Maine slang words and phrases may be unfamiliar to people from other parts of the United States, but these expressions are often used in everyday conversations by natives.
Whether it’s a “Lunkhead” or a “wicked,” the Maine slang adds a certain distinct flavor to the language spoken in this northeastern state.
Here Are 13 Of The Most Common Maine Slang Words And Phrases!
Navigating the slang of Maine can be quite a challenge, not to mention the unique accent in which it is spoken! However, Maine slang words and phrases have been used by locals for a long time.
People who are not from Maine may find these terms confusing or funny, but they can also give you a better understanding of the culture in this region.
In Maine, you’ll hear people using expressions like “dunnah”, referring to a particular type of food, or “bangah”, meaning an unexpected change.
And if someone gives you an unusual instruction like “snocka eeta gause!”, they are likely asking you to watch out or take care.
So, while Maine slang might be baffling at times, just remember that chances are it’s coming from genuine places of local pride!
1. Maine Squeeze – A Difficult Situation Or Challenge:
Maine Squeeze, a Maine slang phrase combining the words Maine and squeeze, describes an extremely difficult situation or challenge that can be either physical or mental.
Most commonly, this phrase is used to describe a tight deadline, tricky puzzle, physical dilemma, or another hard obstacle.
Despite its name, Maine Squeeze typically doesn’t originate from Maine but rather is popular among Maine locals due to its salty Maine charm.
So next time you find yourself in a seemingly impossible situation, don’t forget it’s just a Maine Squeeze!
2. Lubber – A Clumsy Person:
The term “lubber” often comes up in Maine slang words and phrases, referring to a person who is clumsy or awkward. However, Mainers use the term lovingly, making it a part of the local vernacular.
Maine citizens are empathetic and tolerant of the occasional blunder, displaying a compassionate understanding of each other’s imperfections.
Evidently, this indicates that although they may lament another’s missteps, their compassion prevails over any disapproval.
In other words, even if someone is an awkward lubber, Mainers will still appreciate them as part of their local culture.
3. Whoopie Pie – Chocolate-Based Dessert Sandwich:
Whoopie Pie is a Maine slang word for a classic dessert sandwich made from two soft, fluffy chocolate cake-like cookies.
It is sandwiched with creamy and indulgent cream cheese or marshmallow filling. The Maine slang words used to describe this delicious treat are “gob,” “bob,” and “doosie.”
These all refer to a type of pie eaten as breakfast and dessert. To make the classic version, you’ll need cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, eggs, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the filling between the two round cakes and enjoy the sweet taste of whoopie pie!
4. Moxie – Courage And Determination:
Moxie is a term used to describe courage and determination, often with a hint of being daring and resourceful.
Originating from Maine slang words and phrases, Moxie has come to evoke the feeling of facing difficult tasks head-on, no matter how daunting the challenge.
It implies an inner strength that propels someone to take risks despite fear or trepidation.
In short, having Moxie means you don’t shy away from obstacles but boldly attempt to overcome them while enjoying the journey.
5. Lunkhead – An Idiot Or Foolish:
In Maine, the term ‘lunkhead’ is often used to describe someone foolish and dull-witted. Maine slang words and phrases can be heard regularly in regular conversations among locals.
“Lunkhead” does not only mean that somebody is not smart. It also means this person does not want to learn new things or try something different.
In this sense, it’s more of an insult than an observation or description and should not be used without good reason.
6. Down Cellar – The Basement Of A House:
One of Maine’s unique traits is its unique slang. One phrase that Maine natives are sure to be familiar with is “Down Cellar” which refers to the basement of a house.
This phrase originated when Maine settlers found large boulders and rocks beneath their houses, making building a fully above-ground structure nearly impossible.
Thus in Maine, homes often have cellars, essentially unfinished stone basements below ground level – hence the name “down cellar”.
Whether you grew up with one here in Maine or not, if you’re living or visiting here anytime soon, don’t be surprised when you hear the phrase “down cellar”!
7. Cunnard – Another Word For “Crazy” Or “Weird”:
Cunnard is a Maine slang term used to describe someone as crazy and weird.
This phrase has been in use for decades, but many people find it problematic because it can be used to make judgments about people or their behavior.
It is important to remember that Maine slang words and phrases are grounded in a unique culture and history, making them distinct from other phrases used to talk about others elsewhere.
With this understanding in mind, we can embrace Maine slang words like cunnard for colorful language and entertainment rather than as a means for judgment.
8. Stove Up – Exhausted From Hard Work:
Have you ever heard the phrase “stove up” used in Maine? This is a slang phrase that is commonly used to describe someone who is exhausted from hard work or physical labor.
It can also describe an older object, such as a car or machinery, which has gone beyond repair due to age and overuse.
While it may sound harsh to call someone “stove up,” this Maine slang term is actually quite endearing and really emphasizes how difficult the efforts of the individual were.
The next time you visit Maine, be sure not to miss out on all the unique and colorful Maine phrases!
9. Wicked – An Emphatic Way Of Saying “Very” Or “Extremely”:
When it comes to Maine slang words and phrases, one of the most commonly used expressions is “wicked.”
Used as an emphatic way of saying “very” or “extremely,” people from the state are likely to hear (or say!) this word quite a bit.
As with other regions, Maine has its distinct language and way of speaking, so terms like “wicked” have become ingrained in speech for locals.
If you’re traveling to Maine, be prepared to add some new slang words to your vocabulary list!
10. Sassenach – An English Person:
In Maine, the term ‘Sassenach’ is a colloquialism that refers to any English person.
Various phrases are typically employed when alluding to someone as such; some include ‘Longfellow’, ‘Boston Bag’, and ‘Yankee Doodle’.
This references the strong historical connections between England and Maine – with plenty of aspects of the two cultures shared throughout history.
Generally speaking, in Maine culture, the word Sassenach is not meant in a derogatory way and often serves as simply referencing origins rather than insult or judgment.
11. Red Sox Fever – Excitement Of Being A Boston Red Sox Fan:
Red Sox fever is a phrase often heard in New England, usually referring to Boston Red Sox fans’ enthusiasm for their beloved team.
The Northeast is excited when the Red Sox take the field from Maine to Rhode Island.
It’s common to hear mainly used phrases such as “Bleeding Red!” “Let’s Go Sox!” and “Red Tide Rising!” is used by locals to express their fandom.
Red Sox fever is an infectious sensation that has swept Major League Baseball. Any supporter who experiences it will be privileged to bask in its remarkable vitality and cheer.
12. Cah-Sah– Expression Of Disbelief, Anger, Or Frustration:
The Maine expression “Cah-Sah” typically indicates disbelief, anger, or frustration. It is most frequently used when someone can’t believe what they are hearing.
Cah-Sah is one of the main slang words and phrases used across Maine, and it has an especially long history in the southern part of the state.
The unusual combination of words carries additional emotional weight to express shock and dismay with increased clarity or emphasis than other alternatives.
It stands out among other Maine expressions as a way to make a point without relying on actual curses or expletives to capture someone’s full range of emotion.
13. Loony Tune – A Crazy Person:
Loony Tune was a Maine slang term used to refer to a crazy person.
The phrase had its roots in the early 19th century when it was first recorded being uttered by Maine people as a jocular colloquialism.
Loony Tune is still in use today, although some Mainers have adopted more toned-down alternatives such as “whacky” or “off their rocker”.
Loony Tune describes someone who acts unhinged – engaging in behavior that comes off as zany or eccentric.
It is also used as an adjective – something can be “loony” if it too is highly unusual. For example, Mainers may describe a snowstorm before Halloween as “loony”.
Conclusion:
Maine slang words and phrases add essential elements of local culture to many conversations.
Whether used to punctuate a joke or describe an activity in familiar terms, Maine slang is integral to Maine’s linguistic landscape.
Although these Maine slang words may sound foreign to the ears of outsiders, they serve as a valuable way of connecting people from Maine with one another.
Ultimately, Maine slang helps to bridge distances and keep the Mainer’s sense of identity alive.
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