Boston is the setting for enough TV shows, movies, and books to make out-of-towners curious about what our city is actually like. They already have certain expectations of The Hub, so once people realize you’re from Boston, the following 9 questions usually come up:
1. How do you survive winter?
With patience, plenty of layers, and some grumbling. It also helps to remind ourselves that winter is the price we pay for having a fall that looks this pretty...
2. What do you have against "r"s / What’s the deal with the Boston accent?
If you spend enough time in the city, you’ll meet plenty of people with strong Boston accents, but it’s not as ubiquitous as visitors often expect. More than 25% of Bostonians are foreign born, and many more are students who come from outside of the state. You’ll encounter a fair number of Bostonians without obvious accents or at least without the accent you’re expecting to hear.
3. What does "wicked" mean?
In Bostonian English, "wicked" is an descriptive intensifier. For instance: "We had a wicked good time."
Sometimes "wicked" is also used to mean something that is great...
...Unlike the placement of these two ads!
4. How do you drive there?
According to an annual study conducted by Allstate, Boston is the worst city in the nation for driving. The average Bostonian is in an accident every 3.6 years, so most of us drive with the assumption that nearby drivers may channel their inner stuntman at any given moment. It's smart to stay extra alert and drive defensively... although many other drivers don't seem to follow that advice...
5. Are Boston sports fans really as diehard as people say?
Yes. As a city, Boston is passionate about sports, but we do have other interests as well!
6. Do Bostonians really hate Yankees fans?
We try not to actually hate anyone... however, the intense rivalry between the Sox and Yankees shows no signs of calming anytime soon.
7. Why are there so many Dunkin’ Donuts in Boston?
Because we need them! The first Dunkin’ Donuts opened in Quincy, just south of Boston, in 1950 so we’ve been hooked on Dunks long before competitors came along. Plus, we’re loyal to homegrown companies that stay local – Dunkin’ still has kept its headquarters in nearby Canton.
8. Did you go to Harvard or MIT?
You’ll encounter Harvard and MIT students and alumni here; however, our city is home to many top caliber schools - there are around 80 universities and private colleges in the Greater Boston area!
9. Is Boston a good place to live?
Definitely. In fact, you might even say that it's wicked awesome!
What other Boston questions do out-of-towners typically ask you? Let us know on the Only In Boston Facebook page !
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