Delaware may be a small state, but the locals have a big sense of humour—and some very unique phrases that will leave outsiders scratching their heads. Whether it’s about driving on Route 1, dealing with beach traffic, or just loving their local scrapple (yes, it’s a thing!), Delawareans have some truly funny sayings that only make sense if you’re from the First State.
So, if you’re planning to visit, or just want a good laugh, here are 10 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Delaware.
1. “Don’t knock scrapple ‘til you’ve tried it.”
If you’re not from the area, scrapple (a fried pork mush) probably sounds… weird. But in Delaware, it’s a beloved breakfast food, and people get very defensive about it.
2. “It’s just 30 minutes from anywhere.”
Delawareans love to say this, even though it’s rarely true. Still, in such a small state, anything more than 30 minutes feels like a cross-country trip.
3. “Which Wawa are we meeting at?”
Yes, Wawa is more than just a convenience store—it’s a cultural landmark in Delaware. Locals have serious loyalty to it, and choosing which Wawa to meet at is a real question.
4. “That beach traffic’ll ruin your whole week.”
If you’re trying to get to the Delaware beaches in summer, good luck. One small jam on Route 1, and it’s over. Locals know not to mess with beach traffic unless it’s really worth it.
5. “We’re not Philly, we’re not Baltimore, we’re just… here.”
Delaware often feels stuck between big cities with no one knowing exactly where it fits in. And that’s exactly how locals describe it—with humour and a shrug.
6. “Slower Lower Delaware is a real place.”
Also known as “SLoDE”, Slower Lower Delaware refers to the southern part of the state, where life moves at a slower pace… and people love it that way.
7. “You know someone from every part of the state.”
With only three counties, it’s no surprise that everyone knows everyone in Delaware. It’s like one big small town with a lot of inside jokes.
8. “Don’t forget, tax-free shopping, baby!”
Delawareans are proud of their zero sales tax, and they never miss a chance to remind out-of-towners—especially those from nearby states who come just to shop.
9. “That storm hit Dover and nowhere else.”
For some reason, weather in Delaware is wildly inconsistent. It can rain in one city and be totally sunny 10 miles away. Dover seems to get its own weather system entirely.
10. “If you blink, you’ll miss the whole state.”
Delaware is so small that people joke about driving through it without realizing. And locals love to make that joke themselves—over and over again.
Delaware may not be the loudest or largest state in the U.S., but it certainly has its own funny charm and local flavour. These sayings might sound silly at first, but they tell you a lot about the people who live there—friendly, funny, and full of pride for their little state.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/delaware-slang
[2] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/delaware/words-in-delaware
[3] https://slogan.company/us-state/delaware-slogan/
[4] https://onlybyland.com/delaware-puns/
[5] https://namefatso.com/blog/delaware-slogan-ideas
