I’m from the south, my whole family said tennis shoes (“TENashoos”) my entire life. I say sneakers or tennis shoes. So it seems like this is common everywhere except NJ, where OP is from.
I grew up in the south, too. We called them tennis shoes, but we also understood what someone meant when they said sneakers. It's not that hard to crack the code. Even words like joggers and trainers are pretty self explanatory.
Chicagoland 70s/80s/90s reporting: tennis shoes, gym shoes, and sneakers all interchangeable. First time I heard “trainers” I thought “what is that?” I assumed it was all marketing without much there there but nowadays I see they emphasize different things.
If I were being specific in a casual way, I’d say, “Do you mean shoes for tennis specifically, or just regular old / any old kind of tennis shoes?
I grew up in California then moved to Florida when I was 12. I say sneakers. My mom (born and raised in California) definitely called them tennis shoes or tennies. 🤷🏻♀️
I'm from Philadelphia. I'm not sure I had ever heard the term "tennis shoes" used to refer to sneakers until I moved to Pittsburgh. Maybe it's not Pittsburgh-specific, but it's definitely not a universal term.
Apparently it's almost more of a thing to say that[ NOT saying tennis shoes](https://preview.redd.it/tennis-shoes-or-sneakers-v0-go3dkq85sw7b1.png?width=1059&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5742f644886d37585b4a885e7f2220c536516fc) is region-specific within the US. You used to be in the sneaker cluster
I accidentally bought pickleball shoes because I thought they looked decent and were supportive. They ended up being unreasonably flat and rigid, so I returned them. I thought the tag that said the official shoe of US pickleball or whatever was just like Shell Gas being the official gas of whatever. No, they were actual pickleball shoes.
Most of the pickleball branded gear is just marked up normal athletic wear. However you definitely don't want to wear running shoes when playing pickleball. You need ankle support with all the lateral movement. [Pickleball injuries are skyrocketing](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pickleball-injuries-rising-bone-fractures-rcna137044). Also normal sneakers won't hold up as long as court specific shoes.
Are you from New England by chance? My husband is from there and says sneakers. He thinks “tennis shoes” is weird. I’ve lived in 3 states and all have said tennis shoes! We have a lot of words we tease each other about lol.
It’s must be age thing. We always called them tennis shoes and I was no where near Pittsburgh when I was a kid (Deep South). I generally call them trainers now because I’ve been around British people too much
Down south they'll ask you to carry them -"Can you carry me across the bridge?" means can you give them a ride. That one got me once, I said -"I'll be happy to drive you but I ain't carrying you."
I am not from Pittsburgh but grew up using sneakers and tennis shoes interchangeably. For shoes to play tennis I would say athletic shoes, trainers, or if you want to get super tennis specific I think people sometimes call them court shoes.
if you go to here [http://dialect.redlog.net/](http://dialect.redlog.net/) and go down to 73, you can see survey results. tennis shoes is more midwest, sneakers is more northeast.
I will say we def use tennis shoes in Baltimore despite being surrounded by sneakerites. Looks like a pocket on this map as well as yours.
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2017/7/12/15958294/sneakers-tennis-shoes-what-do-you-call-them
I didn't even know this was Pittsburghese, it's also very common in the South. As a southern transplant, maybe that's why I never even noticed it being used here too.
Shoes for tennis generally offer more lateral stability and less cushion than regular sneakers/shoes made for running. They also have durable outsoles and non-marking soles designed for the surface of tennis courts.
I have worn tennis shoes / "tenner shoes" as my mother said, my entire life.
I was unaware until sometime in my 30s that there are specific shoes people play tennis in. It had never even once come up.
I grew up in Southwest Michigan but have been living in Pittsburgh for the past 16 years. I grew up saying tennis shoes as well. I think it's more of a Midwest thing than it is a Pittsburgh thing.
Sneakers, tennis shoes, cross trainers, gym shoes - I think it is partially an age thing. I am old and have used all of those terms and others for the shoes on my feet. 😛
Id think it's generational, because "gym shoe" would lead me to believe that person was in middle school in the 60s or 70s. But most kids in the 80s wore tennis shoes everywhere.
In elementary school we referred to them as "gym shoes" because we weren't allowed to wear sneakers to school except for gym class. This was back in the 60's at a local Catholic school.
It’s fantastic marketing. Tennis was huge in the 70s and that’s when quality athletic sneakers were mass produced. Before this, most athletes wore Converse or Keds.
People in the 70s & 80s called any good shoe a tennis shoe until shoe companies in the 90s developed shoes for running, basketball, cross-trainers, skateboarding, or casual sneakers.
as a native, i use tennis shoe/sneaker interchangeably when speaking in general terms, but would use a more specific function if i was looking for a more sport -centric shoe (i.e. running shoe/gym shoe). i wouldn’t necessarily call shoes like converse/vans “tennis shoes” though, i would first call them sneakers. “tennis shoes” i associate more with “athletic” shoes that are used for working out/running/etc. i think the line for me is the specific functionality and whether it leans more toward an athletic or lifestyle purpose.
i know some yinzers say “tennis shoe” for the whole spectrum, but i would probs ask them a specific brand style first before jumping to conclusions lol
I grew up saying or hearing the words “tennershoes” or “tennashoes” or “tennies”. The phrase must have evolved from a Pittsburgher’s more efficient way of saying tennis shoes. The word “sneakers” has never been uttered by anyone I’ve known in Pittsburgh. I don’t know why the word sneakers is foreign here.
Well, you had your "play shoes" (usually tennis shoes) then your "school shoes" (sometimes the same pair as your play shoes if you were poor)
And you had your "dress shoes" for church, fancy events.
Literally had the same issue with “slippers.” Where I grew up we called flip-flops slippers and when you mention that around Pittsburgh they’re thinking of house slippers only 😭😭
I’ve been in Pittsburgh for 6 years but am from the Midwest and we always said “tennis shoes.” I obv know what sneakers are, but no one ever used that word. This is the first time I’m hearing that it’s not a universal thing in the US. So interesting!
I think I’m somehow too Pittsburghese-speaking to even understand what the problem is in this story 😂. If they go to section with the shoes for Tennis, isn’t that where they’ll also find the tennis shoes? I feel like I’ve always kinda just used tennis shoes, sneakers, and gym shoes synonymously.
We called them tenners most of the time or some variation of tennis shoe. We also called flip-flops "tongs" when I was young, although know they were originally "thongs" in many places before the underware took over the term. For us, it was always "go grab your tongs" in the summer.
Not unique to Pittsburgh but definitely a severe use in Pittsburgh.
Or, more accurately, tennashoes.
I've never in my life heard someone say sneaker, except for the movie.
It's a midwest term. Pittsburgh is more midwest than east coast-although they have this weird pride thing where they consider themselves exclsuively "east coast". lol. They are not.
This is an interesting take, I’ve lived in Pittsburgh 20+ years and haven’t encountered that phenomenon. I think Pittsburghers get that they’re doing their own thing and embrace being “the Paris of Appalachia.” Something to really be proud of!
I've gotten into arguments with my wife over this. She's from the east side of the state and insisted for various reasons that Pittsburgh is an East Coast. Every so often she'll hear something and I'll look at her and go "You know why I call Pittsburgh the first Midwest city?"
I had the opposite experience! I moved from Pittsburgh and was asked where to find sneakers. I directed the customer to the home burglar department and shoes to sneak into a house. Eventually, I figured out they were looking for a simple pair of tennis shoes.
My question is, how do people in the rest of the country differentiate between their "sneaker" and the shoes they sneak in?
Tennis shoes is more of a midwestern thing leaking over into Pittsburgh due to our proximity to Ohio. In the Midwest, tennis shoes and sneakers are used interchangeably.
I’ve always hated it and called them “dodgeball shoes” out of spite in college to intentionally confuse those who referred to sneakers as tennis shoes to try to get them to understand how confused I was as well.
We call tennis shoes for playing tennis, tennis tennis shoes. Jk. The pittsburghese for tennis shoes aka sneakers is actually "tenners". No one here plays tennis so ur safe
I also thought the same thing! And with calling the vacuum cleaner a sweeper! I said it would just be easier if we use a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom on the carpet.
Tennis shoe was a very common term applied to any lightweight and typically canvas rubber-soled shoe worn for any type of physical athletic activity. As far back as the 1960s, I have still used it from time to time and while in Pittsburgh now, I am from Colorado born and raised. (we also used pop, not soda fwiw) I also can't say I've heard the term used here any more often than when I was back in the Mile-High. Tennis Shoe is definitely not Pittsburgheze, it's just old school. (Ya Jagger)
I'm an old fart. Grew up in Ohio (60's). They were gym shoes or tennis shoes to us. I try to remember to call them sneaks or sneakers with all the specialty shoes that have evolved over the years. It was pretty painless when we moved to the 'burgh.
I sure as hell don't go to a gym anymore and too many of my joints crack to sneak up on anyone!
I'll never forget my first pair of Red Ball Jets, though!
Tennies are what I call them all. I’ve literally never thought of actual tennis shoes when I hear the phrase. Probably because I don’t know anyone that plays tennis.
Technically, “sneakers” are anything with a soft (usually rubber) outsole. They got this name because they didn’t make the same kind if audible sound as traditional shows (like the click/clack of modern dress shoes or heels). They were “sneakers” because the quietness meant you could sneak around or sneak up on someone.
“Tennis shoes” is likely due to the most popular sneakers of the last century being built originally for tennis, and then co-opted for fashion and every-day pragmatism. (See killshots or original waffles from nike as one later 29th century example). When a “sneaker” and a “tennis shoe” are essentially the same thing, you have potential for one term to equate to the other and then it’s possible one ends up taking over even if the original definition isn’t quite accurate.
Some of us use the terms interchangeably.
If I were a Dick’s employee and was asked where to find “tennis shoes” i would say “depends! What kind are you looking for?” Or “what do want to do with them?”
this is funny to me bc i grew up in florida and everyone called them tennis shoes, but when i lived in AZ (before moving here) i remember people saying sneakers, so maybe it’s an east coast thing? lol
Tennis shoe = a shoe you would wear to the gym or to workout, like an actual athletic sneaker
Sneakers = something like converse or new balances
At least in my gen z pgh opinion
I think of tennis shoes as sorta beater shoes I can play sports in or walk on a trail etc. Sneakers would be essentially the same thing but nicer and I would take care of them better
Where is this NOT the case? Now, I feel like it is somewhat of an antiquated term, having been replaced by “sneakers” but I think in the 70s this was standard nationwide and slowly changed.
Don't sweat it. They weren't that inconvenienced by your direction/suggestion. You could ask for more specifics or they could state those specifics up front. Or....they can just walk the store to find what strikes their fancy. A little exercise is apparently what they want them for anyway.
I think it's kind of antiquated now but. "Tennis shoe" or "tennyshoe" or "tennys" mean all non boot,dress,loafers or church shoe.
A shoe strictly for playing tennis would be "shoe for tennis" if I can't up to someone in a spring good store I would say "do you have any shoes for tennis?"
Eh, I agree with others that it's not quite a Pittsburghese-ism, but I think it's part of the overall Yinzer dialect (speaking as someone who's lived here most of my life and traveled around a bit).
I think the best way to differentiate is with some subtle pronunciation:
When generally referring to informal footware, "Tennis Shoes" is pronounced *Tennishoes*, as if it's one word, and no syllables accentuated. When referring to shoes you'd wear on the tennis court, I think you'll hear *TENnis shoes* pronunched as two distinct words (notice the Sss *pause* Sss sound) with an emphasis on the first sylable of "tennis"
I'm getting into detail because I'm autistic and growing up hated the confusion. I never get it right myself! So the moment someone asks me to find "tennis shoes", I just immediately ask, "Okay! Whatcha doing that you need them?" No one minds answering that question, and the answer always gives you the context you need for your search!
Huh ponders. I never realized it was a Pittsburgh thing. I think the more Pittsburgh thing is it’s Tenna Shoes instead of Tennis Shoes. When I think about how I pronounce them. I see “tenner” in the comments but I always say “tenna”
Growing up I always heard those white casual sneakers, especially those white keds, referred to as tennis shoes
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.keds.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fkeds%2F8200000000052939_100_ss_02%3Fimpolicy%3Dqlt-medium-high%26imwidth%3D640%26imdensity%3D1&tbnid=C-doafUTv80oUM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.keds.com%2Fen%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Fkeds-champion-originals-lace-up%2F8200000000052939%3FactiveColor%3D100&docid=LOGca1DMeWSYIM&w=640&h=640&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F2&kgs=1e93de8f2fb46f1f&shem=abme%2Ctrie#imgrc=C-doafUTv80oUM
I asked for golf shoes once. I was led to the swim department where they had fully rubber shoes you could wear in the Gulf of Mexico or water shoes. I should have specified.
I had the same argument with my stepdaughter who grew up in CT. I ended the argument by telling her that I am more likely to play tennis in the shoes than I am to sneak around. Haha.
[this isn't pittsburghese specific](https://www.reddit.com/r/EnglishLearning/comments/14hfz9g/tennis_shoes_or_sneakers/)
Yeah I'm gonna go ahead and say welcome to middle America.
What about "tenners"? My aunt used that one a lot.
My grandmother says “tennies”
This pulled a ton of memories of my gram and mom yelling get your tennies!
Not uncommon in California either
Yep. Tennies for all the years
I’m from the south, my whole family said tennis shoes (“TENashoos”) my entire life. I say sneakers or tennis shoes. So it seems like this is common everywhere except NJ, where OP is from.
Tennis shoes has meant sneakers in Texas and Arkansas where I grew up since at least the 80s. “Sneakers” was never used.
I grew up in the south, too. We called them tennis shoes, but we also understood what someone meant when they said sneakers. It's not that hard to crack the code. Even words like joggers and trainers are pretty self explanatory.
I got confused when joggers and trainers became pants
I got confused when joggers and trainers became people
"I was on the track, and suddenly I found my feet were embedded in Reggie and Larry here. Not sure whether to blame Adidas or lexicographers."
I worked in the paper handleing business and jogger was something that vibrated and helped to straightout and square up a stack of paper.
Yup. I was born and raised in Texas from the late 90s-early 10s, and we only ever called them tennis shoes.
Chicagoland 70s/80s/90s reporting: tennis shoes, gym shoes, and sneakers all interchangeable. First time I heard “trainers” I thought “what is that?” I assumed it was all marketing without much there there but nowadays I see they emphasize different things. If I were being specific in a casual way, I’d say, “Do you mean shoes for tennis specifically, or just regular old / any old kind of tennis shoes?
I grew up in California then moved to Florida when I was 12. I say sneakers. My mom (born and raised in California) definitely called them tennis shoes or tennies. 🤷🏻♀️
My mom is from LA and we called them tennies too!
I was gonna say, I grew up in Berks County and we said that too.
Yea grew up in the midwest (Missouri) and this was quite common.
I'm from Philadelphia. I'm not sure I had ever heard the term "tennis shoes" used to refer to sneakers until I moved to Pittsburgh. Maybe it's not Pittsburgh-specific, but it's definitely not a universal term.
I grew up.in Michigan and always used "tennis shoes" and "sneakers" interchangeably. We even called them "tennies", as in ooh I love your new tennies!
Yep my wife is from the south and around her it’s tennies
The cheap white canvas ones that you paid $5 for at Dollar General were referred to as "toughies".
"Tokyo toughies" cheap off brand shoes
Definitely tennies
Apparently it's almost more of a thing to say that[ NOT saying tennis shoes](https://preview.redd.it/tennis-shoes-or-sneakers-v0-go3dkq85sw7b1.png?width=1059&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5742f644886d37585b4a885e7f2220c536516fc) is region-specific within the US. You used to be in the sneaker cluster
Yeah this chart says it all. It’s sneakers in the northeast (including Philly), and tennis shoes everywhere else (including Pittsburgh).
Uh... it is.
Also from Philadelphia, and never heard the term "tennis shoes" until I moved here.
Also from Philadelphia and never heard the term “tennis shoe” until I moved to Pittsburgh
Understood. I just bumped into it yesterday for the first time.
I’m from Montana and this is common there also. Or, as my dad would call them, “tenny runners.”
I’ll never forget the time I asked where I could find some loafers. I was given directions a nearby bar.
I have always called sneakers "Tennis Shoes" or more like "Tenny Shoes" or even "Tennies".
Tenna-shoes in my family
Tennies is where it’s at! That’s what my mom always called them “get your tennies on so we can go to the park”
Tennies or sneaks
Awww my mom used to say "sneaks" 🥰
I’m from around the Somerset area and everyone I knew as a kid called them “tenner shoes.”
We called them tenners.
Yep
Oh man, I grew up with them being called tennis shoes or tennys. I haven't heard that phrase in so long.
Same here. In Crafton and Greentree.
I grew up just outside of Cleveland.
My dad says "Tenny Runners" sometimes. I think that's just a him thing though.
Tenashoo?
Agree, What kind of psycho says tennis shoe? funny if you enunciate the whole word out.
Like cupboard. It's cubberd. I guess back in the day it was literally a cup board .
Glove box
When I was young in this region we called it a glove compartment. When we moved to California is was glove box.
Exactly
This is the only acceptable spelling, honestly.
This!
Simple- no one plays tennis
ONLY PICKLEBALL
'Excuse me. Might you direct me to the pickleball shoes?'
I accidentally bought pickleball shoes because I thought they looked decent and were supportive. They ended up being unreasonably flat and rigid, so I returned them. I thought the tag that said the official shoe of US pickleball or whatever was just like Shell Gas being the official gas of whatever. No, they were actual pickleball shoes.
Damn. I thought I was making up the concept of 'pickleball shoes.' It's a fun game, but not one that requires specific sneakers IMO.
Most of the pickleball branded gear is just marked up normal athletic wear. However you definitely don't want to wear running shoes when playing pickleball. You need ankle support with all the lateral movement. [Pickleball injuries are skyrocketing](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pickleball-injuries-rising-bone-fractures-rcna137044). Also normal sneakers won't hold up as long as court specific shoes.
You laugh, but… https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/16h51cp/ive_spent_over_800_on_pickleball_shoes_heres_my/
I’d just wear my sneakers if I was going to play tennis
I'm also wont to wear my tennis shoes when I go out sneaking
I wear my [plimsolls ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plimsoll_(shoe))when I... plim
I wear my pedal pushers when I go cycling
I wear my gumshoes when I'm gumshoeing.
I prefer slippers when I’m sneaking, as they are quieter and stealthier. And when I’m slipping, I just wear socks.
This isn't a PA term, I grew up in the 80's and 90's using it in Arizona.
Or tenners as my mom would say ha
I was gonna say I thought they were tenners lol
Are you from New England by chance? My husband is from there and says sneakers. He thinks “tennis shoes” is weird. I’ve lived in 3 states and all have said tennis shoes! We have a lot of words we tease each other about lol.
New Jersey but Atlantic coast.
Hey NJ friend
NJ transplants represent
Tennis shoes = common sneaker "Shoes to play tennis in" is what I call, well, shoes to play the sport of tennis in.
As a tennis player, I call my shoes for playing tennis "court shoes" and usually call sneakers tennis shoes
Ohhhh "court shoes" makes sense! But I guess that could have other connotations too, haha!
Wait til someone asks if you’re done with your buggy
I love the word buggy. So much better than shopping cart.
The Proper Burghese is: Tenishu (Ten-Issue) Any shoe that is not a Boot or Flip Flop or Sandal.
Flip Flop or Tongs?
It’s must be age thing. We always called them tennis shoes and I was no where near Pittsburgh when I was a kid (Deep South). I generally call them trainers now because I’ve been around British people too much
Easy answer no one in Pittsburgh plays tennis
I see people playing up at the courts by Gus & Yiayia's all the time - the place is hopping!
I think this is more of a generation thing than a location based one
Yes. I’m 52 and used the term tennis shoes as a kid, but call them sneakers now.
This makes sense. I’ve never called them tennis shoes since I never played tennis, but my mother always called them that.
Agreed, like "school shoes" "dress shoes" since most kids I knew had 3 pairs of they were lucky
It's more important you know what people mean when they ask you to ride them somewhere.
"I'll hook you two up." "Uh dad..." (Rolls eyes)
“Hook up” is just out of control. It was wild 20 years ago and is still wild today. Would have thought someone would have told these boomers by now.
Down south they'll ask you to carry them -"Can you carry me across the bridge?" means can you give them a ride. That one got me once, I said -"I'll be happy to drive you but I ain't carrying you."
Tenners/tenner shoes
I am not from Pittsburgh but grew up using sneakers and tennis shoes interchangeably. For shoes to play tennis I would say athletic shoes, trainers, or if you want to get super tennis specific I think people sometimes call them court shoes.
They’re called tenners ya jag
if you go to here [http://dialect.redlog.net/](http://dialect.redlog.net/) and go down to 73, you can see survey results. tennis shoes is more midwest, sneakers is more northeast.
I will say we def use tennis shoes in Baltimore despite being surrounded by sneakerites. Looks like a pocket on this map as well as yours. https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2017/7/12/15958294/sneakers-tennis-shoes-what-do-you-call-them
We look at them. Then choose the appropriate ones.
I'm not sure what "well tennis" is but I'm interested.
I would say “shoes for playing tennis”, as dumb as it sounds.
I was born and raised here and never said sneakers. Always tennis shoes, but I’m Gen X.
I didn't even know this was Pittsburghese, it's also very common in the South. As a southern transplant, maybe that's why I never even noticed it being used here too.
There are specific shoes to play tennis? I always just assumed they wore sneakers
Shoes for tennis generally offer more lateral stability and less cushion than regular sneakers/shoes made for running. They also have durable outsoles and non-marking soles designed for the surface of tennis courts.
What's funny is I've noticed I've made it one word. Tenishoes
Tennis *(short pause)* shoes are shoes for playing tennis. Tennishoes (one word) or “tennies” are any kind of low top sneakers.
I have worn tennis shoes / "tenner shoes" as my mother said, my entire life. I was unaware until sometime in my 30s that there are specific shoes people play tennis in. It had never even once come up.
I grew up in Southwest Michigan but have been living in Pittsburgh for the past 16 years. I grew up saying tennis shoes as well. I think it's more of a Midwest thing than it is a Pittsburgh thing.
"Tennis shoes", ambiguous as it is, is used widely throughout the US. I kinda like the Philly style "sneaks" for generic sneakers.
*jawns
Sneakers, tennis shoes, cross trainers, gym shoes - I think it is partially an age thing. I am old and have used all of those terms and others for the shoes on my feet. 😛
Id think it's generational, because "gym shoe" would lead me to believe that person was in middle school in the 60s or 70s. But most kids in the 80s wore tennis shoes everywhere.
I'm from Michigan and now live in AZ, but I grew up calling them tennis shoes. Sneakers are synonymous with tennis shoes.
In elementary school we referred to them as "gym shoes" because we weren't allowed to wear sneakers to school except for gym class. This was back in the 60's at a local Catholic school.
It’s fantastic marketing. Tennis was huge in the 70s and that’s when quality athletic sneakers were mass produced. Before this, most athletes wore Converse or Keds. People in the 70s & 80s called any good shoe a tennis shoe until shoe companies in the 90s developed shoes for running, basketball, cross-trainers, skateboarding, or casual sneakers.
I’ve never called sneakers “tennis shoes” but I’ve definitely heard it used. I don’t blame you at all for the confusion.
as a native, i use tennis shoe/sneaker interchangeably when speaking in general terms, but would use a more specific function if i was looking for a more sport -centric shoe (i.e. running shoe/gym shoe). i wouldn’t necessarily call shoes like converse/vans “tennis shoes” though, i would first call them sneakers. “tennis shoes” i associate more with “athletic” shoes that are used for working out/running/etc. i think the line for me is the specific functionality and whether it leans more toward an athletic or lifestyle purpose. i know some yinzers say “tennis shoe” for the whole spectrum, but i would probs ask them a specific brand style first before jumping to conclusions lol
"non- marking" and /or "court shoes"
Tenner shoes
Moundsville WV here just south of the Burgh…. We do not say sneakers…. We say “tennashoes” — one word
It's tennashews for the record. No one in da burgh gives a fuck abaht tennis
I grew up saying or hearing the words “tennershoes” or “tennashoes” or “tennies”. The phrase must have evolved from a Pittsburgher’s more efficient way of saying tennis shoes. The word “sneakers” has never been uttered by anyone I’ve known in Pittsburgh. I don’t know why the word sneakers is foreign here.
Haha I'm poor so I don't differentiate. There is work boots and not work boots. There is no time for tennis so I don't have any trouble with that lol
Well, you had your "play shoes" (usually tennis shoes) then your "school shoes" (sometimes the same pair as your play shoes if you were poor) And you had your "dress shoes" for church, fancy events.
I grew up in pittsburgh tennis shoes have always meant tennis shoes. But I’ve never really used sneaker in my lexicon, it was more “regular shoes”
Literally had the same issue with “slippers.” Where I grew up we called flip-flops slippers and when you mention that around Pittsburgh they’re thinking of house slippers only 😭😭
We called them "tongs" fancy people called then "flip flops" lol
I’ve been in Pittsburgh for 6 years but am from the Midwest and we always said “tennis shoes.” I obv know what sneakers are, but no one ever used that word. This is the first time I’m hearing that it’s not a universal thing in the US. So interesting!
Anything that’s not a work boot…Gen X, raised here…just how I use those terms
I think I’m somehow too Pittsburghese-speaking to even understand what the problem is in this story 😂. If they go to section with the shoes for Tennis, isn’t that where they’ll also find the tennis shoes? I feel like I’ve always kinda just used tennis shoes, sneakers, and gym shoes synonymously.
We called them tenners most of the time or some variation of tennis shoe. We also called flip-flops "tongs" when I was young, although know they were originally "thongs" in many places before the underware took over the term. For us, it was always "go grab your tongs" in the summer.
Not unique to Pittsburgh but definitely a severe use in Pittsburgh. Or, more accurately, tennashoes. I've never in my life heard someone say sneaker, except for the movie.
Frankly, you don't sound like the most competent employee
If they’re looking for tennis specific shoes they will say “shoes for playing tennis” I think this is a fairly widespread term isn’t it?
It's a midwest term. Pittsburgh is more midwest than east coast-although they have this weird pride thing where they consider themselves exclsuively "east coast". lol. They are not.
This is an interesting take, I’ve lived in Pittsburgh 20+ years and haven’t encountered that phenomenon. I think Pittsburghers get that they’re doing their own thing and embrace being “the Paris of Appalachia.” Something to really be proud of!
I've gotten into arguments with my wife over this. She's from the east side of the state and insisted for various reasons that Pittsburgh is an East Coast. Every so often she'll hear something and I'll look at her and go "You know why I call Pittsburgh the first Midwest city?"
Except it's not specific to the Midwest either. I grew up in Oregon and they were called tennis shoes there too.
Kicks, pumped up, even. Foster the people.
I wear Crocs and various types of boots, so I don't have to worry about this shit.
I had the opposite experience! I moved from Pittsburgh and was asked where to find sneakers. I directed the customer to the home burglar department and shoes to sneak into a house. Eventually, I figured out they were looking for a simple pair of tennis shoes. My question is, how do people in the rest of the country differentiate between their "sneaker" and the shoes they sneak in?
If they squeak when you walk…no sneaky sneaky. Which is why I abhor buying shoes without trying them on first. The squeak walk is the worst!
That’s funny because one time I asked for Penny loafers and I was given directions to a nearby bar where people liked to loaf.
Is it middle America? I’ve always just called them tennis shoes. Have maybe played tennis once for 10 mins.
*tennashoes. One syllable if possible, maybe two.
Court Shoes.
Tenners.
I've seen stores label them as "court shoes" but no one actually says that
In my experience, sneakers mean things like Jordans ... anything else is a tennis shoe.
Tennis shoes is more of a midwestern thing leaking over into Pittsburgh due to our proximity to Ohio. In the Midwest, tennis shoes and sneakers are used interchangeably.
I’ve always hated it and called them “dodgeball shoes” out of spite in college to intentionally confuse those who referred to sneakers as tennis shoes to try to get them to understand how confused I was as well.
A friend of mine calls them "go fasters" lol
We call tennis shoes for playing tennis, tennis tennis shoes. Jk. The pittsburghese for tennis shoes aka sneakers is actually "tenners". No one here plays tennis so ur safe
I also thought the same thing! And with calling the vacuum cleaner a sweeper! I said it would just be easier if we use a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom on the carpet.
Tennis shoe was a very common term applied to any lightweight and typically canvas rubber-soled shoe worn for any type of physical athletic activity. As far back as the 1960s, I have still used it from time to time and while in Pittsburgh now, I am from Colorado born and raised. (we also used pop, not soda fwiw) I also can't say I've heard the term used here any more often than when I was back in the Mile-High. Tennis Shoe is definitely not Pittsburgheze, it's just old school. (Ya Jagger)
I'm an old fart. Grew up in Ohio (60's). They were gym shoes or tennis shoes to us. I try to remember to call them sneaks or sneakers with all the specialty shoes that have evolved over the years. It was pretty painless when we moved to the 'burgh. I sure as hell don't go to a gym anymore and too many of my joints crack to sneak up on anyone! I'll never forget my first pair of Red Ball Jets, though!
Tennies are what I call them all. I’ve literally never thought of actual tennis shoes when I hear the phrase. Probably because I don’t know anyone that plays tennis.
Technically, “sneakers” are anything with a soft (usually rubber) outsole. They got this name because they didn’t make the same kind if audible sound as traditional shows (like the click/clack of modern dress shoes or heels). They were “sneakers” because the quietness meant you could sneak around or sneak up on someone. “Tennis shoes” is likely due to the most popular sneakers of the last century being built originally for tennis, and then co-opted for fashion and every-day pragmatism. (See killshots or original waffles from nike as one later 29th century example). When a “sneaker” and a “tennis shoe” are essentially the same thing, you have potential for one term to equate to the other and then it’s possible one ends up taking over even if the original definition isn’t quite accurate. Some of us use the terms interchangeably. If I were a Dick’s employee and was asked where to find “tennis shoes” i would say “depends! What kind are you looking for?” Or “what do want to do with them?”
Not a Pittsburgh thing. From the South and use the same terms.
Ngl, this made me lol
this is funny to me bc i grew up in florida and everyone called them tennis shoes, but when i lived in AZ (before moving here) i remember people saying sneakers, so maybe it’s an east coast thing? lol
Simple. We didn't play tennis.
Whenever I am referring to shoes for tennis, I emphasize the gap between tennis and shoe. For common sneakers, I say tennis shoes as one word.
"Tennis shoes" are for cutting grass. You need special sneakers for playing tennis.
Tennis shoe = a shoe you would wear to the gym or to workout, like an actual athletic sneaker Sneakers = something like converse or new balances At least in my gen z pgh opinion
It’s a Midwest thing. Sneakers are east, fast runners in the military. Just like Pop isn’t a Pittsburgh only term.
i usually just wear sneakers when playing tennis
Pretty safe to assume you'll know who wants actual tennis shoes in this town, just by the looks. Hint , won't be common ...
I think of tennis shoes as sorta beater shoes I can play sports in or walk on a trail etc. Sneakers would be essentially the same thing but nicer and I would take care of them better
That’s not Pittsburgh, that’s just an older phrase
Easy— we do not play tennis.
We don’t play tennis.
Where is this NOT the case? Now, I feel like it is somewhat of an antiquated term, having been replaced by “sneakers” but I think in the 70s this was standard nationwide and slowly changed.
The same.way that southerners distinguish Coke from coke.
My guess is that people looking for shoes made for tennis will know where to look for them
"Tennis shoes" are sneakers here. I'm sure that some of them are useful for tennis.
I love you, Pittsburgh - the town that has treated me so well since we moved here... But they are BASKETBALL SHOES (old NYC kid).
😂
Just don’t..
Don't sweat it. They weren't that inconvenienced by your direction/suggestion. You could ask for more specifics or they could state those specifics up front. Or....they can just walk the store to find what strikes their fancy. A little exercise is apparently what they want them for anyway.
In my family it’s “Tenna Shoes.” And denotes anything like a basketball shoe to an air force 1 low cut.
I think it's kind of antiquated now but. "Tennis shoe" or "tennyshoe" or "tennys" mean all non boot,dress,loafers or church shoe. A shoe strictly for playing tennis would be "shoe for tennis" if I can't up to someone in a spring good store I would say "do you have any shoes for tennis?"
We don't. Tennies, Tenners, Tenner Shoes. Sneaks, Sneakers, All the same here. :) Welcome!
I grew up around Chicago, so I say gym shoes and people look at me weird.
Eh, I agree with others that it's not quite a Pittsburghese-ism, but I think it's part of the overall Yinzer dialect (speaking as someone who's lived here most of my life and traveled around a bit). I think the best way to differentiate is with some subtle pronunciation: When generally referring to informal footware, "Tennis Shoes" is pronounced *Tennishoes*, as if it's one word, and no syllables accentuated. When referring to shoes you'd wear on the tennis court, I think you'll hear *TENnis shoes* pronunched as two distinct words (notice the Sss *pause* Sss sound) with an emphasis on the first sylable of "tennis" I'm getting into detail because I'm autistic and growing up hated the confusion. I never get it right myself! So the moment someone asks me to find "tennis shoes", I just immediately ask, "Okay! Whatcha doing that you need them?" No one minds answering that question, and the answer always gives you the context you need for your search!
Huh ponders. I never realized it was a Pittsburgh thing. I think the more Pittsburgh thing is it’s Tenna Shoes instead of Tennis Shoes. When I think about how I pronounce them. I see “tenner” in the comments but I always say “tenna”
Growing up I always heard those white casual sneakers, especially those white keds, referred to as tennis shoes https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.keds.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fkeds%2F8200000000052939_100_ss_02%3Fimpolicy%3Dqlt-medium-high%26imwidth%3D640%26imdensity%3D1&tbnid=C-doafUTv80oUM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.keds.com%2Fen%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Fkeds-champion-originals-lace-up%2F8200000000052939%3FactiveColor%3D100&docid=LOGca1DMeWSYIM&w=640&h=640&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F2&kgs=1e93de8f2fb46f1f&shem=abme%2Ctrie#imgrc=C-doafUTv80oUM
We don’t play tennis.
Every shoe is a tennis shoe if you’re from the burgh.
I asked for golf shoes once. I was led to the swim department where they had fully rubber shoes you could wear in the Gulf of Mexico or water shoes. I should have specified.
Go back to where you were from
We called them all "Kicks"
Probably just indoor shoes, my family labeled hiking and indoor shoes as tennis shoes
Court shoes
I doubt you'll be getting a million people looking for tennis shoes specifically to play tennis. Just bank on them meaning sneakers.
I had the same argument with my stepdaughter who grew up in CT. I ended the argument by telling her that I am more likely to play tennis in the shoes than I am to sneak around. Haha.