Here are 11 things you probably experienced if you’ve lived in Maryland for far too long, reflecting local quirks, culture, and everyday life that become part of your identity:
1. Saying “Hon” to Nearly Everyone
A term of endearment that becomes automatic, whether you mean it or not—“Hey, hon, how you doing?”.
2. Craving Blue Crabs Year-Round
You know exactly where to get the best steamed or fried crabs, and “crab fever” hits hard, especially in summer.
3. Using Maryland Slang Without Thinking
Words like “Downy oshun” for Ocean City, “jeet yet?” meaning “Did you eat yet?”, and “DMV” to refer to D.C.-Maryland-Virginia.
4. Defending Your Orioles with Passion
Shouting “How ’bout them O’s?” during baseball season is basically a ritual.
5. Knowing Berger Cookies by Heart
These iconic, rich, chocolate-topped cookies are a staple comfort and gift item in many homes.
6. Calling Baltimore “Bawlmer”
A distinct accent twist that locals immediately recognize and embrace.
7. Constantly Hearing about the “Shore”
Whether it’s for a weekend or summer vacation, the Eastern Shore or Ocean City is a beloved destination and frequent conversation topic.
8. Saying “Utz and a Boh”
Referring to bags of Utz potato chips paired with a Natty Boh (National Bohemian beer) like it’s gourmet dining.
9. Enjoying Snowballs with Marshmallow Cream
Not just a winter treat, Maryland snowballs are a summertime delight topped with marshmallow cream or other local favorites.
10. Being Proud of Your County
Whether you’re “Hoco,” “Moco,” or from Frederick, county identity runs deep in Maryland.
11. Using “Bet” Instead of Yes or Okay
When someone says “bet,” you know they mean “yeah” or agreement—Maryland’s casual affirmative.
Living in Maryland long enough means these things become everyday parts of life, deeply woven into the local culture and identity.
Sources
(https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/maryland-slang)
(https://familydestinationsguide.com/common-phrases-in-maryland/)
(https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/maryland/maryland-phrases-md)
(https://wheninyourstate.com/maryland/18-maryland-slang-terms-only-locals-will-get/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/1l572vu/common_used_phrases_in_maryland/)
