15 Words That Mean Something Completely Different in San Francisco

It’s no secret that people tend to speak differently in different places.  Whether it be an unfamiliar accent, or an unfamiliar word, people visiting a new area may feel slightly out-of-place until they catch on to the local lingo.  However, nothing is more confusing or frustrating than being in a place where people are using words that you know, but using them very differently. The city of San Fransisco, like many other places throughout the country, has its own way of using some common words in some pretty uncommon ways.  Although it can take a bit of adjusting, guests and new residents will eventually feel right at home.  Here are 15 words that mean something completely different in San Fransisco.

Good looks

For most people, the phrase “good looks” simply refers to a person’s good looks.  For example, in most areas, it wouldn’t be uncommon to say something like , “you can’t expect your good looks to carry you through life.” However, in San Fransisco the “good looks” is used to mean good-looking out.  For example, “good looks on the free concert tickets.”

Penelope

When most people hear the name Penelope, they immediately think of it as a female first name.  However, thanks to San Fransisco based rapper, E40, the phrase Penelopes is used in the Bay Area as a nick name for police.

 (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Cabbage

To most people, Cabbage is simply a leafy green vegetable.  However, to many in San Fransisco, especially young people, the word cabbage is used to refer to money.

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

 

Gravy

Gravy is a sauce often used on dinner meats and sides; however, to people in San Fransisco, gravy can be used to insinuate that something is good or okay.  For example, instead of saying “no problem,” a person could say “it’s all gravy.”

(Photo courtesy of Twitter)

Hoodie

Hoodies are a popular accessory for many people around the world; however, for those living in San Fransisco, the word can have an entirely different and more important meaning.  Instead of just a cute piece of outer-wear, many people see hoodies as a necessity due to the city’s cooler climate.

 (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Coffee

For most people, the word coffee symbolizes a quick caffeinated pick-me-up.  However, for people in San Fransisco, the word coffee symbolizes a beautifully crafted warm beverage that can cost you anywhere from three bucks to ten.

 (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Uber

Due to its growing popularity, many people are familiar with the Uber app and its functions.  To most people the Uber app is a ‘designed for riders wanting to use a private car service. However, in San Fransisco, the birth place of Uber, the word Uber is simply synonymous with cab.

(Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Burrito

In most places, the word burrito refers to a rolled tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, meat, and vegetables.  For most people, the word burrito automatically triggers thoughts of restaurant chain, Chipotle. However, in San Fransisco, burritos are a popular food of choice and are taken very seriously.

(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Giants

In most parts of the world, the word giant represents an abnormally large person or creature that typically only exists in fairy tales.  However, in of San Fransisco the word giants refers to the city’s world series winning major league baseball team.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Fog

In most places, fog is the occasionally thick precipitation that hovers in the air, often making it difficult to see.  In San Fransisco, fog is the lovely presence that surrounds the city almost on a daily basis.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Rent

Typically, rent refers to the portion of a person’s paycheck that goes towards paying for their living space.  In San Fransisco, rent is the amount of money you wish you could afford to pay every month.

 (Photo by Alexandra Beier/Getty Images)

Hot Dog

Hot dogs are popular throughout the country, and they usually refer to a cooked beef or pork frank that is typically eaten on a bun with condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and relish.  However, in San Fransisco, hot dogs are a force to be reckoned with.  Forget thinking about a skinny little overcooked hot dog.  When in San Fransisco, the word hot dog refers to glorious piece of meat nestled in a bun; typically wrapped in bacon and sold from a street vender.

(Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

 

Bro

Bro is commonly referred to as an abbreviated form of the word brother.  However, in San Fransisco, the word bro is used to refer to almost anyone – friend or family, male or female.

(Photo courtesy of Tumblr)

 

Tech

Short for the word technology, the word tech doesn’t mean much more to most people. However, in San Fransisco, the home of many of the most popular companies and apps, tech is simply a way of life.

 (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Los Angeles

Also known as The City of Angels, Los Angeles is often what most people think of when they think of the state of California. Many are attracted to the city’s warm weather, beaches, and great atmosphere.  However, people in San Fransisco tend to be less impressed with Los Angeles, and to them, the words mean something more comparable to “ew.”

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)