Buffalo is full of unique traits that set us apart from the rest. Our affinity for local food, passion for local sports, and undying pride for our city are just a few. Another interesting characteristic of Buffalonians? We really get each other – even if it makes others feel like we’re speaking a different language! Here are 9 things Buffalonians say that might confuse an outsider.
- SUNY
Buffalo State - Facebook Not “Sunny,” SUNY! (Pronounced Soo-nee) This is the Buffalonian way of shortening State University of New York. If you’re from around here, you’re already well aware of our SUNY schools.
- “Wide right”
Buffalo Bills - Facebook These two words carry so much meaning for Buffalo Bills fans. No need to elaborate!
- “Wintry Mix”
BriarCraft - Flickr Some may call this “wet snow” or “slush.” Thanks to our local news outlets, Buffalonians say “Wintry Mix” (and cringe when we hear it’s coming our way)!
- “Take the Scajaquada”
Doug Kerr - Flickr I’m sorry… the what? Getting directions from Buffalonians isn’t always easy. Once you realize Buffalonians say “the” in front of every route and road name, you’ll understand.
- Polar Vortex
Chad Cooper - Flickr This one might be spoken in other parts of the U.S., but we’ve heard it so often, it’s become a normal part of Buffalonians’ winter vocabulary.
- Lake effect band
Anthony Quintano / Flickr No, we’re not talking about a musical group. Lake effect bands are heavy bands of snow that often drop on Buffalo thanks to our proximity to Lake Erie.
- “Crick”
snakeb8 - Flickr Is it “crick” or “creek?” Depending on where you are from in Western New York, Buffalonians say both – sometimes interchangeably!
- Drinking fountain vs. water fountain
Paul Domenick - Flickr In Buffalo, you sip from a drinking fountain. Water fountains are works of art in front of fancy hotels.
- “Hey yous guys!”
Steve Baker - Flickr Buffalonians say “You guys” a lot – and some of us even add an extra letter at the end of the word. Don’t worry – you’ll get ‘yous-to’ it 😉
What are your favorite Buffalonian phrases? Are there any that you still don’t understand? Leave a note in the comments below!
Buffalo State - Facebook
Not “Sunny,” SUNY! (Pronounced Soo-nee) This is the Buffalonian way of shortening State University of New York. If you’re from around here, you’re already well aware of our SUNY schools.
Buffalo Bills - Facebook
These two words carry so much meaning for Buffalo Bills fans. No need to elaborate!
BriarCraft - Flickr
Some may call this “wet snow” or “slush.” Thanks to our local news outlets, Buffalonians say “Wintry Mix” (and cringe when we hear it’s coming our way)!
Doug Kerr - Flickr
I’m sorry… the what? Getting directions from Buffalonians isn’t always easy. Once you realize Buffalonians say “the” in front of every route and road name, you’ll understand.
Chad Cooper - Flickr
This one might be spoken in other parts of the U.S., but we’ve heard it so often, it’s become a normal part of Buffalonians’ winter vocabulary.
Anthony Quintano / Flickr
No, we’re not talking about a musical group. Lake effect bands are heavy bands of snow that often drop on Buffalo thanks to our proximity to Lake Erie.
snakeb8 - Flickr
Is it “crick” or “creek?” Depending on where you are from in Western New York, Buffalonians say both – sometimes interchangeably!
Paul Domenick - Flickr
In Buffalo, you sip from a drinking fountain. Water fountains are works of art in front of fancy hotels.
Steve Baker - Flickr
Buffalonians say “You guys” a lot – and some of us even add an extra letter at the end of the word. Don’t worry – you’ll get ‘yous-to’ it 😉
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