Massachusetts is famous for its one-of-a-kind local lingo and hilarious phrases that often leave outsiders scratching their heads. Here are some funny phrases and words you’ll only hear in the Bay State:
Wicked smaht
A classic way to say someone is very smart, with that unmistakable Massachusetts twist.
Bang a U-ey
Means to make a U-turn, usually in a spot that’s not exactly legal.
Bubblah
What everyone else calls a drinking fountain.
Dunks
Short for Dunkin’ (Donuts), the unofficial fuel of Massachusetts.
Masshole
A tongue-in-cheek term for a typically aggressive (but proud) Massachusetts driver or resident.
Packie
The local term for a liquor store (package store).
Frappe
An ice cream-based milkshake—don’t call it a milkshake unless you want to get corrected.
Clickah
The remote control for your TV.
Rotary
A traffic circle or roundabout—Massachusetts drivers have a special relationship with these.
Jimmies
Chocolate sprinkles for your ice cream, not to be confused with rainbow sprinkles.
Nips
Mini bottles of alcohol, often found at the “packie”.
Carriage
What you push around the grocery store—known elsewhere as a shopping cart.
The T
Refers to the MBTA, Boston’s public transit system.
Space-saver
Any object (like a chair or cone) used to save your shoveled-out parking spot after a snowstorm.
Tonic
What locals call soda or pop.
So don’t I
Means “me too,” even though it sounds like the opposite.
Townie
Someone who’s never left their neighborhood and knows all the local gossip.
These phrases, delivered with a thick accent and a dose of local pride, are pure Massachusetts—and guaranteed to get a laugh (or a confused look) outside the state.
Sources:
- https://hot969boston.com/listicle/8-massachusetts-words-and-phrases-only-we-understand/
- https://www.lopriore.com/blog/boston-top-slang-words/
- https://wror.com/2024/11/13/the-wildest-slang-sweeping-massachusetts/