7 West Virginia Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

If you’re spending some time in the state, you will want to know these West Virginia slang words to help you speak like a local. From great road trips to tasty burgers, as well as enjoyable cities and things to do, this is a state you will want to get to know a whole lot better.

1. Bamma = No style

‘Bamma’ is a word used to describe someone who is homely/country-ish and has very style.

2. Kirk = Freak out

“Omg, you totally kirked out at me over nothing last night!”

3. Hokies = Virginia Tech fans

Anyone who has attended Virginia Tech or is a loyal fan of their football team.

4. Smooch = Kiss

In West Virginia, people don’t kiss. They smooch. This is the same thing as a kiss, but it’s a little more playful and less romantic.

5. Yankee = Outsider

A Yankee is the term anyone not from Virginia or the surrounding regions to the south and west. Basically, it just means anyone who isn’t “Southern.”

6. Poke = Bag

“Can I have a poke to carry my stuff in?”

7. Crick = Creek

It’s that accent: in mountain talk, a crick is a shallow stream or “creek”.

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