This partial list of city nicknames in Pennsylvania compiles the aliases, sobriquets and slogans that cities, boroughs, and towns in Pennsylvania are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce. City nicknames can help in establishing a civic identity, helping outsiders recognize a community or attracting people to a community because of its nickname; promote civic pride; and build community unity. Nicknames and slogans that successfully create a new community "ideology or myth" are also believed to have economic value. Their economic value is difficult to measure, but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by "branding" themselves by adopting new slogans.
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. Many of the unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide currency.
Allentown
Band City USA
Peanut City
The Queen City
Silk City.
Truck Capital of the World.
Bethlehem - Christmas City, USA
Erie
The Flagship City
The Gem City
Hanover - Snack Capital of the World.
Hershey
Chocolate Capital of the World.
Chocolate Town
The Sweetest Place on Earth.
Indiana - Christmas Tree Capital of the World
Johnstown
The Flood City
The Friendly City
Lancaster – The Red Rose City
New Castle - Fireworks Capital.
Philadelphia
The Athens of America - "References can be found as early as 1733 when the Library Company’s directors wrote, “May your Philadelphia be the future of Athens in America."
The Big Scrapple
The City of Brotherly Love--a literal translation of the city's name from the original Greek language
The City That Loves You Back
City of Homes
Filthadelphia or Filthydelphia
Philly
Quaker City
The Workshop of the World
Pittsburgh
Birmingham of America
The 'Burgh
The City of Bridges
The City of Champions
Iron City
The Smoky City
The Steel City
Punxsutawney - Weather Capital of the World.
Reading
Baseballtown
Pretzel Capital of the World.
Scranton - The Electric City
State College - Happy Valley
Wilkes-Barre - Diamond City