Here are 8 quirky and unusual things no one tells you about living in Massachusetts, based on local insights and expert sources:
1. The Boston Accent Is Contagious
- The famed Boston accent (“pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd”) isn’t just a stereotype—it’s a way of life, and you’ll find yourself slipping into it sooner or later, especially with words like “wicked” for emphasis.
2. Driving Is an Extreme Sport
- Massachusetts drivers are notorious for being aggressive yet efficient. Mastering the rotary (roundabout), navigating the Mass Pike, and dealing with “Masshole” drivers will become second nature.
3. Red Sox Fandom Is a Religion
- The Red Sox are more than a baseball team; they’re a cultural institution. Game days at Fenway Park feel like state holidays, and the “Yankees suck” chant is practically a rite of passage.
4. Clam Chowder Is Serious Business
- New England clam chowder is sacred, and everyone has a strong opinion about it. Bring up a different style of chowder at your own risk.
5. You’ll Call a Water Fountain a “Bubbler”
- The term “bubbler” is used instead of “water fountain,” and you’ll get confused looks from outsiders if you use it outside the state.
6. Cape Cod Is Everyone’s Summer Home
- Whether you own a house or not, the Cape becomes your go-to summer escape. “Traffic” means being stuck behind a tractor, and seafood shacks are a must-visit.
7. Dunkin’ Is an Institution
- Dunkin’ Donuts is everywhere, and debates over the best order (“medium iced, cream and sugar”) or the best location are a local pastime.
8. Place Names Are a Pronunciation Minefield
- Towns like Worcester (“Woo-ster”), Gloucester (“Glaw-ster”), and Scituate (“Sit-chew-it”) will trip you up, and locals take pride in correcting mispronunciations.
These quirks are just a taste of what makes living in Massachusetts a unique—and sometimes bewildering—experience.
Sources:
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/meganeliscomb/america-regional-quirks
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/massachusetts
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/massachusetts/weird-things-people-ma
- https://www.movoto.com/guide/ma/massachusetts-stereotypes/