Posted in Maine
July 16, 2017
13 Phrases That Will Make You Swear Mainers Have Their Own Language
If you’ve spent any real time in Maine, you’ve probably heard a few phrases that you’ve never heard anywhere else. If you’ve got grandparents who lived their whole lives in Maine, there’s a good chance you had access to learning an entire foreign language growing up. Mainers have their own language and here are just a few things you’ll want to be able to decipher while you’re here.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
If you hit a moose in Rangeley and someone's talking about it they might say this. "He hit a moose and how the cah's all stove to hell!"
You might say this if you're locked out of your house. "Nope, can't get it - that door is locked tighter than the bark on a tree!"
We have 16 counties in Maine, but only one can go without an actual name. Here, if you simply say "The County," everyone will know you're talking about the one and only Aroostook County.
Some people think this simply means "yes." But, we think this is just a general acknowledgement.
"I heard it's gonna snow 6 inches tonight."
"Ayuh!"
"I heard it's gonna snow 6 inches tonight."
"Ayuh!"
If you see a bunch of people eating lobster in bibs, while donning "Maine" sweatshirts they're probably "flatlandahs" - tourists who are just passing through.
This means the same thing, but it used a bit more often. If you're not born in Maine, you'll always be "from away." Even after living here for 50 years.
In some states the word "cunning" might mean smart, but in Maine we drop the "g" and use it for things like adorable puppies.
You might say this when someone asks you to get something out of the car in the middle of the night when you're at camp.
A dubbah is easily confused and not all that smart. You wouldn't want a dubbah to be in charge of anything important. Like bringing the beer up to camp for the weekend!
Downcellah is where we keep things like snowshoes, old furniture... and kids parties!
And, after you hear this someone might say "Yeah! Can't get there from heah!"
This Maine delicacy is slightly different than the milkshake you might find in another state. Here it's ice cream, milk and chocolate syrup blended together. And it's delicious!
There might not be scientific evidence that clams are happier during high tide, but this is one of our favorites! And, if you live in Maine there's a good chance you're happier than a clam at high tide!
Have you seen our picks for best secret swimming spots in Maine yet? If not, click here to check them out!
