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The Universal Language of “Go Birds”
Go Birds”
- Literally anyone in Philadelphia right now, probably
I would like to preface this whole piece by stating right now, unequivocally, I do not like the Eagles, or really Philadelphia sports at all. I don’t have any specific issue with Philadelphia as a city, but the general animosity I feel towards Philly sports fans and their … passionate reputation tends to color the city as a whole for me. I imagine it’s 100 times worse for people when they think about New England sports fans. Of which I am one.
And yet, somehow, “Go Birds” has snuck into my lexicon, becoming as natural as saying “good morning” or “take care” to the proper person. Sometimes I’ll even throw it out there when I just suspect someone might be from Philly. Nine times out of ten, their face lights up and they hit me back with an earnest, enthusiastic “Go Birds!” of their own.
It’s fascinating, then, how language and colloquialisms can evolve beyond their original meaning. “Go Birds” isn’t just a rally cry for a football team — it’s a Philadelphia love language. It’s a way of saying “I see you, I acknowledge you, we’re in this together.” In a city known for its hardened exterior, these two words serve as a handshake of solidarity, a gentle reminder that beneath the tough facade beats a heart of gold.
