Reddit user Alexander_The_What recently posed the question, “If someone was pretending to be from Cleveland, what is something they would do that would prove they’re an imposter?” or how would you suss out whether someone wasn’t a native.  The responses laid out a blueprint for identifying a true Cleveland. What would you add?

Blankly stare when you mention “Gund Arena” or “Jacobs Field.” Via SirGreblas/Reddit Credit: Andrew Hitchcock
Sing this: ““Liberty ‘s in… Solon… Maple Heights… Parma Heights… Brunswick… Vermillion…” If they don’t go, “Mmmmmmm” they are an imposter. Via PrinceRainbow/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
They ask what the deal is with the billboards that are just the dude’s eyes. Via EricBDrums/Reddit Credit: Screenshot
Pronounce Mentor and Men Tore Via Several-Eagle4141/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
WMMS is just as good as it was in the ’70s and ’80s. Credit: Scene Archives
They wouldn’t know any of your friends. Cleveland has 2 degrees of separation. Via Drthomk/Reddit Credit: Tim Evanson/Flickr
Misny made me pay Via Celebritieseatbread/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
If you are a Cleveland proper homeowner and wish you had a tree in your treelawn, you can request one. Via Derf82/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
I could easily see myself living on either the West or East side Via DaveDiggity/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Say soda instead of pop or can’t pronounce Cuyahoga. Via [Deleted]/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
You will curse Linndale and take its name in vain Credit: Scene Archives
Not reac if you mention Big John and Little Chuck Credit: Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Berea (Grindstone Festival) 85 S. Rocky River Dr. Date/Time: Festival from 4 to 10 p.m., on the 3rd and 4th, Fireworks at 10 p.m. on the 4th 2022 Fireworks Cost: $16,250 Credit: Scene Archives
They don’t know anyone who works at Progressive or Cleveland Clinic. Via Ok_LetsRoll/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Thinks the Flats are shoes. Via Allyson1969/Reddit Credit: Erik Drost/Flickr CC
“Giant Eagle is a quality grocery store” Credit: Scene Archives
The Cleveland Browns Select Via Meiring54/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
See if they know East Cleveland is a different city Via Leveled2/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Tell someone they live on the north side. Via CaptCraigaroo/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
49th Street Tavern 4129 East 49th St., Cuyahoga Falls The 49th Street Tavern is offering their potato and cheese pierogi, which is three authentic homemade pierogis stuffed with potato and cheese and topped with green onions and served with sour cream. Credit: Scene Archives
They think it’s weird when Clevelanders start wearing shorts in March Credit: Scene Archives
Mispronounce “Carnegie” and not mentioning the “east side” vs “west side” within 5 minutes of meeting someone else from Cleveland. Via UnionGuy1980/Reddit Credit: Jon Dawson/Flickr CC
Ok maybe two Credit: Scene Archives
Doesn’t know what color lips all of our little chicks have Via ScrapitCleveland2/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Think that polkas are dots. Via Itcamefromthe216/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Ghoulardi what? Via Shams_vJean/Reddit Credit: Austin Kleon/Flickr CC
Blank stare when you say in the voice “My names Mark, and you can count on it!” “If you cant get credit in my store……………… you cant get credit anywhere!” Via AGollinibobeanie/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Their reaction when you say you’re gonna eat a Polish boy is horror or confusion Credit: Scene Archives
Ask them to pronounce paczki or what it is and when/what is paczki day. Via Gabimaibe/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
“I used to go swimming in Geauga Lake”…and say ‘Jogga’ Lake Via Law21666 and SingingBird15/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
They don’t know that Discount Drug Mart gives you the run around Credit: Scene Archives
“What’s the Lido Lounge?” Via More-Beans-Less-Rice/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Say “Garfield 1…” and see if they finish it with “2-3-2-3!” Or give you a blank look Via CropGuru357/Reddit Credit: Scene Archives
Who’s Michael Stanley? Credit: Scene Archives
Skyline Chili 5706 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst Skyline may be known for their chili first, but not far behind in popularity are their coneys. Get em’ plain if you want but we prefer them with cheese, famous Cincinnati chili and onions, the way they’re meant to be. Credit: Scene Archives

Scene's award-winning newsroom oftentimes collaborates on articles and projects. Stories under this byline are group efforts.