Posted in Boston December 05, 2017 by

11 Foolproof Ways To Spot An Imposter In Boston

Bostonians are a diverse and wonderful group (in our slightly biased opinion). While we might be collectively awesome, we all have our own beliefs, backgrounds, and interests. In fact, it’s probably easier to spot someone who isn’t from Boston than someone who calls The Hub home. Here are 11 ways to spot an imposter in Boston:

1. They own Yankees merchandise or something that expresses love for New York.
Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato
Boston and New York are rivals. Have been for decades. Always will be.
2. They don’t know about Bunker Hill Day, Evacuation Day, and Patriots Day.
Flickr/Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Evacuation Day marks the day that the British left the city after the Siege of Boston – it’s also St. Patrick’s Day. Patriots’ Day commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which started the Revolutionary War. This is when the Boston Marathon is held. Hopefully, Bunker Hill Day is self-explanatory!
3. They believe that the Battle of Bunker Hill took place ON Bunker Hill.
Wikimedia Commons/Petty Officer 3rd Class MICHAEL ACHTERLING
Seems like an obvious conclusion but Bostonians - and history buffs - know that the majority of the fighting actually took place on Breed’s Hill.
4. They expect the world to stop because it snowed.
Flickr/Laura
While there are cancellations and snow delays after a blizzard, no one will blink at a few inches of snow.
5. Their jaw drops when they see how tall our snowbanks are by the end of winter.
Flickr/Laura
True Bostonians are used to searching for breaks in snowbanks and doing a little amateur mountaineering to reach a parking meter. We’re the boss of winter.
6. They moved a space saver from a shoveled parking space, had the gall to leave their car there in its place, and yet somehow still expect to live a long life.
Flickr/John Hilliard
Space savers take many forms, from lawn chairs to trash cans or cones. Don’t. Even. Think. About. Moving. One.
7. They don’t party Boston-style.
Flickr/Bill Damon
In Boston, the Fourth of July is synonymous with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and we make a big deal of First Night/First Day.
8. They think that going five miles above the speed limit is speeding.
Flickr/Phil Roeder
You’ll barely keep up with the flow of traffic at that rate.
9. They freak out when people drive in the breakdown lane.
Flickr/formulanone
Unnerving? Sure. But totally legal on I-93 between certain hours.
10. They worry about jay walking…
Flickr/Domas Mituzas
…rather than throwing themselves into the road with the gusto and blind faith of a Boston native.
11. They think clam strips and whole clams are the same thing.
bionicgrrrl/Flickr
Clam bellies taste so much sweeter.

What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments or on the Only In Boston Facebook page.

Got a few more minutes? Then check out our past article: 11 Things Every Bostonian Wants The Rest Of The Country To Know.

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