21 Must-Know Cleveland Slang Words and Phrases

Visiting Cleveland and aiming to fit in? Start by indulging in pierogies, venting about the Browns (e.g., “FirstEnergy Stadium doubles as a tornado shelter since touchdowns are almost nonexistent”), and mastering these slang terms to speak like a true Clevelander.

1. Dead Man’s Curve 

Located just east of downtown Cleveland, Interstate 90 takes a sharp 90-degree turn, requiring drivers to reduce speed. This section of the road, complete with flashing lights and rumble strips for safety, is famously known as Dead Man’s Curve among locals.

2. Dyngus Day

Dyngus Day, a traditional Polish holiday observed on the Monday following Easter, is marked by polka music, pierogies, and paczki (explained later). Thanks to Cleveland's sizable Eastern European community, the city hosts vibrant Dyngus Day festivities every year.

3. and 4. East Side and West Side

The Cuyahoga River cuts through Cleveland, serving as a cultural boundary that fuels a fierce rivalry: The East Side boasts a more historic and polished vibe, while the West Side is known for its newer developments, sprawling neighborhoods, and working-class roots. East Siders view the West Side as uncharted territory, and West Siders feel the same about the East Side.

5. The Feast

The Feast is the colloquial term used by Cleveland locals to describe the Feast of the Assumption, a Catholic observance in August that transforms the city’s Little Italy into a lively weekend street festival.

6. The Flats

The area along the Cuyahoga River as it flows toward Lake Erie is known to locals as The Flats. Once dominated by industrial activity, it transformed into a hotspot in the 1980s, brimming with bars, eateries, and live music venues. If you know a Gen Xer from Cleveland, they likely have fond (or wild) memories of their younger days spent in the Flats.

7. Ghoulardi

When Clevelanders mention Ghoulardi, they’re talking about the iconic host Ernie Anderson, who, in the 1960s, wore a wig and fake beard to present late-night horror films on WJW-TV as this character. After moving to California for a career in network voiceovers, Anderson was succeeded by Bob “Hoolihan” Wells and Charles “Big Chuck” Schodowski. Hoolihan eventually left, leaving Big Chuck to team up with Li'l Jon for many years.

An interesting tidbit: Paul Thomas Anderson, the filmmaker behind the Ghoulardi Film Company, is the son of Anderson. During a promotional event for his film Phantom Thread, he experienced the profound impact his father's persona had on Cleveland residents. Chrissie Hynde, an Akron native and member of The Pretenders, was also present. “She navigated through the crowd to approach me. My ego swelled, thinking she was about to praise Phantom Thread,” he recounted. “Instead, she spoke exclusively about Ghoulardi. It was remarkable. Jim Jarmusch had a similar reaction. The enduring influence of this character is astonishing, isn’t it?” 

8. Guardians of Traffic

The Lorain-Carnegie bridge, which connects downtown Cleveland with the Ohio City neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River, is adorned with art deco sculptures on each pylon. These carvings depict figures holding various forms of wheeled transport, such as trucks, covered wagons, and trains. Dubbed the Guardians of Traffic by bridge engineer Wilbur Watson, these statues nearly faced demolition in the 1970s due to bridge expansion plans. Today, they stand as a beloved symbol of Cleveland's heritage and even inspired the name of the city's baseball team.

9. The Islands

Cleveland residents often refer to the Lake Erie Islands as The Islands, a broad term for this cluster of summer hotspots ideal for day trips or extended getaways [PDF]. Among them, Put-in-Bay stands out as a favorite for bachelor and bachelorette celebrations. Situated in Lake Erie's western basin, these islands are close to Sandusky and Port Clinton.

10. and 11. The Jake and The Q (or The Gund)

The ballpark now known as Progressive Field, home to the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians), was originally called Jacobs Field. Despite the name change in 2008, many locals still affectionately call it the Jake. Nearby stands the Cavaliers’ arena, which opened in 1994 as part of the Gateway project. While it’s currently named Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, those over 30 often refer to it as the Q (from its former name, Quicken Loans Arena). Meanwhile, residents over 40 might still call it the Gund, harking back to its original name, Gund Arena.

12. Lake Effect Snow

Lake Effect Snow is a term unfamiliar to many Americans, but Clevelanders, particularly those on the East Side, are all too familiar with it. When chilly air moves across Lake Erie, it absorbs moisture and then releases it, sometimes dumping several feet of snow on the East Side. This phenomenon fuels the East Side-West Side rivalry, as the West Side often receives only a light dusting during the same snowfall.

13. Len Barker’s Perfect Game

Every major league city has that one game where everyone insists they were in attendance. For Cleveland, it’s the perfect game pitched by Len Barker on May 15, 1981. (Actual attendance: 7290.)

14. Muni Lot

Officially known as the Lakefront Municipal Parking Lot, the Muni Lot is a legendary tailgating destination for Cleveland Browns fans. Situated on Marginal Road, just east of downtown and a short walk from the Browns’ stadium, it’s a hub of pre-game festivities. (While alcohol consumption isn’t officially permitted, it’s a well-known part of the experience.)

15. The North Coast

If the East Coast and West Coast exist, why not a North Coast? This playful nickname refers to the Cleveland region, bordered by Lake Erie to the north. The term North Coast is widely embraced and often used in the names of local businesses.

16. Paczki

A rich pastry typically stuffed with fruit or cream, paczki originated in Poland as a way to use up sugar and lard before Lent. On Fat Tuesday, bakeries in Cleveland see a surge in paczki sales as locals indulge in this traditional treat.

17. Polish Boy

The Polish Boy is a quintessential Cleveland dish, featuring a hot dog or kielbasa piled high with French fries, cole slaw, and barbecue sauce. This iconic sandwich is thought to have originated in the 1940s and remains a local favorite.

18. Pop

A fizzy soft drink.

19. The Rapid

The commuter train serving Cuyahoga County is locally known as the Rapid. It operates three lines: the Blue and Green lines, which connect the city’s eastern neighborhoods and suburbs, and the Red Line, which stretches from the East Side to the airport. When the Red Line was finished in 1968, Cleveland became the first North American city with a direct rail link from downtown to the airport.

20. Sucker

A lollipop. In Ohio, when people mention suckers, they’re often referring to the small, round Dum-Dums, produced in Bryan in the state’s northwest. These treats are a staple at banks, making every visit complete.

21. Tree Lawn

The tree lawn refers to the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street, often used for placing garbage cans. Some locals humorously refer to scavenging for discarded items as “tree lawn shopping.” (In Akron, this space is known as a devil strip, not a tree lawn.)