Only People From Massachusetts Know What These 12 Slang Terms Actually Mean

Living in Massachusetts means developing a strong opinion about coffee, surviving winters that build character, and speaking in a way outsiders swear is a completely different language. It’s a place where history meets attitude, and nobody has time to slow down — especially on the roads. Somewhere between Boston traffic and Cape Cod summers, Massachusetts locals created slang that makes perfect sense to them and absolutely none to everyone else.

1. “The Pike”

Locals don’t say the full name of the Massachusetts Turnpike — it’s just The Pike.
Example: “Traffic on The Pike is brutal today.”

2. “Wicked”

A Massachusetts classic used to emphasize anything.
Example: “That game was wicked good.”

3. “Packie”

Short for package store, meaning liquor store.
Example: “Stop at the packie before heading over.”

4. “The T”

Refers to Boston’s subway system, the MBTA.
Example: “Take the T if you don’t want to deal with parking.”

5. “Southie”

A nickname for South Boston.
Example: “He grew up in Southie.”

6. “The Cape”

Locals instantly know this means Cape Cod.
Example: “We’re heading down the Cape this weekend.”

7. “Dunks”

Short for Dunkin’, which might as well be the state’s official fuel source.
Example: “Grab me an iced from Dunks.”

8. “Bang a Uey”

A very Massachusetts way of saying make a U-turn.
Example: “Bang a uey at the next light.”

9. “Chowdah”

Not technically slang — but the pronunciation absolutely matters.
Example: “That clam chowdah hit the spot.”

10. “Masshole”

A term used both affectionately and aggressively to describe drivers from Massachusetts.
Example: “Watch out for that Masshole cutting across lanes.”

11. “The Garden”

Locals know this refers to the TD Garden.
Example: “We’re catching a game at The Garden tonight.”

12. “Nor’easter”

A powerful coastal storm that locals treat like just another inconvenience.
Example: “Another nor’easter coming through this weekend.”

Massachusetts slang is a mix of fast-talking energy, deep-rooted traditions, and a whole lot of attitude. Outsiders may struggle to understand the accent or why everyone is always in a hurry, but locals wouldn’t change it for anything. And honestly, if you’ve ever grabbed Dunks before sitting in traffic on The Pike during a nor’easter, you’re officially one of them.