Massachusetts slang words and phrases show the unique culture of Massachusetts and are often used by Massachusetts natives.
Here is a list of some common Massachusetts slang words and phrases you may hear when visiting or living in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Slang Words And Phrases
Slang of any region is always fun to learn. It gives you a deeper insight into the place’s culture.
Massachusetts has its unique version of slang that is used in everyday conversation.
Massachusetts slang words and phrases dating back to the early 19th century.
Massachusetts’s unique dialect developed from a blend of English, Irish, and Native American influences.
Massachusetts’s diverse population has also influenced Massachusetts slang over the years.
These slang words are known for being colorful and distinctive. Common Massachusetts slang terms include “wicked,” “cod” (a type of fish), and “bubbler” (water fountain).
Massachusetts slang is constantly evolving, and new words are constantly being added.
Massachusetts slang may confuse those who don’t understand it, but it’s part of what makes Massachusetts unique.
Massachusetts has its own culture and language, so if you ever find yourself in Massachusetts, don’t be surprised to hear some Massachusetts slang.
24 Popular Massachusetts Slang Words And Phrases
Massachusetts has a rich cultural and linguistic history, with many local phrases that Massachusetts natives know by heart.
However, when visitors first come to Massachusetts, they may be surprised to learn all the different Massachusetts slang words and phrases used in everyday conversation.
Here are just a few of the Massachusetts slang words and phrases you’re likely to hear:
1. Wicked:
This slang is used as a modifier for anything from how good, or bad something is to how fast or slow it happened, pronounced as “wick-id.”
For example, “That pizza was wicked good!” This term originated in Massachusetts but has been adopted by other New England states.
Massachusetts natives love to express themselves with colorful language; this phrase often appears in everyday conversations.
The term has been used in Massachusetts since the early 1900s.
2. Cape Codder:
This is a classic Massachusetts cocktail made with vodka and cranberry juice called “cape cod-er.”
It’s usually served over ice or blended with a little soda water for extra fizz. For example, “I’m gonna grab a Cape Codder.”
3. Dirty Water Dog:
This Massachusetts staple is an all-beef hot dog, steamed in its juices and then served with mustard, onions, or relish, pronounced as “dirty water dawg.”
Hotdogs have become integral to Massachusetts culture, as they can be found in nearly every city and town.
Massachusetts is known for its “dirty water” hotdogs, which are boiled in a mixture of spices, onions, and other condiments.
For example, “I’m gonna get me some dirty water dogs for lunch.” You can usually find these street vendors in Massachusetts cities.
4. Gaffer:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe someone who is a Massachusetts native, pronounced as “gaff-er.”
Massachusetts natives often take pride in their roots, which shows how they talk.
For example, “He’s a Massachusetts gaffer through and through.”
5. Frappe:
This Massachusetts slang term describes milkshakes, pronounced as “frape-eh.”
Massachusetts residents have been known to enjoy these delicious treats year-round.
Frappe comes from the French phrase frappé, which means “iced or shaken.
Massachusetts residents love their frappes, and it’s common to find them on menus in Massachusetts.
The term has been used in Massachusetts since the 1940s.
For example, “I’m gonna grab a frappe on my way home.” This term originated in Massachusetts and has now spread to other parts of the country.
6. Grinder:
A grinder is Massachusetts slang for a sandwich, typically made with Italian meats and cheeses, pronounced as “grynd-er.”
Massachusetts natives often order their favorite grinder from a local deli. For example, “I’m gonna grab a grinder for lunch today.”
The term originated in Massachusetts and is used throughout the United States.
7. Packie:
This Massachusetts slang term is short for “Package Store” and refers to a liquor store.
For example, “I’m gonna go the packie on my way home.” Massachusetts natives have been known to use this term since the late 1800s.
It likely originated from Massachusetts’ love of convenience stores and their ability to purchase alcohol.
8. Bubbler:
This Massachusetts slang term is short for “drinking fountain” and refers to an outdoor water fountain.
Massachusetts natives often say, “Let’s get a drink from the bubbler.” The term has been used in Massachusetts since the early 1900s.
Massachusetts natives often use this term when referring to a public place where people can get water.
9. Townie:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe someone who has lived in the same town or city their entire life.
For example, “He’s a real townie; he’s never moved away.” Massachusetts natives have been known to use this term since the mid-1900s.
10. Mint:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe something perfect.
For example, “That new restaurant is mint!” Massachusetts natives have been known to use this term since the late 1900s.
It originated from Massachusetts’ popular love of ice cream and the phrase “mints for dessert.”
11. Scrod:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe fish, usually cod or haddock, that is either fresh or frozen.
For example, “We should get some scrod for dinner tonight.”
Massachusetts natives have been using this term since the 1800s, and it likely originated from Massachusetts’ rich fishing tradition.
12. Downcellar:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to refer to a basement or cellar.
Massachusetts natives often use this term to describe a place where they store items or hang out.
For example, “Let’s go downcellar and play some video games.” This term originated in Massachusetts in the mid-1800s.
13. Package Store:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to refer to a liquor store.
Massachusetts has very strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, and package stores are the only places where people can legally purchase alcohol.
As a result, Massachusetts natives often use this term to describe where they buy beer, wine, and spirits.
For example, “Let’s go to the package store and get some beer for the party.” This term originated in Massachusetts in the early 1900s.
14. Datsun:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to refer to a car. Massachusetts natives often use this term when talking about their cars.
For example, “I just got a new Datsun, and it runs like a dream!” This term originated in Massachusetts in the late 1960s.
15. Cabinet:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to refer to a milkshake. Massachusetts natives often use this term when craving something sweet and creamy.
For example, “I’m going to get a chocolate cabinet from the ice cream shop.”
This term originated in Massachusetts in the early 1900s, referring to the tall cup in which milkshakes were originally served.
16. Gom:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to refer to someone who is an idiot or a fool.
Massachusetts natives often use this term when angry or frustrated with someone’s actions.
For example, “He’s such a gom for not listening to me!”
17. Skimpy:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe someone who is being stingy or cheap.
Massachusetts natives often use this term when trying to get something for less than it’s worth. For example, “He’s too skimpy to buy a new car.”
18. Plenny A Chahm:
This Massachusetts slang term is used to describe something or someone very attractive.
Massachusetts natives often use this term when they are trying to express admiration for someone’s appearance.
For example, “She’s a real plenny, a chahm!” This term originated from Massachusetts’ Irish-American population.
19. FRIGO:
In Massachusetts, this slang term refers to any refrigerator or icebox.
Massachusetts natives often use this word when discussing a kitchen appliance that stores food and drinks.
For example, “We need to get a new FRIGO for the kitchen.”
This Massachusetts slang term is derived from the Italian word for refrigerator, “frigo“.
20. Frickin’:
This Massachusetts slang word is used as an expletive. Massachusetts natives often use this term when frustrated or surprised by something.
For example, “Frickin’ A! That’s not what I expected.” The word originated from Massachusetts’ Irish-American population.
21. Hoagie:
In Massachusetts, this slang term refers to a long sandwich containing meat, cheese, and other condiments.
Massachusetts natives often use this word when they are talking about sandwiches. For example, “I’m going to get a hoagie for lunch today.
22. The Cape:
The Massachusetts slang term “the Cape” refers to Cape Cod, the Massachusetts peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean.
Massachusetts natives often use this term when discussing going to Cape Cod for a vacation or weekend getaway.
For example, “We’re heading to the Cape this weekend.”
23. The Hub:
Massachusetts folks often refer to Boston as “the Hub“.
This slang term is derived from the city’s role as a major transportation hub in New England and its frequent use of the phrase “The Hub of the Universe”.
So, for example, “I’m heading up to the Hub for the day.”
24. No Suh:
Massachusetts natives often use the phrase “No Suh” to express disbelief or surprise.
This slang term is derived from the word “sure” and is said in a sarcastic tone.
So, for example, if someone told you their cat could talk, you might respond with “No suh!”
Final Thoughts:
Massachusetts natives use a wide range of slang words and phrases to communicate with one another.
From “No Suh” to “Frappe,” these Massachusetts slang words and phrases give the state its own unique flavor.
So whether you’re visiting Massachusetts or just curious about their local lingo, it’s worth taking some time to learn the slang and become a part of the culture.
You might even pick up a few Massachusetts slang terms of your own. Just remember: Massachusetts slang is wicked cool!
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