10 Things Marylanders Do That Make The Rest Of Us Say, “Wait, What?”

Maryland’s unique location, straddling the North and South, bordering the Chesapeake Bay, and wrapping around Washington D.C., has created a regional culture with some truly baffling quirks for outsiders.

From their unusual food toppings to their creative pronunciations, Marylanders have developed habits that leave visitors scratching their heads. Get ready to explore the strange and wonderful world of Maryland traditions that make everyone else say, “Wait, what?”

1. They Put Marshmallow Cream on a Snow Cone

Marylanders don’t call it a snow cone; it’s a “snowball.” The finely shaved ice itself is a regional staple, but the true shocker is the default topping: a creamy, sticky dollop of marshmallow cream.

While the rest of the country sticks to simple fruit syrups, Maryland decided to take things in a sweeter, stickier direction. The marshmallow topping adds a rich, velvety layer that transforms the icy treat into something completely different.

Walk into any snowball stand during summer, and you’ll see locals ordering this combination without a second thought. For outsiders, though, the idea of marshmallow on ice seems absolutely wild.

2. They Wear the State Flag on Everything

While other states may wave their flag on holidays, Marylanders live it every single day. The distinctive black, white, red, and yellow design comes from the Calvert and Crossland family coats of arms, and it’s plastered on everything imaginable.

Hats, shirts, crab decals, cars, houses, and even wedding cakes proudly display the bold pattern. It’s not just state pride; it’s a full-blown fashion statement and lifestyle choice that borders on obsession.

You’ll spot the flag at grocery stores, gyms, and backyard barbecues. Marylanders treat their flag like a badge of honor that must be displayed everywhere possible.

3. They Say “Warsh” and “Warter”

In many parts of the state, particularly the Baltimore area, an intrusive “r” mysteriously appears in certain words. An outsider might be asked to “warsh” their hands with “warter” from the “zinc,” which is actually a sink.

This linguistic quirk leaves non-Marylanders utterly baffled and convinced they’ve entered a parallel universe. The added “r” sound doesn’t follow any logical grammar rule; it just exists as part of the local dialect.

Even lifelong residents might not realize they’re doing it until someone points it out. It’s one of those regional speech patterns that instantly identifies where someone grew up.

4. They Shout “O!” During the National Anthem

At Baltimore Orioles baseball games or any public performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the crowd will bellow a loud “O!” during the line, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.” Francis Scott Key, who wrote the anthem, was a Marylander himself.

The tradition honors the Baltimore Orioles, affectionately called the “O’s,” and has become a source of immense pride. First-time visitors are usually startled by the sudden eruption of sound mid-anthem.

What seems disrespectful to outsiders is actually a beloved ritual. Marylanders see it as the ultimate expression of hometown loyalty and patriotic spirit combined into one glorious moment.

5. They Pronounce Baltimore as “Bawlmer”

The pronunciation of the state’s largest city, Baltimore, is often clipped and swallowed into two syllables: “Bawlmer,” or even “Bawlmer, Merlin” when referring to Maryland. Good luck finding a local who uses all three syllables properly.

This linguistic shortcut is so widespread that newcomers quickly learn to adopt it or risk sounding like a tourist forever. The full pronunciation sounds overly formal and oddly out of place in casual conversation.

Even official announcements and local news anchors sometimes slip into the relaxed version. It’s a badge of authenticity that separates true locals from everyone else passing through town.

6. Their Favorite Seasoning Is the Answer to Everything

Maryland has one seasoning, and they put it on everything: Old Bay. Crabs? Yes. Shrimp? Of course.

But then things get interesting: popcorn, fries, chicken, tuna salad, mac and cheese, watermelon, and cocktail rims all get the Old Bay treatment. The distinctive blend of celery salt, paprika, and spices has achieved near-religious status in the state.

Marylanders genuinely believe there’s no food that can’t be improved with a generous shake of the yellow-and-blue tin. To outsiders, this seems extreme, but locals swear by its magical powers to enhance absolutely anything edible.

7. They Say They’re Going “Downy Oshun”

This classic piece of Baltimore-area slang means they are going “down to the ocean,” referring almost exclusively to the resort town of Ocean City, Maryland. For a Marylander, “the beach” usually means Ocean City and nowhere else.

The phrase is pronounced as one rushed word, leaving outsiders completely confused about the destination. It’s not just an accent thing; it’s a cultural shorthand that everyone in the region instantly understands.

Mention any other beach, and Marylanders will politely acknowledge it exists but insist Ocean City is superior. The phrase captures both the destination and the deep-rooted tradition of summer trips there.

8. They Use “Hon” as a Universal Greeting

In Baltimore, especially, the term of endearment “Hon” is used constantly and indiscriminately. It serves as a greeting, an affectionate address, or just a conversational filler, even to complete strangers.

Restaurant servers, grocery store cashiers, and random people in line all use “Hon” freely. There’s even an annual HonFest celebration in Baltimore that honors this quirky tradition with beehive hairdos and cat-eye glasses.

For visitors, being called “Hon” by someone they just met feels surprisingly warm and welcoming. It’s a small word that carries the weight of Baltimore’s friendly, down-to-earth culture.

9. They Call the DC Metro Area the “DMV”

To an outsider, the DMV is the Department of Motor Vehicles, a place of long lines and paperwork nightmares. To a Marylander and their neighbors, the DMV is shorthand for the geographical region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

This acronym is used constantly in conversation, news reports, and social media to describe the metro area. First-time visitors are often confused when locals casually mention “the DMV” in contexts that have nothing to do with driver’s licenses.

Once you understand the lingo, it makes perfect sense. It’s an efficient way to reference the interconnected urban sprawl that defines the region.

10. They Host “Bull & Oyster Roasts”

This unique fundraiser tradition, often hosted by churches or social clubs, leaves non-Marylanders scratching their heads in confusion. The “bull” refers to an entire roast beef, while the “oysters” are served steamed, roasted, or on the half shell.

The combination makes for a distinctly Maryland culinary experience that celebrates the state’s love of both land and sea. These events are casual, communal affairs where people gather to eat, drink, and support a good cause.

For outsiders, the name alone sounds bizarre, but locals know exactly what to expect. It’s a delicious tradition that perfectly captures Maryland’s unique food culture and community spirit.