We were inspired by the success of previous Pittsburghese posts so we decided to create the ultimate Pittsburghese collection from A to Z. Here is part five, I and J.
1. The Igloo (place)
The old Civic Arena which resembled an igloo.
2. The Icebox (noun)
Another name for a fridge, as in “can you grab me a cold Ahrn City outta the icebox?”
3. Ig’nernt (adj.)
Ignorant. Used in a sentence could be “Can you believe how ig’nernt that person was?”
4. In a baht a (phrase)
In about a/an, as in “I’m headed to Kennywood in a baht a hour, I’ll meet ya there.”
5. Ichin’ (verb)
Itching—like “Wow my back is itchy today!”
6. Jagoff (noun)
The ultimate Pittsburgh insult. A very rude and unlikable person.
7. Jaggerbush (noun)
A thorny bush.
8. Jimmies (noun)
What Pittsburghers call sprinkles, as in “I’d like some rainbow jimmies for my ice cream sundae please.”
9. Jaggin’ (verb)
Messing with, as in “Mom! Billy is jaggin’ me again!”
10. Juke (verb)
To fake out or duck to avoid someone in a fight or sporting event.
Time to move on to the next Pittsburghese lesson, the letters K & L.
I was born and raised in Pgh and in my 30’s moved out of State for Employment. But, once a Pittsburgher , always a Pittsburgher! I am now in my late 70’s and throughly enjoy Pittsburgh Beautiful. With some articles, I can day dream back to my youth and feel, for a brief moment, that I am back home. So thank you. One question I would like to get a full set of Pittsburghese from A to Z to share with my children and grandchildren , that this is part of their heritage! Any chance you will be offering the purchase of the complete set?
Thank You,
Jim
Hi, Jim… and thank you for your kind words. It’s wonderful to see that people are enjoying Pittsburgh Beautiful in the way that you are! You don’t have to worry about purchasing the full list… once we are done with the series, it will be posted in full on a page. Thanks again and thanks for helping make Pittsburgh Beautiful!