Massachusetts has a way of working itself into your daily habits, your speech, and even your worldview. If you’ve spent enough time in the Bay State, you’ll find yourself doing things that only true locals understand. Here are ten telltale signs you’ve lived in Massachusetts for far too long:
1. You Use “Wicked” as an Everyday Word
“Wicked” isn’t just an adjective—it’s a lifestyle. If you find yourself saying things are “wicked cold,” “wicked good,” or “wicked fast,” you’ve definitely absorbed the local dialect.
2. Dunkin’ Is Practically a Food Group
You know your regular order by heart, and you call it “Dunkin’,” not “Dunkin’ Donuts.” You also know that “regular coffee” means cream and sugar, and you have a favorite location (or three).
3. You’ve Mastered the Rotary
Massachusetts roads are full of rotaries (roundabouts), and you’ve become an expert at navigating them—blinker optional, of course.
4. You’ve Cheered at the Boston Marathon or Fenway Park
Patriots’ Day is a real holiday for you, and you’ve either watched the Boston Marathon in person or caught a Red Sox game at Fenway. Bonus points if you’ve done both in one day.
5. You’re a Pro at Pronouncing Local Town Names
You can say “Worcester,” “Peabody,” and “Leominster” correctly without thinking, and you enjoy correcting visitors who get them hilariously wrong.
6. You’ve Survived (and Bragged About) a Nor’easter
You own more snow gear than regular clothes, and you’ve shoveled your driveway in the middle of a blizzard—then bragged about it to friends and family.
7. “The Cape” Only Means Cape Cod
When someone says “the Cape,” you know they’re talking about Cape Cod. You also have strong opinions about the best beaches, seafood shacks, and the fastest route to get over the bridge.
8. You’ve Waited in Line for Fried Clams or a Lobster Roll
Standing in a long line at a clam shack or lobster stand is a summer tradition, and you know it’s always worth the wait.
9. You’ve Saved Your Parking Spot with a Chair
After a snowstorm, you’ve “reserved” your freshly shoveled parking spot with a lawn chair, trash can, or traffic cone—and you expect everyone else to respect the system.
10. You’ve Attended a Town Meeting (and Maybe Argued)
Civic engagement runs deep here. You’ve sat through a heated town meeting or local election, and you’re not afraid to voice your opinion about everything from school budgets to the best pizza in town.
If you’ve experienced most (or all) of these, congratulations: you’re a true Massachusetts local, quirks and all. And whether you ever leave or not, the Bay State will always feel like home.