10 Things Only People from Western New York Will Understand

Western New York isn't just a place on a map; it's a state of mind. It's a collection of shared experiences, inside jokes, and deeply ingrained traditions that shape our daily lives. If you're from WNY, you don't just live here—you live it. Here are 10 things that only true Western New Yorkers will understand:

1. The Sacred Friday Fish Fry

It's not just a meal; it's a religious observance, regardless of your actual religion. Come Friday, the aroma of crispy, golden-fried haddock, usually with a side of coleslaw and mac salad, wafts from every fire hall, legion post, and local pub. And woe betide anyone who tries to schedule something else during prime fish fry hours. It's deeply ingrained, especially in Lent, but a year-round staple.

2. The Eternal "Anchor Bar vs. Duff's" Debate

Ask a Western New Yorker where to get the best chicken wings, and prepare for a passionate, potentially heated, and never-ending debate. While the Anchor Bar may have invented them, Duff's loyalists will vehemently defend their perfectly crispy, saucy, and consistently hot wings. And then there are the countless other local spots with their own devoted followings. There's no right answer, only strongly held opinions.

3. The Unwavering Loyalty to the Buffalo Bills (and Sabres)

"The Bills make me wanna shout!" isn't just a song; it's a mantra. Through decades of heartbreak and recent resurgence, our loyalty is unwavering. We've tailgated in blizzards, celebrated four Super Bowl losses with perverse pride, and now, anticipate every Sunday with a mix of dread and hope. The same goes for the Sabres; we bleed blue and gold, regardless of the standings. We're a region united by sports, for better or worse.

4. "Pop" vs. "Soda"

It's "pop." End of discussion. If you call it "soda," you're probably not from here. This seemingly minor linguistic difference is a surprisingly fierce regional identifier.

5. The Delights of a "Beef on Weck"

Forget your fancy sandwiches. A true "beef on weck" is a masterpiece: thinly sliced, rare roast beef piled high on a Kimmelweck roll (a Kaiser roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt), served au jus with a side of horseradish. It's messy, it's salty, and it's pure WNY culinary bliss. You'll find it on almost every diner and pub menu.

6. Driving in Four Seasons (Sometimes in One Day)

We don't just experience four seasons; we often experience them all in a single day, especially in spring and fall. A sunny, mild morning can quickly turn into a snow squall, followed by rain. We learn to keep an ice scraper in the car in July, just in case. And "lake effect" isn't a forecast; it's a way of life that dictates where you shovel and what route you take.

7. The Ubiquity of Tim Hortons

Before it became a national (and international) chain, Tim Hortons was practically a religion here. There's one on every corner, and it's the go-to for morning coffee, a quick lunch, or an emergency box of Timbits. It’s ingrained in our daily routine, a symbol of convenience and comfort.

8. Explaining Where "Upstate New York" Actually Begins

For us, "Upstate New York" usually refers to anything north of Syracuse, or sometimes even Rochester. The idea that New York City residents consider anything north of the Bronx "Upstate" is a constant source of amusement and mild annoyance. No, we are not a suburb of NYC. We're our own distinct region, thank you very much.

9. The Pride in Our Architecture and History

We know Buffalo is a hidden architectural gem. From the majestic City Hall to the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright structures (like the Darwin Martin House), and the revival of our historic industrial buildings, we take immense pride in our city's design and rich past. We've seen Buffalo's ups and downs, and we fiercely champion its ongoing resurgence.

10. Calling People "Patsy," "Buddy," or "Chief" (Affectionately)

These aren't insults; they're terms of endearment, a colloquialism that often indicates familiarity and a certain WNY charm. You might hear it from your gruff but lovable neighbor, the corner store owner, or a seasoned bartender. It's a part of our friendly, no-nonsense communication style that outsiders might find surprising but locals immediately recognize as pure WNY.

These quirks and customs are more than just habits; they're the threads that weave together the unique tapestry of Western New York, fostering a sense of shared identity and deep-rooted pride. If you know, you know.