What are 10 Things Philadelphian's Are Known For?

10 Things That Define Every True Philadelphian

Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love, but as any local will tell you, that love often comes with a bit of an edge. The people of Philadelphia are the city's living, breathing character—a complex, passionate, and fiercely proud bunch.

Want to understand what makes Philadelphians tick? Here are the 10 traits that define the true Philly spirit.

1. Bleeding Green (and Red, Orange, and Blue)

There are sports fans, and then there are Philadelphia sports fans. This city doesn't just watch its teams; it bleeds their colors. It's green for the Eagles, red for the Phillies, orange and black for the Flyers, and blue for the Sixers. This is a city that lives and breathes with every win and loss, known for a loyalty so intense it often includes brutally honest "feedback" for its own players.

2. Knowing the "Wit" or "Witout" Cheesesteak Law

The Philly cheesesteak is the lifeblood of the city's cuisine, and everyone is a connoisseur. Locals don't just eat cheesesteaks; they have deeply held, passionate, and non-negotiable opinions on them. Get ready to defend your choice: "wit" or "witout" onions? Provolone or Whiz? And most importantly, which corner shop does it best?

3. The Infamous "Philly Attitude"

Let's get this out of the way. Philadelphians are known for being blunt and a little rough around the edges. What outsiders might mistake for rudeness, locals simply call honesty. It's a no-nonsense, direct way of speaking that refuses to sugarcoat things. It's a sign of authenticity, not animosity.

4. Living in the Shadow of American History

You can't walk a block in Old City without tripping over American history. From the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, Philadelphians grow up surrounded by the nation's founding. There's a deep, unspoken respect for the city's role in history, and it's a core part of the local identity.

5. Worshipping at the "Rocky Steps"

Yes, he's a fictional boxer, but Rocky Balboa is a 100% real Philadelphia icon. He embodies the city's "underdog" spirit. The "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art aren't just a tourist trap; they're a testament to the city's gritty, never-give-up mentality.

6. Having a Strong Opinion on... Everything

The passion isn't just for sports. Philadelphians are fiercely opinionated about everything. This includes heated debates over the best hoagie spot (it's not a sub!), which local brewery is on top, and which corner store has the superior soft pretzel.

7. The Unmistakable Philly Accent

The Philly accent is one of the most identifiable regional dialects in the country. With its unique elongated vowels and distinctive local slang, it's instantly recognizable. It's the sound of the city, and locals are proud of it.

8. A Deep Love for Soft Pretzels (with Mustard)

Soft pretzels are more than a snack—they're a Philly institution. The classic, figure-eight-shaped pretzel is a daily staple, sold on street corners and at every sporting event. And in Philadelphia, there's only one correct way to eat them: with a generous smear of mustard.

9. Championing the Underdog (Because They Are One)

Philadelphians fully embrace the underdog mentality. It's the spirit of Rocky. This grit is born from a city that often feels overlooked in favor of its flashier East Coast neighbors, New York and D.C. Philly likes having to prove itself, and it celebrates those who do the same.

10. "Brotherly Love"... With an Edge

Despite the gruff exterior, the "City of Brotherly Love" nickname holds true—you just have to know where to look. Philadelphians are fiercely loyal to their own. There's a powerful sense of community, a willingness to defend their city to the death, and a begrudging affection mixed into it all.

They're complex, a little bit prickly, but deeply proud. To understand Philadelphia is to understand its people—they're as essential to the city's character as the Liberty Bell itself.