If You Don’t Know These 15 Words, You’re Definitely Not from Massachusetts

Massachusetts isn’t just a state—it’s an attitude. We don’t just speak English; we speak Boston. Outsiders show up for fall leaves and Fenway, but they’re outed the second they say “Worcester” wrong.

These words aren’t just vocabulary—they’re a rite of passage. If they don’t sound familiar, you’ve clearly never yelled at someone in a rotary or eaten a Dunks sandwich in the middle of a snowstorm.

1. Wicked

Our favorite intensifier. Wicked cold. Wicked awesome. Wicked everything. If you don’t use it, you’re not one of us.

2. Dunks

Short for Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts). It’s not coffee. It’s a way of life.

3. Packie

That’s the liquor store. If someone says “I’m goin’ to the packie,” they’re not buying snacks.

4. Rotary

What other states call a roundabout. We drive through them like NASCAR… and judge anyone who hesitates.

5. Masshole

A term of endearment (and sometimes insult) for aggressive, proud Massachusetts drivers. If you know, you know.

6. Bang a Uey

To make a U-turn. Usually illegal. Always done with confidence.

7. The Pike

The Massachusetts Turnpike. There’s only one Pike, so no need to clarify.

8. Chowda

Thick, creamy, and sacred. If you say “chowder” with the “r,” you’re out.

9. Cape

Short for Cape Cod. We don’t need to say the full name—everyone knows where we mean.

10. Leaf Peepers

Tourists who invade every fall to gawk at foliage and clog up the Pike. Bless their hearts.

11. Nor’easter

A storm that shuts down other states but just makes us wear heavier hoodies.

12. Frappé

A milkshake—but thicker. If you call it a milkshake, we know you’re not from here.

13. Worcester (pronounced “Wuh-stah”)

Say it wrong and we’ll never let you live it down.

14. Triple Decker

A classic three-story house that defines Massachusetts neighborhoods. Bonus points if your aunt lives on the second floor.

15. The T

The MBTA—Boston’s transit system. You’ll love it and hate it, often at the same time.

Massachusetts isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for people who can handle bad drivers, worse winters, and coffee orders longer than some people’s resumes. If you don’t know how to bang a Uey or order at Dunks in under five seconds, you’ve still got some learning to do.

But don’t worry—we’ll teach you. Just don’t block the rotary, don’t call it “Dunkin’ Donuts,” and for the love of chowda, leave the “r” off Worcester.