Travel with Amateur Traveler · Saturday, September 26, 2026
A unique linguistic marker, or 'shibboleth,' differentiates locals from non-natives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Locals pronounce the city's name as 'Lan-cus-ter' (without the 'C' sound), while outsiders typically say 'Lan-cas-ter.'
“if you are from Lancaster, you don't say Lancaster. You don't pronounce the 'C'. You say Lancaster.”
“Exactly. You know a local from a non-local. If they say Lancaster, you know they're a local. If they say Lancaster, then you know they're a non-Lancaster native.”
“It's a shibboleth. Okay.”