17 Words You'll Only Understand If You're From Massachusetts
×
Sophia
Author
It’s funny how a simple trip across state lines can really expand your vocabulary. Here’s a handy Massachusetts phrasebook to help you understand the natives.
Woe to those who order a milkshake in Massachusetts and expect to find ice cream in their cup. Should've ordered a frappe. And please – the "e" is silent. Don't try to get fancy up in here.
"The T" is the Boston subway system. It's the nation's oldest and sometimes gets a bit cranky, but we love it anyway.
Advertisement
Wikimedia Commons/Fletcher6
Our affectionate term for the package store, a.k.a. the liquor store.
Advertisement
Anything on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal, which divides Cape Cod from the rest of Massachusetts.
Dunks, or Dunkin Donuts, is not just a coffee and donut shop. Oh no. It is basically the sixth food group for many people in Massachusetts. Making a "dunks run" is a sacred and important task.
A permanent resident of Cape Cod. Renting a summer cottage doesn't count, though Cape Codders are always ready to welcome new members into the fold.
A water fountain. Also acceptable: "bubblah".
As in "bang a uey". If you live in Massachusetts and STILL don't know what I'm talking about, you're probably a more cautious driver than most.
Advertisement
This has (almost) nothing to do with food. For over 60 years, Boston-area college hockey teams have been battling it out for the coveted Beanpot trophy...which is actually shaped like a pot of beans.
Related Stories
I Discovered My Family Roots At The Village Pancake House In Rowley, Massachusetts
7 Waterfront Retreats In Massachusetts That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
This Is The Most Massachusetts Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It
This is one that may be familiar to kids (and former kids) across New England, but Hoodsie Cup ice cream has a special place in the hearts of Massachusetts residents. Creamy, sweet, and perfect for those late summer afternoons.
Chocolate sprinkles. This is crucial info for out-of-staters. If you ask for just plain "sprinkles", chances are they'll give you the rainbow kind.
A substitute for "very", "really", or "super" in everyday conversation. As in, "Traffic on the Pike is wicked bad".
This is a peanut butter and fluff sandwich. For the uninitiated, fluff is basically spreadable marshmallow. The topping was invented in Somerville and there's an annual festival there to celebrate its goodness. Ah, pillowy, sticky, delectable fluff.
Advertisement
This is the 37'2'' high left field wall at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Seats atop the Green Monster will give you an amazing view of the game, but be ready to duck.
Out of state visitors who have come to enjoy the foliage. They can often be spotted wandering dazedly among the trees just off rural roads. They might even pop up in the background of some of your autumn Instragram shots. Either way, they're more than welcome to enjoy the amazing view.
'Round these parts, we bowl candlepin. You may leave your chunky pins and balls at home.
The basement. It's always cool in the summer down cella.
A resident of Massachusetts, especially a Boston driver. Massholes are a proud tribe. We'll steal your parking spot and your heart.
We may not all talk like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting, but Massachusetts residents definitely do have a way with words that is all their own. What Massachusetts lingo did I miss?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.