Pittsburgh, often overshadowed by a larger metropolis like its sister city, Philadelphia, or even the Big Apple — New York — holds a secure and fascinating place in American history and culture.
Commonly known as the Steel City due to its historic ties to steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh transformed into a thriving hub of technology, education and culture throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Whether you were born and raised here or simply curious about the dynamics of the city — because as the true Pittsburgher you are, you don’t cross bridges — here are some surprising facts that might change how you view Pittsburgh.
Did you know Pittsburgh is a tech city on the rise? While Pittsburgh’s foundation may be rooted in steel and manufacturing, the city has reinvented itself as a tech powerhouse.
Pittsburgh has become home to some of the most innovative global companies. Companies such as Google, Uber and Apple have significant operations in the city, mainly influenced by prestigious local universities and research institutions. The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) are world-renowned for their contributions to robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration and computer science.
Pittsburgh also has a thriving startup scene, with new tech companies emerging regularly. Although Pittsburgh hasn’t been explicitly “voted” the best city for technology in a single, definitive ranking, the city’s transformation into a tech and innovation hub could rank as one of modern America’s most successful urban reinventions.
Did you know one of the most interesting aspects of Pittsburgh’s culture is its distinct dialect, often called “Pittsburghese”? Locals have a unique way of speaking, with words and phrases that may sound strange to outsiders.
For example, instead of saying “you guys,” Pittsburghers might say “yinz” or “y’all.” The term “gum band” is commonly used to refer to a rubber band, and the famous “Pittsburgh left” refers to turning left at an intersection when the light turns green, even in the face of oncoming traffic. Pittsburgh driving is infamous among Steel Town millennials, referring to the act of drinking while driving.
Did you know Pittsburgh is undeniably a die-hard sports town? Not sports in general, only to our black and gold teams. Home to the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), the city’s residents are passionate and fiercely loyal to their teams.
But did you know that Pittsburgh has won more combined championships in the four significant sports than most cities in the country? The Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, and the Penguins have claimed five Stanley Cups. The Pittsburgh Pirates have won five World Series titles (1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, 1979). Spectators can witness the love for our hometown teams when a sea of black and gold fills Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park and PPG Paints Arena on game days.
Did you know Pittsburgh’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors influenced by Italian, Polish and Eastern European immigrants? Pittsburgh is home to the famous Primanti Brothers sandwich, which consists of meat, cheese, fries and coleslaw piled into a sandwich. This iconic local dish perfectly encapsulates the city’s working-class history and fuel for hungry Pittsburghers.
Additionally, Pittsburgh is known for its pierogies, hearty stews and robust coffee culture. To learn more about Pittsburgh’s food scene, read my 2021 article “Did you know business owner Helen Mannarino emigrated to the US from Poland?” in the West Hills Gazette.
Pittsburgh, with its rich history, diverse culture and ongoing transformation, offers a wealth of stories that many people may not know. From its 446 bridges to its emergence as a tech hub and sports dominance, Pittsburgh continues to evolve while holding onto its strong roots. The Steel City is a place where innovation meets tradition, and it’s a city that proves there’s always more than meets the eye.
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