that before we go into the store.”
The term could also refer to parking anywhere, such as a bus stop or train station.
14. Boog:
“Boog” is Maryland slang for awesome or cool. Marylanders love to show their Maryland pride, so this phrase is often heard in Maryland conversations.
For example, a Marylander might say, “That new restaurant looks boog!”
The term is also used to describe something good or positive.
15. All Marylanded Up:
“All Marylanded up” has become a popular Maryland phrase over the years.
It typically means to be dressed in Maryland-style clothing, such as Maryland-themed tees and hats.
So, for example, a Marylander might say, “Let’s go out and get Marylanded up!”
16. Bump It – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
“Bump it” is Maryland slang for leaving or exiting.
Marylanders often use this phrase when they want their friends to leave with them, such as “Let’s bump it!”
The phrase is also used when Marylanders don’t agree with someone, such as “I’m bumping it!”
Finally, it is also used to describe something Marylanders don’t want to do, such as “I’m not bumping it.”
17. Maryland Pride:
Marylanders are known for their Maryland pride, often seen on Maryland-themed apparel and signs throughout the state.
Marylanders often refer to this pride as Maryland Strong.
Marylanders are known for their Maryland flag, which is often seen on cars and businesses.
Marylanders will proudly show off their Maryland pride to anyone from out of state.
It usually involves vocalizing about Maryland’s amazing crabs, beaches, and local culture.
18. Catch The Bus:
Catch the bus is Maryland slang used to describe the Maryland mass transit system, which Marylanders use on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, Marylanders often joke around about their mass transit system and how it’s unreliable.
So “catching the bus” can mean you’re running late or won’t be able to make something on time.
19. Goofy Foot – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
Marylanders use the term “goofy foot” to describe someone who does something silly or ridiculous.
For example, if someone was dancing unusually, Marylanders might say that person had a “goofy foot.”
It can also be used as a joke to make fun of someone for making a mistake.
20. Doin’ The Most:
Marylanders use this phrase when someone is trying too hard, exaggerating a story or situation, or being too dramatic.
Marylanders usually say this phrase ironically to make light of the situation.
For example, if someone wore a fancy dress to the Maryland State Fair, Marylanders might say they were “doin’ the most”.
21. Meester:
This Maryland slang term is used by Marylanders when referring to someone as “mister,” but with a Maryland accent and a slightly more casual tone.
It’s often said playfully.
For example, Marylanders might say, “What’s up, Meester?” when addressing someone they know.
The term has been around since the early 20th century.
22. Bubble – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
Marylanders often use this slang when referring to someone in their little world and not paying attention to what’s happening around them.
It’s usually used in a somewhat endearing way but could also be used negatively depending on context.
For example, Marylanders might say, “He’s in his own bubble,” to describe someone who is lost in thoughts or oblivious to the happenings around them.
23. Hooch:
Marylanders use this slang when referring to someone else’s alcoholic beverage.
For example, Marylanders might use it to ask what type of drink someone is having by saying, “What’s your hooch?”
It can also refer to alcohol in general. ‘
For example, Marylanders might say, “Let’s grab some hooch” when referring to getting drinks at a bar.
24. Hunky Dory:
This Maryland slang phrase is used to describe something that is going well.
For example, Marylanders might say, “Everything’s hunky dory” when describing a happy situation.
The phrase can also be used as an exclamation of happiness or excitement, such as “Hunky dory! Let’s do it!”
It is derived from an old-timey phrase, “hunk of the dory,” meaning something good or satisfactory.
25. Chirpin’:
This Maryland slang term refers to talking or gossiping about someone.
Marylanders usually use the phrase “stop chirpin’” when someone is talking too much about someone else.
It’s derived from the term “chirping,” which means to make a high-pitched noise like a bird chirping.
The term is often used to refer to gossiping or talking about someone else.
28. Bawlmer – Maryland Slang Words And Phrases:
This Maryland slang term is a shortened version of the city’s name, Baltimore.
For example, Marylanders might say, “I’m headed up to Bawlmer for the weekend!”
It’s particularly popular among younger Marylanders.
It’s an informal way of referring to Baltimore; Marylanders may use it in a friendly or light-hearted tone.
29. Sho’ Nuff:
This Maryland slang term emphasizes something similar to the phrase “sure enough.”
For example, Marylanders might say, “We sho’ nuff had a great time at the game last night!”
Marylanders use this expression frequently. Since Maryland is close to the South, this phrase has its roots in Southern slang.
30. Natty Boh:
Short for National Bohemian Beer. Marylanders will often refer to this Maryland-brewed beer as Natty Boh!
Marylanders might say, “Let’s grab a six-pack of Natty Boh for the game tonight!”
The term is used to refer to beer, but Marylanders also use it as a term of endearment.
Final Thoughts:
Marylanders have developed a unique language.
These Maryland slang words and phrases are just the tip of the iceberg.
Maryland has a unique way of speaking, setting it apart from other regions.
Marylanders use a combination of words and phrases that make up the Maryland dialect.
It is popular among Marylanders and those who live in the surrounding areas.
So whether you’re a Maryland local or just visiting, learn some Maryland slang to fit right in!
From “going West/down cellar” to “hon,” Maryland slang will help you feel like a true Marylander.
So why wait? Get out there and start talking Maryland-style!
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