Here are 11 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Washington State, showcasing the unique flavor of local slang and culture:
- “The Mountain is Out”
Used when Mount Rainier is clearly visible on a sunny day. It’s a beloved phrase that signals great weather in Washington, where the mountain is often hidden by clouds. - “Warshing Machine”
A playful mispronunciation of “Washington” with an extra ‘r’, common in parts of the state—especially in Southern Washington. You might hear “Warshington” tossed around as a local inside joke. - “Pop” instead of Soda
In Washington, carbonated drinks are almost universally called “pop,” a classic Northwest term that confuses visitors who hear “soda” in other regions. - “Cheese Zombie”
A local culinary delight from Central Washington: a grilled cheese sandwich made with thick, soft, sweet bread. If you hear someone talking about a cheese zombie, they probably love this hearty snack. - “Do the Puyallup”
Refers to attending the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. Saying you’re going to “Do the Puyallup” is local shorthand for enjoying the fair’s festivities. - “Aroma of Tacoma”
A humorous phrase about Tacoma’s infamous industrial smell. It’s a funny local nod to the city’s unique character. - “Bruhhh”
A casual, exaggerated way to say “bro” or express disbelief or frustration, often used in conversation by younger Washingtonians. - “Skookum”
An old Chinook word meaning strong, impressive, or excellent. It’s used very locally to describe anything that’s top-notch. - “Bag of Dick’s”
Means you just stopped at Dick’s Drive-In, a popular fast-food chain in Seattle and Spokane. It always causes a double-take from non-Washingtonians because of the unusual name. - “Sun Break”
When the sun peeks through a cloudy sky—rare on the rainy side of the state but cherished when it happens. - “The Boys Are Back in Town”
Used especially when a US Navy carrier returns to Bremerton or Everett, referencing the sailors coming home. It’s a phrase loaded with local pride tied to Washington’s military communities.
These sayings highlight the quirky, cozy, and sometimes downright funny language that sets Washington apart from the rest of the country.
Sources
(https://929thebull.com/9-slang-words-and-phrases-in-washington/)
(https://97rockonline.com/washington-state-slang/)
(https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-08-25-if-youve-said-this-slang-word-youre-probably-from-washington/)
(https://kw3.com/washington-phrases/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1bvyx86/what_are_some_wordsphrases_that_people_in_seattle/)
