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May 28, 2024

The Rudest Pittsburgh Insults From the Past 200 Years

City Cast Pittsburgh

The Rudest Pittsburgh Insults From the Past 200 Years

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Pittsburgh has always had its problems, and complaining about them is one of our favorite sports. But there’s also a long tradition of outsiders coming here — or even just reading about our town — and thinking it’s OK to add their two cents.

Local writer Virginia Montanez rounded up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries. She joins us to share her favorites and explain why our city drew so much ire from outside writers, newsmakers, and prominent figures.

Can’t get enough old-timey insults? Check out Virginia’s column for Pittsburgh Magazine.

**This episode originally published on October 4, 2023

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