Pittsburgh Misconceptions (Harmony, Petersburg, St. Petersburg: condo, go bankrupt, pharmacy)

[Cosmic Charlie]

I use Yinz in a professional setting just too be different in a the "office space" environment. Most people just laugh. If I worked with people who actually thought it was worth making me not as professional as my work is, then those are people I wouldn't want to work for.

[claremarie]

If I worked with people who actually thought it was worth making me not as professional as my work is, then those are people I wouldn't want to work for.

And if my attorney said, "Can yinz come dawntawn, cuz your wills need signed 'n at?," I'd find another attorney...
Those who either cannot or deliberately choose not to speak standard, grammatically correct English should not be surprised if people question their professional competence.

[505ci]

You don't have to say "yinz" all the time..or hardly ever..to be a "yinzer" in my book. You don't even have to say "n'nat". People why say "yinz" and "n'nat" are just extreme Yinzers.

The Pittsburgh dialect is very distinctive. It is a monotone, almost robotic way of speaking. It makes the person sound as if they're extremely bored, or in a trance-like state. There's no harmony to it.

For example, Luke Ravensthal speaks a very well-spoken form of Pittsburghese. He doesn't say "yinz" or "n'nat" (at least not while he's being interviewed), but I still consider him a yinzer because of his speech patterns.

At any rate, it's a very odd way of talking. Very monotone.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by claremarie

If I worked with people who actually thought it was worth making me not as professional as my work is, then those are people I wouldn't want to work for.

And if my attorney said, "Can yinz come dawntawn, cuz your wills need signed 'n at?," I'd find another attorney...
Those who either cannot or deliberately choose not to speak standard, grammatically correct English should not be surprised if people question their professional competence.

LOL! I actually did laugh out loud when I read that! Yes, I agree. And if my doctor said, "Yur clestral (cholesterol) nees checked in three mos aftr yinz've cut dahn on chipped ham 'n at", I'd find a new doctor.

Like it or not, use of "yinz", slurring words and the like mark one not as a Pittsburgher, but as uneducated. (Note I did not say unintelligent.)

If I worked with people who actually thought it was worth making me not as professional as my work is, then those are people I wouldn't want to work for.

It is not always possible to be so choosy about who one works for. And I would not make being able to say "yinz" a deal-breaker when looking for a job.

[505ci]

Originally Posted by IHATEPA!!!

To me, Pittsburgh seems to be a twilight zone type of place. Always has been.

I mean, people are always raving about the "friendly people" of Pittsburgh. I'm sorry, but every time I've been there, it seems as if the people have a chip on their shoulder. Lots of jaded, elderly "yinzers" who can't stand change, as well as plenty of "shot and a beer" tough guys who are always looking to start s**t with people just for the hell of it. Many trips to Mellon Arena and PNC Park as well as 3 Rivers Stadium in the past have reinforced this opinion of mine. Seems as if Pittsburghers go to these stadiums to get drunk and raise hell more than anything. I mean, more than once I've had to dodge "beer missiles" thrown from higher seats by idiot Pittsburghers at Mellon Arena.

True, Pittsburgh has revamped its image for the most part, especially downtown. But. it appears to me to be just a goofy weird city. Especially in the attitudes of the people.

If people like Pittsburgh, fine! God Bless you! It's just not my cup of tea, as is the entire state of PA. A main factor for me when I visit a place is the attitudes of the people. At Pittsburgh, in this regard, I'm not impressed.

I hate to say it, but you're pretty much dead-on in your posts about the majority of the people around here. It's sad but true. Especially what you say about the "tough guys" everywhere who like to pick fights with people. I've been all over this country and I have to say that Pittsburgh is the worst for that kind of thing.

I'm planning on moving away..someday..hopefully soon. But, I will miss the scenery, ...well, that's it. That's all I think I'll miss..the scenery. Western Pa (as well as the panhandle of MD) has the most scenic beauty on the east coast.

The people, however (and sadly) are a different story. Not everyone's a complete jerk here, but as a whole the people are rude, ignorant, and obnoxious. Maybe I'd feel differently if I was extremely outspoken, confrontational, and liked to fight. But I'm not like that, so I've never really fit in here. It seems like people around here are always looking for trouble, be it gossip, drama, or physical altercations. It's bizarre and I have yet to see this level of pathology anywhere else I've ever been. Of course, not everyone's like that here, but it seems the ones who aren't are like me...and wanna get out of here ASAP. Sad, but true.

[505ci]

Originally Posted by boylocke

Oh, well in that case, I imagine you're right! Pittsburghers are very hard working.

Especially the PennDot workers. And let's not forget the unionized toll booth operators on the turnpike, who don't have the decency half the time to actually put the change in your hand instead of throw it at you and grunting.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by 505ci

Especially the PennDot workers. And let's not forget the unionized toll booth operators on the turnpike, who don't have the decency half the time to actually put the change in your hand instead of throw it at you and grunting.

Toll Booth operators are unionized? Now I've heard everything....! That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.....

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by 505ci

I hate to say it, but you're pretty much dead-on in your posts about the majority of the people around here. It's sad but true. Especially what you say about the "tough guys" everywhere who like to pick fights with people. I've been all over this country and I have to say that Pittsburgh is the worst for that kind of thing.


The people, however (and sadly) are a different story. Not everyone's a complete jerk here, but as a whole the people are rude, ignorant, and obnoxious. Maybe I'd feel differently if I was extremely outspoken, confrontational, and liked to fight. But I'm not like that, so I've never really fit in here. It seems like people around here are always looking for trouble, be it gossip, drama, or physical altercations. It's bizarre and I have yet to see this level of pathology anywhere else I've ever been. Of course, not everyone's like that here, but it seems the ones who aren't are like me...and wanna get out of here ASAP. Sad, but true.

Gosh, I never got that impression of the people in Pittsburgh. Some were a bit put off, but the majority of people I have run into were really nice. The only time I have run into any rudeness is in the customer service area. I realize these people are not paid much, but they are not expected to save the world either. Let's admit it, they dont have demanding jobs. The customer service in Pittsburgh is really awful. (Sorry guys - you know i love Pittsburgh)
I do have to say though, that the service is better at top end restaurants downtown.
Wait until Nordstrom comes into the area -- they will teach their employees how to have a good attitude. That store has the world's best customer service - in every state!
Hopefully the rest of the service industry in Pittsburgh will take note.

As far as "the people" in general. Well, I think they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. SO easy to talk to! If you are new to an area, they will welcome you with open arms. The communities here are extremely friendly.
Sure, it's not a very fashionable place and not many people take an interest in what they wear (aside from the fact it's black and yellow) but you shouldn't judge people's kindness by the fact they have bad taste in clothes.
I have never had one single person make me feel intimidated or try to start a fight with us. That's ridiculous! Quite the opposite. If you go into an area with a frown, people will frown right back!
lesson to be learned - SMILE FIRST and they will SMILE BACK!

[PApisces]

Originally Posted by 505ci

Especially the PennDot workers. And let's not forget the unionized toll booth operators on the turnpike, who don't have the decency half the time to actually put the change in your hand instead of throw it at you and grunting.

Please try and remember that If it weren't for the strength of Labor Unions, we'd ALL be big business' Bit@h. Period.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by PApisces

Please try and remember that If it weren't for the strength of Labor Unions, we'd ALL be big business' Bit@h. Period.

My dad worked at Bethlehem Steel and his "union" did little to help the situation. It is my OPINION that unions have done more harm than good in America. Being unionized can be a good thing, but often times it seems they get too big for their britches and the workers end up getting screwed. Arizona, (where I live part time) is a "right to work" state and I feel is has been very good for the area. I've been on both sides of the fence and I would rather NOT have a union. Look at the teachers unions - they are forced to keep teachers that are not successful and yet they still get their annual pay raises.
Gosh, I'm really beginning to sound like a Republican aren't I??