New Hampshire slang words and phrases are those that are unique to New Hampshire, the “Granite State.”
New Hampshirites have their own way of talking about things and expressing themselves, making them stand out from other states and even New Englanders.
New Hampshire Slang Words And Phrases
New Hampshire natives have their own set of slang words and phrases that they use to make the conversation more interesting or enjoyable.
New Hampshire slang has its roots in New England, and the state’s inhabitants have adopted and modified words from other cultures to suit their own.
For example, the term “doozy” is believed to be derived from the word “douce,” used by French settlers in New England.
New Hampshire also has adopted some terms from neighboring states, such as Massachusetts and Maine, including “whatchamacallit” and “bubbler.”
New Hampshire natives also use the term “chowdah,” derived from the New England seafood dish chowder.
New Hampshire’s unique dialect has been preserved for centuries and is a source of pride among New Hampshirites.
New Hampshire’s dialect is part of its rich cultural heritage, and it gives New Hampshirites a sense of identity.
New Hampshire slang words and phrases add flavor to the state’s unique culture and will likely continue for many years.
25 New Hampshire Slang Words And Phrases
New Hampshire may be small, but its residents have a large number of unique and fun sayings.
New Hampshirites often use terms like “wicked” and “Ayuh” when expressing themselves.
These phrases are used to add emphasis and flavor to everyday conversation.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the most popular New Hampshire slang words and phrases.
1. Ayuh:
This New Hampshire phrase is used as an acknowledgment or agreement. It can also be used to express surprise, disbelief, or understanding.
For example, if someone says, “That was a doozy,” you can respond with “Ayuh!” The expression has its roots in the New England accent.
It is often spelled as “Aye,” and it is similar to the phrase “Yup.” It originated in New England but is now used across the United States.
2. Wicked:
This New Hampshire slang word is often used in place of “very” or “really.” For example, you could say that something was “wicked cool” or “wicked awesome.”
The word is also sometimes used to emphasize something, as in “That was wicked expensive.”
This New Hampshire slang term has been around for many years and is now used throughout the United States. It is thought to have originated in New England.
3. Down Cellar:
This phrase is used to refer to a basement or the area below a house.
It’s often used as an instruction, such as when someone might say, “Go down cellar and get some potatoes from the root cellar.”
This New Hampshire slang term has been around for many years and is now used throughout New England.
It is thought to be a New England term and is not commonly used in other areas.
4. Bubbler:
This New Hampshire slang word is used to refer to a water fountain or drinking fountain. It comes from the sound the water makes when it bubbles out of the spout.
For example, “Let’s get a drink from the bubbler.” This New Hampshire slang word is widely used throughout New England and has been around for many years.
5. Grind:
This New Hampshire slang phrase is used to refer to studying or doing homework. It comes from the idea that one needs to “grind” away at their work to get it done.
For example, “I’ve been grinding all day on this project.” New Hampshire students often use this phrase when talking about their schoolwork or studying habits.
The term can also be used more generally to refer to doing work, such as “I’ve been grinding away at this all day.”
6. Ya Ya:
This New Hampshire phrase is used to express agreement or affirmation, and it comes from the French expression “oui oui,” which literally translates to “yes, yes.”
New Hampshire residents often use this casual phrase instead of saying “yeah” or “sure.”
So if you hear someone say “Ya Ya,” it means that they agree with what was just said.
7. Foggy:
In New Hampshire, foggy is a term used to describe a situation that is confusing or difficult to understand.
New Hampshire students may hear this phrase from their teachers when a lesson is particularly complex.
The term can also be used more broadly in conversation when someone doesn’t know what is going on or what to do about something.
For example, if you’re in New Hampshire and someone says, “It’s a bit foggy,” they refer to confusion or a lack of clarity.
8. You Don’t Say:
This phrase is used when something is said that most New Hampshire residents would find obvious or unnecessary to say out loud.
It’s a way of expressing disbelief or incredulity in an exaggerated manner.
For example, if someone says, “It’s cold outside,” and you respond with, “You don’t say!” you are making it clear that you think the statement is obvious.
9. Ye Olde:
This phrase is commonly used as a fun way to refer to something that has been around for a long time or is an old New Hampshire tradition.
For example, when talking about a New Hampshire diner that’s been open for over thirty years, you might call it “Ye Olde Diner.”
The term is also used for businesses or other organizations that have been around for a long time. It’s a way to honor New Hampshire’s history.
10. Concrete Apple:
In New Hampshire, a concrete apple is a large round road sign indicating a sharp curve.
New Hampshire has these signs all over the state, as they are often used to warn drivers of an upcoming turn or curve.
For example, if someone says, “watch out for that concrete apple,” they are warning you to slow down and take caution on an upcoming curve.
The term is often casually used by New Hampshire natives.
11. Tonne O’Fun:
This phrase is usually used when someone wants to refer to having a good time.
For example, if you and your friends are going out for a night on the town, they might say, “Let’s have a tonne o’ fun!”
It is an informal expression of fun and excitement. The term can also be used to express how much something is going to cost.
For example, “That dress was a tonne o’ fun!” would mean that it was expensive.
12. Cabin Fever:
New Hampshire natives use this term when they feel trapped or confined in their own homes or surroundings due to the cold New England weather.
It’s jokingly used to describe boredom or stir-craziness due to being indoors for too long.
For example, “I’ve been cooped up in my house all winter, and I’m starting to get cabin fever!”
The term also describes New Hampshire’s famous love of the outdoors and the urge to get out and explore.
13. Chewy:
This New Hampshire slang word is used in place of saying something is delicious or tasty. For instance, “That lobster roll was chewy!”
It can also be used to describe someone who talks a lot or can’t seem to stop talking. Such as, “She’s so chewy, I can’t get a word in!”
The term is likely derived from the New England term “chowdah,” which is a New England-style seafood soup.
14. Packed:
In New Hampshire, this term can refer to either how full something is or how cold it is outside.
For example, someone might say, “It’s packed out there today!” meaning that it’s very cold outside.
They could also say, “That restaurant was packed!” meaning that it was full of other people.
The term could also refer to something full, such as a room or a car. It’s a versatile phrase that can mean different things depending on the context.
15. Moxie:
This New Hampshire slang term is used to describe someone who is courageous, determined, and bold.
It’s often used as an adjective, such as “She has so much moxie!” People from New Hampshire are known for their moxie, so the phrase is common throughout the state.
The term originated from the New England brand of soda, Moxie.
16. Mud Season:
This New Hampshire slang term refers to a period of time in spring when everything outside is wet and muddy.
It’s usually accompanied by warmer weather, but also lots of rain.
The phrase often describes how inconvenient it can be during this season, as the muddy roads can make travel difficult.
For example, a New Hampshire native might say, “It’s mud season again, so I’m stuck inside until everything dries up.”
17. Rye And Pumpkin Pie:
This is a New Hampshire phrase usually used to describe someone who is friendly and open-minded.
A New Hampshire resident might extend an invitation with this saying, like “Come on over and have some rye and pumpkin pie with us!”
The phrase is also used to describe someone who is a bit of an outsider or “oddball.”
It’s generally said in a playful manner, indicative of New Hampshire’s welcoming attitude.
18. Fryolator:
New Hampshire natives often use this word to describe deep-frying food or a piece of equipment used for that purpose.
The fryolator is so ubiquitous in New Hampshire cuisine that it has become part of the local language.
For example, “I’m gonna take this out of the fryolator and put it on a plate.”
The term is especially popular when referring to New Hampshire’s beloved local delicacy: French fries. It’s a testament to New Hampshire’s love of comfort food.
19. Wrong Road:
New Hampshire locals often use this phrase to express surprise or disbelief.
It is generally used when someone has made an incorrect decision.
Such as the person saying it may follow up with “you took the wrong road” to express that they should have chosen a different course of action.
The term is also used when someone’s foolishness amuses New Hampshirites.
20. Dabber:
The term “dabber” is a New Hampshire expression for someone who does not take life too seriously and is more than happy to enjoy themselves.
Someone who is considered a dabber usually has an easygoing attitude and is often associated with the New England lifestyle.
Dabbers are typically seen wearing flannel shirts and faded jeans, enjoying a cold beer or two while they relax after a hard day’s work.
21. Granite Stater:
This New Hampshire slang phrase describes a person from New Hampshire.
It typically refers to someone born and raised in New Hampshire, but it can also refer to anyone with strong ties with the state.
For example, “Do you know any Granite Staters from Portsmouth?” The term “Granite State” is also used to refer to New Hampshire as a whole.
22. Frost Heaves:
New Hampshire experiences some pretty significant temperature and weather changes throughout the year.
This can cause the ground to move and form what the locals call a frost heave.
The term refers to bumps and ridges that form on New Hampshire roads due to the ground shifting and freezing.
For example, “I had to slow down because of a frost heave on the road.” The term can also be figurative, such as “I’m feeling like I have frost heaves after that workout.”
23. Lobstah:
New Hampshire is known for its lobster, so it’s no surprise that there’s an informal term for this delicious crustacean.
New Hampshirites call them “lobstahs” instead of lobsters. Such as “I’m gonna get me some fresh lobstahs at the seafood market.”
The term can also be used to refer to New Hampshire residents, as in “She’s a real New England lobstah.” It’s a term of endearment.
24. Ragged Mountain:
New Hampshire has a popular ski resort located in Danbury, NH, called Ragged Mountain Resort.
For New Hampshire natives, “ragged mountain” is often used to refer to anything that is difficult or dangerous.
For example, if you are going on an adventure with some friends and they tell you it will be a “ragged mountain”, they are likely referring to a difficult or dangerous journey.
25. Whippersnapper:
This New Hampshire slang word refers to a young person who is overly confident or boasts too much.
It’s usually used as an insult and implies that the targeted individual isn’t taking his or her age and experience into account.
For example, “That whippersnapper thinks he knows everything!” The term dates back to the late 19th century and is still used in New Hampshire today.
Final Thoughts:
New Hampshire slang words and phrases are unique and can be heard in everyday conversations.
Whether you’re a visitor or a New Hampshirite, learning more about the local lingo is always fun!
Even if you don’t use these terms yourself, knowing what they mean can help you better understand New Hampshire culture.
So next time you’re in New Hampshire, take some time to learn the New Hampshire slang words and phrases!
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