10 Words And Phrases People In Maine Just Don’t Understand

In Maine, we do our own thing. We've got our own special foods (I'll take two whoopie pies, please!) our own special traditions (going to the bean supper next week?) and, of course, our own special language. As a result, we might not understand everything that people say to us. Especially during tourist season. Here are just a few of the words and phrases that you might not understand if you're from Maine. But, don't feel hurt! The less things you understand, the more Maine you can consider yourself. And, there's nothing better than being as Maine as you can be.

1. "Yes"

More like "ayuh!"

2. "They're not from here."

Not only are they "not from here," they're from away. Lived here for 25 years, but born in Vermont? Still from away.

3. "We can throw this away."

Maybe it's just my family, but if there's room in the attic, it stays. You never know when you might need a peach colored plastic horse!

4. "Sure, it's easy to get there! I can tell you the way!"

Asking for directions in Maine usually ends with more head scratching than that. We're not used to being able to take the easy road to another part of the state. Typically, it's "Nah, you can't get thah from hah, bub!"

5. "Go play in the front yard!"

The what? It's a door yard. Or, more accurately, it's a "door yahd."

6. "Winter's over and now it's spring!"

Nope. It's mud season. Keep those boots on and don't bother with a car wash just yet.

7. "It's out in the middle of nowhere!"

Nope. In Maine it's actually out in the willy-wacks. Or, maybe the willy-wag. But never "the middle of nowhere."

8. "Get if from the basement!"

Nope. If you're in Maine, you don't get anything from the basement. You get it "downcellah!"

9. "He got in an accident. Lots of car dents now!"

Nah, he doesn't have dents in his car. His car is stove up. Real bad.

10. "That's a cute dog!"

Despite being cute in every other state, in Maine he's "cunnin'!"

While language is certainly a good indicator that you're talking to a real Mainer, there are a few other things that will set us apart. Here are a few undeniable ways you know you're from Maine.