There’s no denying that Massachusetts is completely unique. This state is home some of the most beautiful places in the country and some truly awesome people. However, trying to understand what those awesome people are saying may pose a problem to those visiting from out-of-state. Here are some phrases you might hear tossed around in Massachusetts that could sound baffling to anyone not in the know.
1. "Just bang a U-ey at the lights."
When your Bay State friend wants you to make a U-turn, she might use this colorful (and vaguely violent-sounding) phrase.
2. "The beach chairs are down cella."
While plenty of people in Massachusetts call the underground room beneath their house a basement, just as many call it a "cella," or cellar.
3. "One coffee regular, please."
We here in Massachusetts drink so much coffee that you can walk into most places and order a "coffee regular" without specifying what "regular" even means. Hilariously, while in some places that means some cream and two sugars, in other regions of the state it might mean one cream and one sugar, or even one cream and no sugar. We’re still working on this one.
4. "I’m headed down the Cape."
If you have to ask which cape, you’re clearly not from around here.
5. "Slow down, there’s a statie up ahead."
This moniker is short for state trooper. Depending on the circumstances, you might not be too pleased to see a statie pull up behind you.
6. "I’m craving a frappe."
What other states call a milkshake, we call a frappe. It’s a perfect blend of ice cream, milk and occasionally, flavored syrup. But lord help you if you pronounce that ‘e’ while trying to fit in with the Bay State crowd. The ‘e’ is most definitely silent.
7. "I’m gonna run down to the packie."
If you hear this phrase, you know that your friend is making a liquor store run and probably wouldn’t mind picking up an extra Sam Adams or two for you.
8. "Where’s the bubbler?"
When you’re thirsty at a football game, concert or just at the mall, you might seek out a "bubbla". Or, you know, what is commonly known as a water fountain.
9. "I'm wicked excited to go to the Big E tonight."
Okay, so this one is a double serving of Massachusetts insider knowledge. The Big E is pretty much the biggest and best fair ever, and by now there have been enough Mark Wahlberg movies for everyone to know that "wicked" basically means "very."
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