If You Understand These 14 Slang Terms, You’re Definitely from New Hampshire

If you’ve ever bragged about having “no sales tax,” said “ayuh” without irony, or complained about “Massholes” in the left lane, you’re definitely from New Hampshire. The Granite State may be small, but it’s got a big attitude—half Yankee thrift, half mountain grit, and fully independent. Outsiders think it’s just trees and snow, but true New Hampshirites know it’s a lifestyle built on freedom, flannel, and a deep distrust of toll booths.

So grab your Dunkin’, lace up your hiking boots, and see if you’re fluent in “Live Free or Die.”

1. Live Free or Die

Translation: The state motto—and the way every New Hampshirite approaches taxes, driving, and life in general.
Example: “Seatbelt laws? Live Free or Die, man.”

2. Ayuh

Translation: The New England equivalent of “yep,” said with pride and a straight face.
Example: “Gonna snow again tonight?” “Ayuh.”

3. Masshole

Translation: A Massachusetts driver invading New Hampshire roads. Usually seen in ski season.
Example: “Ugh, Massholes at the rotary again—it’s chaos.”

4. Packie

Translation: The liquor store—short for “package store.”
Example: “Swing by the packie before we head to camp.”

5. The Kanc

Translation: The Kancamagus Highway—New Hampshire’s scenic fall foliage road trip of legend.
Example: “We’re takin’ The Kanc this weekend—bring the camera and a jacket.”

6. The Lakes Region

Translation: The summertime heart of New Hampshire—boating, barbecues, and tourists with bad parking skills.
Example: “Spent all weekend up in the Lakes Region—wicked good weather.”

7. Fryeburg Fair

Translation: The annual event that’s basically New Hampshire’s social Super Bowl (even though it’s technically in Maine).
Example: “See you at the Fryeburg Fair—same time, same fried dough.”

8. Leaf Peepahs

Translation: Tourists who flood the state every fall to gawk at foliage and clog up the backroads.
Example: “The leaf peepahs are out—guess we’re not getting to Conway today.”

9. ManchVegas

Translation: Nickname for Manchester—used affectionately or sarcastically, depending on the mood.
Example: “Hitin’ ManchVegas tonight—don’t expect Vegas, just cheap beer.”

10. Camp

Translation: The family cabin or lake house—your sacred summer getaway, no matter how rustic it is.
Example: “We’re goin’ up to camp this weekend—no Wi-Fi, no problem.”

11. Creemee

Translation: Soft-serve ice cream, especially maple-flavored.
Example: “Nothin’ beats a maple creemee after mowin’ the lawn.”

12. The Whites

Translation: The White Mountains—where you hike, ski, or pretend to “get away from it all.”
Example: “We’re hittin’ the Whites this weekend—hope the moose cooperate.”

13. Wicked

Translation: Very, extremely, or ridiculously—used to modify anything.
Example: “It’s wicked cold out—better grab your Carhartt.”

14. Flatlander

Translation: Anyone not from New Hampshire—especially those who can’t handle snow, hills, or sarcasm.
Example: “He tried drivin’ up the Notch in a Prius—flatlander move, right there.”

If all this sounds like your daily dialect, congrats—you’re New Hampshire through and through. You’ve survived mud season, earned your Dunkin’ loyalty, and know that “Live Free or Die” isn’t just a motto—it’s a mood. So throw on your flannel, fill up the tank before the Massholes get here, and remember: up here, we don’t do drama—we do granite.