What is a "Yinzer"? (Pittsburgh, York: appointed, places, Swiss)

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

So stop trying to figure it out, just stop using the term. Using it doesn't make you more a Pittsburgher, it just shows how much farther you need to go to become a Pittsburgher.

Nicely said!

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by jay5835

Did you keep the hater cat? If so, why? I would, and once did, get rid of a pet who picked on my other pets.

Che didn't pick on Basil -- she just didn't like him -- mainly because he always wanted to play with her and she didn't play. The beginning of their relationship was tumultuous, but no out and out fights, and no stalking behaviors. In fact, they would sleep together and groom each other, but Che kept Basil in line. So yes -- we kept her for 19 years, and still mourn her passing to this day.

[XRiteMA98]

Originally Posted by Lobick

Why don't you just stop using the term instead of drafting some passive aggressive martyr fantasy that is masquerading as an honest etymological investigation?

And BTW, who doesn't like free beer? Honestly?

Me. It depends upon the beer. I'll pass if it's something i don't like, even if it's free. I have no clue what a yinzer is ( one may consult a dictionary if he is interested, if the term is in the dictionary) but I guess it's related to Pittsburgh since the postcard store in PPG Two has a mat that says "Yinzer welcome".

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by XRiteMA98

I guess it's related to Pittsburgh since the postcard store in PPG Two has a mat that says "Yinzer welcome".

Note that the fact that the word is embraced in so many similar contexts is a clue that it is not defined in negative terms.

[irishvan]

"Steel -- in a nutshell.... You don't call black people the n-word, you don't call Jews the k-word, you "don't call gays the f-word, and you don't call Pittburghers the y-word.

The appropriate non cursing term for a nasty vile person in while you are in Pittsburgh is -- JAGOFF."


this is not accurate....


Yes, you do NOT call anyone by those derogatory racists, gross terms....but Yinzer is not derogatory...it is not an insult... SCR you insist on using this word as a slur of some sort and we are all just insisting that you not use it since you are missing the point.

[gallacus]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Note that the fact that the word is embraced in so many similar contexts is a clue that it is not defined in negative terms.

This was my point above, that when words like this are used to define a group you perceive yourself to be a member of, it generally has a positive connotation. On the other hand, if it is being used to describe a group you do not perceive yourself to be a member of, it comes off sounding condescending. Just the nature of words that label stereotypes.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by irishvan

Yes, you do NOT call anyone by those derogatory racists, gross terms....but Yinzer is not derogatory...it is not an insult... SCR you insist on using this word as a slur of some sort and we are all just insisting that you not use it since you are missing the point.

It is sort of like how my maternal grandfather used the term "Mexican". That's not inherently a derogatory term, but it quickly became clear listening to him that HE thought it was a derogatory term.

And although I loved him, there is no doubt he was a bigot (of many sorts--a real Archie Bunker type). And that's what I am trying to help SCR avoid.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Note that the fact that the word is embraced in so many similar contexts is a clue that it is not defined in negative terms.

Nicely said!

[Caladium]

SCR, since you've said several times that you want to run for city council, perhaps the most important definition you need to know is: Yinzers are voters.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Yinzers are voters.

And some of them know how to Google.