The Rudest Pittsburgh Insults From the Past 200 Years
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
WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag!
Learn more about our sponsor:
- The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF.
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Pittsburgh's Biggest Villains
Pittsburghers can hold a real grudge. There are so many local personalities and entities that have drawn our ire, from a certain healthca...

Zip Lining, Alpacas, and Video Games— Your Guide to Remake Learning Days {SPONSORED}
On this bonus sponsored episode by the Grable Foundation, we're celebrating a Pittsburgh original. What if learning looked like meeting a...

What To Know About the PA Governor’s Race
May 4 is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election. Register to vote, check your status, and find your pol...

What's Next for Downtown After the Draft?
Local leaders hustled to fix sidewalks, fill storefronts, and revamp public spaces ahead of the NFL Draft. But what's in store for the Go...

'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Pittsburgh? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love ha...

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (...

Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now
It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, t...

Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2
The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harr...

Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and we think the best way to celebrate is by visiting one of the city's 176 gorgeous parks. Plus, with so many par...

Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink
Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the S...

