Massachusetts is not just about Harvard, chowder, and the Red Sox. The people here have their own way of talking—and some of the sayings are so funny and unique, you’ll only ever hear them in the Bay State.
Whether it’s the Boston accent or their no-nonsense attitude, locals have created expressions that are hilarious, confusing, and full of personality. So if you’re planning a visit or just curious, here are 17 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Massachusetts—and probably nowhere else.
1. “Wicked smaht”
No, they’re not talking about witches. In Massachusetts, “wicked” means “very”, and “smaht” means “smart”. So “wicked smaht” just means “really intelligent.” It’s a compliment—kind of.
2. “I’m going down the Cape”
Locals never say Cape Cod—it’s always “the Cape”. And “going down the Cape” means a weekend trip full of beaches, seafood, and traffic.
3. “Bang a Uey”
This just means make a U-turn, but in true Massachusetts style, it sounds like something more dramatic. You’ll hear this a lot on confusing Boston roads.
4. “That kid’s a total Masshole”
This word is half insult, half badge of honour. It refers to someone from Massachusetts—usually someone who drives aggressively, talks fast, and doesn’t have time for nonsense.
5. “Packie run”
Short for package store run—a.k.a. going to the liquor shop. So if someone says, “Let’s do a packie run,” you know what kind of party it’s going to be.
6. “Just book it down the rotary”
Massachusetts doesn’t have roundabouts. They have rotaries. And “book it” means drive fast. Not recommended—but often heard.
7. “That’s wicked pissah!”
Sounds rude, but it’s actually a compliment. “Wicked pissah” means “really awesome.” Only in Massachusetts can something that sounds gross mean something good.
8. “He’s such a chowderhead”
An old-school insult that means someone is being silly or dumb. Think of it as Massachusetts’ version of “knucklehead.”
9. “I parked the cah in Hahvahd Yahd”
The most classic example of the Boston accent. No one actually parks at Harvard Yard (you can’t), but locals still love this line.
10. “You got your license at the RMV?”
Most Americans say DMV for Department of Motor Vehicles. In Massachusetts, it’s the RMV—Registry of Motor Vehicles. And yes, it’s just as annoying.
11. “Dunks run?”
If you don’t know what Dunks means, you’re not from here. It’s Dunkin’ Donuts, and a “Dunks run” is practically a religion in Massachusetts.
12. “The Sox are wicked hot this season”
If you hear this, the speaker is talking about the Boston Red Sox. “Wicked hot” means the team’s on fire—playing really well.
13. “The T is late again”
The T refers to Boston’s public train system. It’s famous for being slow, crowded, and late. And yet, everyone still uses it.
14. “That rotary’s a free-for-all!”
Some Massachusetts intersections are pure chaos. If someone says this, it means be careful—you’ll need your best driving skills.
15. “I’m heading to the Big E”
The Big E is a huge fair held in New England. Locals from western Mass especially look forward to it every year.
16. “They’ve got the best grinders”
In other states, it’s called a sub or hoagie. In some parts of Massachusetts, it’s still called a grinder—a large sandwich stuffed with meat and cheese.
17. “Can’t get theyah from heah”
This classic phrase is half-joke, half-true. Some places in rural Massachusetts are so confusing to reach that locals just say, “Can’t get there from here.”
Massachusetts isn’t just known for its history or sports—it’s also home to some of the funniest and most unique sayings in America. These phrases reflect the fast-talking, tough-loving, and wickedly humorous nature of the people.
So next time you hear someone say “book it down the rotary” or “do a Dunks run,” just smile and know—you’re in Mass now.
SOURCES
- (https://rock929rocks.com/listicle/massachusetts-top-50-slang-words/)
- (https://www.adventurepangea.com/blog/40-new-england-sayings-you-need-to-know-for-your-next-adventure-there/)
- (https://wheninyourstate.com/massachusetts/15-expressions-youll-only-understand-if-youre-from-massachusetts/)
