Let’s stop arguing over who has an accent for a minute (we still maintain that it’s everyone else) and talk about the words and phrases we use. Of course, those of us who have grown up regions other than the Pacific Northwest will use some different words and phrases than we’re used to. But here in Washington, these terms are a bit confusing to the majority of us:
- “Warshington”
Ian D. Keating / Flickr We know people don’t do this on purpose, but it’s still a pet peeve. It’s WASHington.
- Ordering a coke and then proceeding to order another type of carbonated beverage.
Phela Laster / Flickr Some of us call it soda. Others call it pop. But no one from Washington orders a coke when they really want a root beer.
- “All over creation”
Anthony Easton / Flickr Down south, this will get you a knowing smile… in Washington, you’ll probably get a confused look.
- “Take away”
Jeff Kramer / Flickr You mean “to-go?” Carryout?
- “Bubbler”
Indigo Skies Photography / Flickr We actually do understand this one… but to us, it means something entirely different (pot is legal here, after all). In Wisconsin, this is apparently what they call drinking fountains.
- “Tag sale”
janet lackey / Flickr It’s a yard sale, or a garage sale.
- “Standing on line”
dotpolka / Flickr We stand IN lines here.
- “Hot dish”
kyopia / Flickr You mean a casserole?
- “Fit to be tied”
Arne Hjorth Johansen / Flickr We just say that we’re angry.
- “Hankering”
miramar2009 / Flickr This is a great word. But we use craving.
As our friends from others parts of the country will tell us, we also have plenty of weird words and phrases we use in Washington. Here are some sayings you’ll only understand if you call the Evergreen State home.
Ian D. Keating / Flickr
We know people don’t do this on purpose, but it’s still a pet peeve. It’s WASHington.
Phela Laster / Flickr
Some of us call it soda. Others call it pop. But no one from Washington orders a coke when they really want a root beer.
Anthony Easton / Flickr
Down south, this will get you a knowing smile… in Washington, you’ll probably get a confused look.
Jeff Kramer / Flickr
You mean “to-go?” Carryout?
Indigo Skies Photography / Flickr
We actually do understand this one… but to us, it means something entirely different (pot is legal here, after all). In Wisconsin, this is apparently what they call drinking fountains.
janet lackey / Flickr
It’s a yard sale, or a garage sale.
dotpolka / Flickr
We stand IN lines here.
kyopia / Flickr
You mean a casserole?
Arne Hjorth Johansen / Flickr
We just say that we’re angry.
miramar2009 / Flickr
This is a great word. But we use craving.
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