Even though many of the Mennonites who came to Lancaster County, PA were of Swiss origin, they had lived for awhile in the Palatinate. As a result, they picked up the language of southern Germany, and also much of the culture of this region. Numerous expressions may be heard in Lancaster County that reflect this "Pennsylvania Dutch", as it has come to be known. These expressions, while not as frequent as in years past, still may be heard.

Perhaps you would like to see if you can figure some of them out.

1. outen the light

2. kotz

3. fasnacht

4. rutsch around

5. go a piece

6. mulli

7. slippy

8. hutsch

9. butter bread

10. brutz baby

11. schleck

12. gedunk

13. fress

14. snake guarder

15. it wonders me

16. you better would

17. schmutz

18. stroobly

19. This is redd-up day

20. I need jumped

21. smear case

22. It's all

23. schushlich

Go here for the answers.

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