18 Slang Terms That Only Make Sense If You’re From Massachusetts

Ah, Massachusetts—the land of clam chowder, historic landmarks, and a wicked strong accent that’s all our own! If you’ve ever cheered for the Sox at Fenway or navigated a rotary while sipping a Dunkies iced coffee, you know the Bay State has a language as unique as its history. So park your car in Harvard Yard and get ready as we unveil 18 slang terms that only make sense if you’re from Massachusetts!

Wicked

An intensifier meaning “very” or “extremely,” as in “It’s wicked cold outside!”

Packie

Short for “package store,” which is what we call a liquor store.

Dunkies

Our beloved Dunkin’ Donuts; it’s practically a state institution.

Bang a Uey

To make a U-turn while driving.

Jimmies

Chocolate sprinkles that go on ice cream.

Bubbler

A drinking fountain where you quench your thirst.

Rotary

What others might call a traffic circle or roundabout.

Clicker

The remote control for your TV.

The T

The MBTA, Boston’s public transit system—subways, buses, and trolleys.

Nor’easter

A powerful storm bringing wind, rain, or snow from the northeast.

The Cape

Short for Cape Cod, our favorite summer getaway.

Leaf Peepers

Tourists who flock to see the stunning fall foliage.

Hoodsie

A small cup of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, often served with a flat wooden spoon.

Triple Decker

A three-story house with a unit on each floor—a common sight in our neighborhoods.

The Hub

A nickname for Boston, coming from “the hub of the universe.”

Sox

The Boston Red Sox, our cherished baseball team.

No Suh

An expression of disbelief, short for “No sir!”

Masshole

A tongue-in-cheek term for a Massachusetts driver known for aggressive driving—used humorously among locals.

So there you have it—a crash course in speaking like a true Bay Stater! Whether you’re enjoying a lobster roll on the Cape or catching a game at Fenway, these phrases will help you blend in like a local. Until next time, keep it wicked awesome and remember: there’s no place quite like Massachusetts!