Here are 20 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Rhode Island

Embark on a linguistic adventure through the smallest state in the nation, where Rhode Islanders have crafted a lexicon as distinctive as their coastal culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 slang terms that paint a vivid portrait of the Ocean State’s unique identity, from sipping an “Awful Awful” to munching on “stuffies” by the shore. Whether you’re a proud Rhode Islander or an intrigued outsider, get ready to delve into the charming and flavorful linguistic landscape that sets the Ocean State apart.

Bubbler

A Rhode Island term for a drinking fountain or water cooler.

Cabinet

Refers to a milkshake made with ice cream, milk, and flavored syrup, similar to a frappe in other parts of New England.

Steamers

Another term for steamed clams

Coffee Milk

A beloved Rhode Island beverage consisting of cold milk mixed with sweet coffee syrup.

Clicker

Remote controller

Quahog

A type of clam, and the word is often used to refer to a large clam or a character from the animated TV show “Family Guy,” set in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island.

Wickford

A term used in Rhode Island to describe someone who is acting aloof or strange.

Stuffie

Short for stuffed quahog, a popular Rhode Island dish made with minced clam mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, baked in a clamshell.

Jimmies

Another term for sprinkles. Those little chocolate sprinkles for ice cream sundaes are called jimmies in Rhode Island.

Awful Awful

A local term for a thick and delicious milkshake, often found at Newport Creamery.

Rhody

A nickname for Rhode Island and its residents.

Hot Wiener

A regional dish consisting of a small, seasoned frankfurter topped with meat sauce, mustard, onion, and celery salt.

Benny

A term used by locals to refer to tourists or visitors, particularly those from Massachusetts.

Packie

Convivence store/package store

Johnnycake

A type of cornmeal flatbread, often served as a side dish or breakfast item.

Nips

Tiny alcohol bottles

Grinder

Similar to a sub or hoagie, a grinder is a sandwich made with a variety of cold cuts, cheese, and toppings.

On the Block

Refers to someone who is originally from Block Island, a popular tourist destination in Rhode Island.

Little Rhody

Another affectionate nickname for the state of Rhode Island.

Gansett

Short for Narragansett, a popular brand of beer brewed in Rhode Island.