This ‘Jawn’ is Getting Out of Hand
The use of the word “jawn” is getting out of hand. It’s on billboards, T-shirts, coffee mugs, even food! But the origins of the word are kind of murky. What is for sure though is that Philadelphians feel strongly about how “jawn” is used and who gets to say it. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri sits down with Dr. Taylor Jones, a linguist who focuses on regional accents in African American English, to share her feelings about the word, and learn more about its history and the debate about ownership and identity of language.
Want some more Philly news plus amazing event recommendations? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. It hits your inboxes every weekday at 6 a.m.
Have strong feelings about jawn and you just want someone to listen? We’re always listening on Twitter! Follow us @citycastphilly.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Democratic Civil War, Dirty Dentist & Alternatives to the Shore This Weekend
It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic pol...
Who Wins Summer in the USA? Philly Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compe...
Chris Rabb, Progressive State Rep., Defeats Democratic Establishment
Results are in! The City Cast Philly team stayed up late to get the results of last night’s Democratic primary election for the Third Con...
New Holiday in Philly Is a Response to Trump Hiding History
Ona Judge was one of nine enslaved Black people forced to work and live at President George Washington’s Philadelphia home before her esc...
Are Out-Of-Town Businesses Taking Over Philly’s Food Scene?
Philly's food and beverage landscape is constantly expanding. New businesses are popping up all the time, and many originate from other p...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Philly
Would Philadelphia be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from mo...
Waymo Comes to Town, Fetterman Votes for War & Philly Drinks for America’s 250th
It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through whether City Council has the power to regula...
Goin’ Down the Shore: A Beginner's Guide to the Jersey Shore
It’s that time of year when Philadelphians are making their summer plans. And that means it's time to book those weeks and weekends down...
Tuesday’s Election: A Noisy Congressional Race & a Quiet Mystery Contest
The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re votin...
What's in Philly's Smoke Shop Drugs?
Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over...