Boston slang consists of words and phrases of slang originating from and commonly used in Boston, Massachusetts. Though most often used in Boston, the slang can also be heard in other cities of Massachusetts or even other New England states, though not always as frequently. Some terms are less commonly heard outside of the Boston area than others; some are not used at all outside of Boston.

Slang terms [ edit ]

A [ edit ]

"A-town" - Arlington, Ma

"Olly-Olly Oxenfree" - A proclamation to players of "Tag" or "Hide-n-Seek", that they may return to a common area free of consequence as it may pertain to the game being [phonetically reduced version of the original "All ye, all ye, all come free."]

- A proclamation to players of "Tag" or "Hide-n-Seek", that they may return to a common area free of consequence as it may pertain to the game being [phonetically reduced version of the original "All ye, all ye, all come free."] the Ave - refers to Dorchester Avenue, or "Dot Ave"

B [ edit ]

"that's beat"- that sucks. "she's beat"- shes's ugly

"she's basic"- she's not that pretty or nothing special.

The B's - Reference to the Boston Bruins. The Bruins AHL affiliate from Providence are referred to as the Baby B's or the P. Bru's.

- Reference to the Boston Bruins. The Bruins AHL affiliate from Providence are referred to as the Baby B's or the P. Bru's. bagged - arrested; "He got bagged for a DUI."; (Driving Under the Influence)

- arrested; "He got bagged for a DUI."; (Driving Under the Influence) the balls - awesome, great; "That concert was the balls."

- awesome, great; "That concert was the balls." bang - to make a quick move (often, "bang a left"; also used often as "bang a U-ie" - make a U turn); sometimes used interchangeably with hang

- to make a quick move (often, "bang a left"; also used often as "bang a U-ie" - make a U turn); sometimes used interchangeably with bang out - call in sick to work (It's such a nice day, maybe I should bang out and go to the beach.)

- call in sick to work (It's such a nice day, maybe I should bang out and go to the beach.) barney - a Harvard student or graduate (used by working class residents of Somerville), apparently in reference to trolley barns near the university.

- a Harvard student or graduate (used by working class residents of Somerville), apparently in reference to trolley barns near the university. barrel - a trash can.

- a trash can. The Basement - Filene's Basement, a department store in Downtown Crossing.

- Filene's Basement, a department store in Downtown Crossing. Beacon Hill - the Massachusetts government, particularly the State legislature

- the Massachusetts government, particularly the State legislature Beantown - Boston (never used by Bostonians)

- Boston (never used by Bostonians) Benny Hill Community College -Refers to Bunker Hill Community College located in Charlestown, MA

-Refers to Bunker Hill Community College located in Charlestown, MA Biddy - nickname for a cheap looking girl

- nickname for a cheap looking girl Big Dig - the Central Artery Tunnel Project

- the Central Artery Tunnel Project Big Pig - The cost of the Central Artery Tunnel Project approximately 15 billion dollars

- The cost of the Central Artery Tunnel Project approximately 15 billion dollars Boogietown - Derogatory term for the city of Brockton, in reference to its large minority population. Also called Browntown. Boogie down to Browntown.

- Derogatory term for the city of Brockton, in reference to its large minority population. Also called Browntown. Boogie down to Browntown. booted - 1. To be ejected or removed from a building or event. 2. To have one's car be incapacitated by the placement of a lock on one's front wheel, usually due to one's negligence in the payment of parking tickets.

- 1. To be ejected or removed from a building or event. 2. To have one's car be incapacitated by the placement of a lock on one's front wheel, usually due to one's negligence in the payment of parking tickets. BoSox - See Sox (Seldom used within New England except by sportscasters and writers, national slang to differentiate from the ChiSox, or White Sox of Chicago. Used regionally to differentiate from the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox, aka the PawSox.)

- See (Seldom used within New England except by sportscasters and writers, national slang to differentiate from the ChiSox, or White Sox of Chicago. Used regionally to differentiate from the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox, aka the PawSox.) The Boys - the cops, the police

- the cops, the police bozo - a pothead; used mostly in South Boston

- a pothead; used mostly in South Boston The Bob Loboat - The Boston Harbor Island Ferry that docks in Rowes Wharf

- The Boston Harbor Island Ferry that docks in Rowes Wharf Bopped - arrested or caught by the police, usually in reference to drug possession or possession of other forms of contraband. More commonly heard in Boston’s northern suburbs than elsewhere.

- arrested or caught by the police, usually in reference to drug possession or possession of other forms of contraband. More commonly heard in Boston’s northern suburbs than elsewhere. Brahmin - Boston Brahmin

- Boston Brahmin Bricka - Referring to the town of Billerica (Alternatively: "Somerville with trees")

- Referring to the town of Billerica (Alternatively: "Somerville with trees") Brownie - somebody with a high tolerance for cold temperatures. refers to L Street Brownies, a group famous for swimming in frigid ocean waters during the winter time based at the L Street Bathhouse in South Boston

- somebody with a high tolerance for cold temperatures. refers to L Street Brownies, a group famous for swimming in frigid ocean waters during the winter time based at the L Street Bathhouse in South Boston Breakdown lane - right margin or shoulder on highways used for broken down vehicles. Vehicles are allowed to drive in the breakdown lane at certain hours on some Massachusetts highways.

- right margin or shoulder on highways used for broken down vehicles. Vehicles are allowed to drive in the breakdown lane at certain hours on some Massachusetts highways. Bruins Chicks - Young female Boston Bruins Hockey Team fans, during the period of 1979-1994 (approximately). Notorious for their big hair, Bruins replica jerseys, and rowdy behavior. Mostly hailing from North Shore communities of Massachusetts.

- Young female Boston Bruins Hockey Team fans, during the period of 1979-1994 (approximately). Notorious for their big hair, Bruins replica jerseys, and rowdy behavior. Mostly hailing from North Shore communities of Massachusetts. Bubbler - This is the Boston/Wisconsin Specific word for a water fountain or water cooler.

- This is the Boston/Wisconsin Specific word for a water fountain or water cooler. bulkhead - outdoor entrance to the basement / cellar.

- outdoor entrance to the basement / cellar. Bunker Hill - Where the historic Battle of Bunker Hill in the America Revolution was to take place. Most of the Battle was actually fought at Breed's Hill where now stands a monument on top of it. Also pronounced "Bunkah Hill." Boston tour companies often ask visitors where the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought; anyone who replies Breed's Hill gets a token as a prize.

- Where the historic Battle of Bunker Hill in the America Revolution was to take place. Most of the Battle was actually fought at Breed's Hill where now stands a monument on top of it. Also pronounced "Bunkah Hill." Boston tour companies often ask visitors where the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought; anyone who replies Breed's Hill gets a token as a prize. bureau - Dresser

- Dresser Burly -Nickname for the town of Burlington used by locals.

-Nickname for the town of Burlington used by locals. Bury - The Roxbury section of Boston, or The "Berry".

- The Roxbury section of Boston, or The "Berry". The Dirty Burg - Fitchburg

C [ edit ]

The Cape - Cape Cod

- Cape Cod carriage - a baby stroller,Or a shopping cart.

- a baby stroller,Or a shopping cart. cellar - the basement of a house.

- the basement of a house. Cha-Chingham - Hingham, Ma

- Hingham, Ma "Charlestown Briefcase" - 12 pack of beer

The Charles - The Charles River

- The Charles River "Chelsalvador"- the town of Chelsea in reference to its large El Salvadorian population

chowderhead (sometimes chowdahead ) - Often refers to a New Englander, at one time meant a person to laugh at or stupid person but has evolved to be a lighter term that has been embraced by those to whom it refers.

(sometimes ) - Often refers to a New Englander, at one time meant a person to laugh at or stupid person but has evolved to be a lighter term that has been embraced by those to whom it refers. The Chuck - The Charles River

- The Charles River Chucklehead - A local idiot

- A local idiot Chuck Town -refers to Charlestown. (A.K.A) C-Town.

-refers to Charlestown. (A.K.A) C-Town. Chucky's Place -refers to the Suffork County Jail which was formerly located on Charles St.

-refers to the Suffork County Jail which was formerly located on Charles St. City of Sin - Lynn, Massachusetts, from the rhyme "Lynn, Lynn, city of sin, you never come out the way you went in." Refers to the City's criminal reputation.

- Lynn, Massachusetts, from the rhyme "Lynn, Lynn, city of sin, you never come out the way you went in." Refers to the City's criminal reputation. Clambodia - Slang term for The town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, a reference to their famous Ipswich Clams.

- Slang term for The town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, a reference to their famous Ipswich Clams. Clicker or "Clickah" - TV remote

or "Clickah" - TV remote Cold Tea - term used to order beer after hours in a Chinese restaurant.

- term used to order beer after hours in a Chinese restaurant. Comm Ave - Commonwealth Avenue

- Commonwealth Avenue The Common - referring to Boston Common. Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States.

- referring to Boston Common. Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States. The Combat Zone - the red light district of Boston that used to exist between Downtown Crossing and Chinatown, now refurbished

- the red light district of Boston that used to exist between Downtown Crossing and Chinatown, now refurbished Cow Hampshire - somewhat derogatory term for New Hampshire, referring to the perceived abundance of cows, can also used to represent any rural area in New England that is not necessarily in New Hampshire

- somewhat derogatory term for New Hampshire, referring to the perceived abundance of cows, can also used to represent any rural area in New England that is not necessarily in New Hampshire cruiser - a police car, or a Ford Crown Victoria

- a police car, or a Ford Crown Victoria Cumbys/Cumbies - refers to the convenience store chain Cumberland Farms

D [ edit ]

E [ edit ]

Eastie - East Boston (Used almost exclusively by people from East Boston)

- East Boston (Used almost exclusively by people from East Boston) The E - the predominantly Irish neighborhood of East Milton.

- the predominantly Irish neighborhood of East Milton. "E C"- East Cambridge

"Elastic"- Rubber band

F [ edit ]

Fall River Tuxedo - A sport jacket over a hooded sweatshirt

- A sport jacket over a hooded sweatshirt For Days (pronounced "fuh days") - an excessive amount of; or lasts forever. i.e. "This traffic goes on for days." "I went out drinkin' last night and slept for days."

(pronounced "fuh days") - an excessive amount of; or lasts forever. i.e. "This traffic goes on for days." "I went out drinkin' last night and slept for days." The Fair --old fashioned agricultural fair held in Topsfield every fall since 1808. It is the oldest agricultural fair in the United States.

--old fashioned agricultural fair held in Topsfield every fall since 1808. It is the oldest agricultural fair in the United States. "The Fairy Ferry" - the fast ferry between Boston and Provincetown, MA also called "P Town"

Field Day - To take advantage of a situation; to bring to an extreme, i.e. "I dropped a five dollah bill, and the bums had a field day."

- To take advantage of a situation; to bring to an extreme, i.e. "I dropped a five dollah bill, and the bums had a field day." "the five and ten" or "the nickel and dime"- a 19th- and 20th-century store that sold small items for the home, sometimes including clothing, originally at prices of 5 or 10 cents; known elsewhere as "the dimestore". Two examples remain in Arlington: one in East Arlington and the other in "The Heights"

the flat of the Hill - the portion of Beacon Hill between Charles Street and Storrow Drive

- the portion of Beacon Hill between Charles Street and Storrow Drive flurries Small snow shower

Small snow shower force an excess of something, i.e. “that snow last night was a force.” It can also be used as a verb, when somebody does something too much, or tries too hard, i.e. “You really forced it trying to impress that chick last night, and ended up looking like an idiot”

an excess of something, i.e. “that snow last night was a force.” It can also be used as a verb, when somebody does something too much, or tries too hard, i.e. “You really forced it trying to impress that chick last night, and ended up looking like an idiot” frappe [pron. frap] - what some might erroneously refer to as a "milkshake"; the term milkshake has a separate use (see below)

[pron. frap] - what some might erroneously refer to as a "milkshake"; the term has a separate use (see below) frickin' - Another term for friggin', similarly used in place of the swear word f*ckin'. As in "that game was wicked frickin' pissah!"

G [ edit ]

Gagga - a reference to a large line of cocaine.

- a reference to a large line of cocaine. The Garden - a reference to the Boston Garden or the TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins

- a reference to the Boston Garden or the TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins The Gas Tank - A large, painted gas storage tank in Dorcester along Rt. 93.

- A large, painted gas storage tank in Dorcester along Rt. 93. Glocksbury or Robbury - Derogatory term for Roxbury

or - Derogatory term for Roxbury going to Chelsea - When something is crooked or gone awry. "Buddy, straighten yah hat. It's goin tuh Chelsea."

- When something is crooked or gone awry. good shit - An agreeable, non-threatening person. "I've got no problem with Mikey, he's a good shit."

- An agreeable, non-threatening person. Greastie - Derogatory term for East Boston or Eastie, referring to its Italian and Latino population

- Derogatory term for East Boston or Eastie, referring to its Italian and Latino population Greenie - Irish worker of the present who is in the U.S. illegally. This is interesting because it refers to the worker as Irish, i.e. "green" and new to the area i.e. "green" but also references their immigration status in an ironic fashion. A documented permanent resident non-citizen worker in the U.S. would have a green card visa, which these folks lack.

- Irish worker of the present who is in the U.S. illegally. This is interesting because it refers to the worker as Irish, i.e. "green" and new to the area i.e. "green" but also references their immigration status in an ironic fashion. A documented permanent resident non-citizen worker in the U.S. would have a green card visa, which these folks lack. "Grinder" - a "submarine" or "hoagie" sandwich.

Gump - an outdated term for dunce or nitwit. "What a gump that guy is!"

H [ edit ]

"Half-Assed" - When something is done without much attention to detail, it is referred to as "half-assed"

Hamper - Clothes basket

- Clothes basket Hamster, Mass - anagrammatic nickname of Amherst, Massachusetts. "Zoo Mass Hamster" (U. Mass Amherst) is a university campus there.

- anagrammatic nickname of Amherst, Massachusetts. "Zoo Mass Hamster" (U. Mass Amherst) is a university campus there. Han Francisco - A nickname for Hanover, mocking names like "Marsh Vegas"

- A nickname for Hanover, mocking names like "Marsh Vegas" "Hardo" - a term used to describe someone who is trying too hard, often pronounced "Hahdo." Another name for a try-hard. "Kehd got an A on his paper. Kid's a hahdo"

The Heights - Usually refers to the Chestnut Hill main campus of Boston College. Also short for Arlington Heights, an area in the west side of Arlington. Might be used in a sentence like: "I'll meet you at Brigham's, up the Heights." It can also refer an area in North Medford. Can also be used in reference to the Orient Heights section of East Boston.

- Usually refers to the Chestnut Hill main campus of Boston College. Also short for Arlington Heights, an area in the west side of Arlington. Might be used in a sentence like: "I'll meet you at Brigham's, up the Heights." It can also refer an area in North Medford. Can also be used in reference to the Orient Heights section of East Boston. the Hill - Beacon Hill or Mission Hill or Winter Hill in Somerville.

- Beacon Hill or Mission Hill or Winter Hill in Somerville. The Big Hole -referring to the Central Artery Project (The Big Dig) when all construction was on stanby.

-referring to the Central Artery Project (The Big Dig) when all construction was on stanby. Hoodie - slang term for a hooded sweatshirt

- slang term for a hooded sweatshirt Hoodsie (1) - A small cup of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream from the HP Hood Company. Eaten with a thin wooden spoon that comes with the Hoodsie. Also called a Hoodsie cup

(1) - A small cup of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream from the HP Hood Company. Eaten with a thin wooden spoon that comes with the Hoodsie. Also called a hoodsie (2) - In neighborhoods such as South Boston and Dorchester it refers to a precocious minor female who tries to appear older or wants to date older teenage boys or young men. The term is considered derogatory: "He'll get bagged if he keeps dating that hoodsie ." One popular explanation says that the expression comes from the idea that the small cup a Hoodsie ice cream treat comes in is the same size as the bra cup of a hoodsie . A second popular, but more off-color explanation refers to HP Hood's one-time advertising slogan for the Hoodsie ice cream treat: "Short and sweet and good to eat." different view - Hoodsie would also have the connotation of a young teen-age girl that sits on the hood of a car. Either to look cool to her friends, or portray herself as being older and sophisticated because she's 'sitting on the hood of a car'.

- In neighborhoods such as South Boston and Dorchester it refers to a precocious minor female who tries to appear older or wants to date older teenage boys or young men. The term is considered derogatory: "He'll get bagged if he keeps dating that ." One popular explanation says that the expression comes from the idea that the small cup a Hoodsie ice cream treat comes in is the same size as the bra cup of a . A second popular, but more off-color explanation refers to HP Hood's one-time advertising slogan for the Hoodsie ice cream treat: "Short and sweet and good to eat." Hopper - the toilet, in particular when used to take a dump. (pronounced, "Hoppah")

- the toilet, in particular when used to take a dump. (pronounced, "Hoppah") Hosies - claim of first right, used in the same way as "dibs." For example, "I got hosies on the front seat."

- claim of first right, used in the same way as "dibs." For example, "I got hosies on the front seat." The Hub - Boston; shortened from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.'s phrase The Hub of the Solar System (often misremembered as Universe ) (seldom used in conversation, but seen often in writing and advertisements, e.g. in the Boston Globe)

- Boston; shortened from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.'s phrase (often misremembered as ) (seldom used in conversation, but seen often in writing and advertisements, e.g. in the Boston Globe) Hummer - oral gratification.

I [ edit ]

"Ice box" or "fridge" - a refrigerator

Igit - Short for Idiot . "Dude, you're a freakin' igit, kid."

- Short for . "Dude, you're a freakin' igit, kid." Irish Battleship - A three-story, three-family house. See also triple decker

- A three-story, three-family house. See also triple decker the Irish Riviera - the South Shore coastal suburbs to the southeast of Boston such as Hingham, Braintree, Weymouth and especially Marshfield (see "Marsh Vegas") , Squantum and Scituate.

J [ edit ]

Jordans -- Jordan Marsh and Company, a hugely popular chain of department stores bought out by Macy's. "I'm goin' shoppin' up Jawdinz."

-- Jordan Marsh and Company, a hugely popular chain of department stores bought out by Macy's. Jamaica Spain - The Jamaica Plain area in Boston, so named because of its large Spanish-speaking population

- The Jamaica Plain area in Boston, so named because of its large Spanish-speaking population Jeekehs -- Central Massachusetts variant of "Jeepers," often paired with "Golly" as in "I tohl' 'em, I sez Golly Jeekahs ya cah's on fi-ya!"

-- Central Massachusetts variant of "Jeepers," often paired with "Golly" as in "I tohl' 'em, I sez Golly Jeekahs ya cah's on fi-ya!" The Jetties - refers to Jetties Beach in Nantucket

- refers to Jetties Beach in Nantucket Jeetyet - Did you eat yet? (often followed by no, djew. meaning No, did you? then wadjya want?, id'no, bout you?, id'no, whad you ask me for, you (something derogatory)...)

- Did you eat yet? (often followed by no, djew. meaning No, did you? then wadjya want?, id'no, bout you?, id'no, whad you ask me for, you (something derogatory)...) jimmies - chocolate sprinkles

- chocolate sprinkles JP - Jamaica Plain. Also known as The JP .

- Jamaica Plain. Also known as . Jumbo - nickname for a student of Tufts University after their mascot "Jumbo" the elephant. Especially someone on a Tufts athletic team. "Dumbo" is the derogatory version of this name- someone who pulled strings to get into the school or admission by athletics.

K [ edit ]

khed -referred to a person, adolescent. Term of endearment to a friend "What's up kid?" or as said in Boston "Whatup kid?"

“khakis” - car keys.

L [ edit ]

lace curtain Irish- a person of Irish descent who is moving up the social ladder; ("After they moved to the Point, they became lace curtain Irish.")

the Leather District - the neighborhood surrounding South Street in Boston, east of Chinatown.

- the neighborhood surrounding South Street in Boston, east of Chinatown. "Let's go, Southie, let's go!" - rallying cry for South Boston High School, used by anti-integration activists during the Boston busing crisis

- rallying cry for South Boston High School, used by anti-integration activists during the Boston busing crisis "LexVegas" - nickname for the town of Lexington.

"light dawns on Marblehead" - used when a dense person finally realizes something. Also any variation such as, "Dawn breaks on Marblehead."

- used when a dense person finally realizes something. Also any variation such as, "Dawn breaks on Marblehead." Lil B Town - nickname for Burlington , Massachusetts

- nickname for Burlington , Massachusetts "Lynn Lynn the city of sin" - partial rhyme describing the city of Lynn.

M [ edit ]

N [ edit ]

Nantrashket or Nantrashbasket - Nantasket Beach the dirtiest, trashiest and best beach on the South Shore.

or - Nantasket Beach the dirtiest, trashiest and best beach on the South Shore. NashVegas - Nashua, NH

- Nashua, NH New B or New Beige - New Bedford

or - New Bedford The Nines - The 99 Restaurant, one of which can be found in just about every reputable suburb of Boston.

- The 99 Restaurant, one of which can be found in just about every reputable suburb of Boston. "No suh!" [No sir, compare "no sirree"] - "No way!". The appropriate response is "Ya suh!" OR "Ya huh"

[No sir, compare "no sirree"] - "No way!". The appropriate response is "Ya suh!" OR "Ya huh" Nawth - North. A location above Massaschusetts. '" My friend in Flawrida keeps askin' how I live up nawth in winta. I says to him, Bawstin ain't nawth, it's east! New Hampsha's up nawth. "'

- North. A location above Massaschusetts. '" "' Nor'easter - A strong winter storm with winds emanating from the northeast. A bad Northeaster is like a winter hurricane

- A strong winter storm with winds emanating from the northeast. A bad Northeaster is like a winter hurricane Necco - Nickname given to Northern Essex Community College, a community college located in Haverhill and Lawerence.

- Nickname given to Northern Essex Community College, a community college located in Haverhill and Lawerence. North Shore - A region north of Boston of disputed boundaries, often including seaside communities from Revere up to the beginning of Cape Ann in Manchester, but also including nearby inland towns or towns connected to the sea only by token inlets or rivers, such as Peabody, Saugus, Lynnfield, Topsfield, Danvers, Newburyport and Amesbury. Sometimes considered to omit Marblehead. Other definitions include the entire coast to the New Hampshire border, and still others the entirety of northern Essex County.

- A region north of Boston of disputed boundaries, often including seaside communities from Revere up to the beginning of Cape Ann in Manchester, but also including nearby inland towns or towns connected to the sea only by token inlets or rivers, such as Peabody, Saugus, Lynnfield, Topsfield, Danvers, Newburyport and Amesbury. Sometimes considered to omit Marblehead. Other definitions include the entire coast to the New Hampshire border, and still others the entirety of northern Essex County. North Shore Coma College - Slang tearm for North Shore Community College Located in Danvers,Beverly and Lynn Massaschusetts

- Slang tearm for North Shore Community College Located in Danvers,Beverly and Lynn Massaschusetts New Yawk (New York): " The ahmpit of Amerika. " 240 Miles South of Tremont Street

(New York): " " 240 Miles South of Tremont Street New Hampsha (New Hampshire): A large campsite up north

O [ edit ]

Off-Cape - Anything off of Cape Cod (to Cape Codders).

- Anything off of Cape Cod (to Cape Codders). Off the Boat - Used to describe a European immigrant, usually from Ireland.

- Used to describe a European immigrant, usually from Ireland. Only in Maynard - a saying that later became a product line containing the words on ONLY IN MAYNARD. They were deliberately printed so that the right side was noticeably higher than the left. Best guess is the wording was askew to convey that negative, rueful pride that only in Maynard could things (town things, school things, people things...) be so humorously incompetent or fouled up.

- a saying that later became a product line containing the words on ONLY IN MAYNARD. They were deliberately printed so that the right side was noticeably higher than the left. Best guess is the wording was askew to convey that negative, rueful pride that only in Maynard could things (town things, school things, people things...) be so humorously incompetent or fouled up. The Orange Dinosaur - A Big orange dinosaur on Rt. 1 Saugus, part of a mini-golf course & batting cages.

- A Big orange dinosaur on Rt. 1 Saugus, part of a mini-golf course & batting cages. Oah - Robert G. Orr, the greatest Bawstin Broon evah!

P [ edit ]

P-town - Provincetown, Massachusetts

- Provincetown, Massachusetts packie (also packet, package store or booze bahn [barn] ) - liquor store. Massachusetts law requires alcohol to be sold in a sealed package outside of the bottle, leading to the term “package store” which eventually shortened to “packie.” Not to be confused with “Paki,” an ethnic slur used in the UK against persons of Pakistani descent.

(also or ) - liquor store. Massachusetts law requires alcohol to be sold in a sealed package outside of the bottle, leading to the term “package store” which eventually shortened to “packie.” Not to be confused with “Paki,” an ethnic slur used in the UK against persons of Pakistani descent. pahk - the park. "I'm going to the pahk"

- the park. "I'm going to the pahk" The Pan - refers to Mattapan

- refers to Mattapan parlor - the living room in a house

parish - designation of a neighborhood based on particular Catholic Churches, as in "What parish are you from?"

- designation of a neighborhood based on particular Catholic Churches, as in "What parish are you from?" Pats - the New England Patriots

- the New England Patriots Patsies - the New England Patriots in the lean years when they sucked which was mostly their whole life before Robert Kraft bought the team - now mostly used in the years they don't make the playoffs, even if they finish with a respectable record.

- the New England Patriots in the lean years when they sucked which was mostly their whole life before Robert Kraft bought the team - now mostly used in the years they don't make the playoffs, even if they finish with a respectable record. Peking ravioli - fried Chinese potstickers/dumplings

- fried Chinese potstickers/dumplings the People's Republic - Cambridge (alternatively, seven square miles surrounded by reality ) referring to Cambridge’s reputation as a center of left-wing politics in New England, and the leftist tendencies of its people.

- Cambridge (alternatively, ) referring to Cambridge’s reputation as a center of left-wing politics in New England, and the leftist tendencies of its people. "Perchead"- Percocet Abuser

Pesky's Pole - the right field foul pole in Fenway Park, named after Red Sox infielder Johnny Pesky.

- the right field foul pole in Fenway Park, named after Red Sox infielder Johnny Pesky. piazza - refers to the porch on a triple-decker house. Said no one in Boston. It's a porch. And it's deckah.

- refers to the porch on a triple-decker house. Said no one in Boston. It's a porch. And it's deckah. The Pike - the Massachusetts Turnpike, also the Mass Pike

- the Massachusetts Turnpike, also the Mass Pike pissa (1) - good: "You hit the Lottery? That's pissa man."

(1) - good: "You hit the Lottery? That's pissa man." pissa! (2) - used to accentuate an unfortunite moment. "My friggin khaki's (car keys) fell down da catch basin (storm drain), pissa ain't it".

(2) - used to accentuate an unfortunite moment. "My friggin khaki's (car keys) fell down da catch basin (storm drain), pissa ain't it". pissa (3) - used to decribe a (friend or acquaintance) whom is eccentric "Did ya hear what Johnny said/did.... gdam pissa ain't he"

(3) - used to decribe a (friend or acquaintance) whom is eccentric "Did ya hear what Johnny said/did.... gdam pissa ain't he" The Pit - A gathering place outside the Harvard Square MBTA Station, known for its eclectic mix of street performers, rowdy teenagers, homeless people and others.

- A gathering place outside the Harvard Square MBTA Station, known for its eclectic mix of street performers, rowdy teenagers, homeless people and others. pizza pillows - pizza rolls

- pizza rolls pockabook - purse

- purse the Point - the City Point area of South Boston. The term is also used for Jefferies Point in Eastie East Boston, Massachusetts. This also refers to the Point Shirley section of Winthrop, MA. In contrast, "The Point" is also a rather poor and seedy neighborhood in Salem, MA.

- the City Point area of South Boston. The term is also used for Jefferies Point in Eastie East Boston, Massachusetts. This also refers to the Point Shirley section of Winthrop, MA. In contrast, "The Point" is also a rather poor and seedy neighborhood in Salem, MA. Ponsta - a person who plays video games excessively.

- a person who plays video games excessively. PooMass - a derogatory term for the University of Massachusetts, usually used by UMass students themselves to insult other UMass campuses, or their own when it suits them. This term gets thrown around a lot between students of UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, the two biggest and highest-funded UMass campuses. Lowell students call Amherst “PooMass Hamster” and Amherst students call Lowell “PooMass Blowell.” Other less common variations include “PooMass Fartmouth” (Dartmouth) “Costin” (Boston, referring to its high cost and persistent housing shortage that forces students to rent in the city) and “Who? -ster” (Worcester, the smallest campus)

- a derogatory term for the University of Massachusetts, usually used by UMass students themselves to insult other UMass campuses, or their own when it suits them. This term gets thrown around a lot between students of UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, the two biggest and highest-funded UMass campuses. Lowell students call Amherst “PooMass Hamster” and Amherst students call Lowell “PooMass Blowell.” Other less common variations include “PooMass Fartmouth” (Dartmouth) “Costin” (Boston, referring to its high cost and persistent housing shortage that forces students to rent in the city) and “Who? -ster” (Worcester, the smallest campus) Portuguese Tuxedo or New Bedford Tuxedo - A premium soccer warm up suit under sport jacket.

or - A premium soccer warm up suit under sport jacket. Polar - referring to Polar Beverages, the local soda company in Worcester with the big inflatable polar bear named Orson.

- referring to Polar Beverages, the local soda company in Worcester with the big inflatable polar bear named Orson. The Pru or The Prud - The Prudential Center

R [ edit ]

The Rat'ler - The subway - refered to as "The T" in the greater Boston area.

- The subway - refered to as "The T" in the greater Boston area. Red Sox Nation - a term for the collective group of Sox fans that span the US and beyond, generally used by the local media. Red Sox Nation is seen in the immense crowds of Sox fans that gather even at visiting parks.

- a term for the collective group of Sox fans that span the US and beyond, generally used by the local media. Red Sox Nation is seen in the immense crowds of Sox fans that gather even at visiting parks. Wrecker - A towing vehicle, as in: There was a wicked pile up on the artery. They hadda bring in at least three wreckers to get them cars outta the way."

- A towing vehicle, as in: Reefer Tech - Otherwise known as the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School located in Framingham. Popular in the mid 1970s through the early 1980s.

- Otherwise known as the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School located in Framingham. Popular in the mid 1970s through the early 1980s. Regular/Regulah - A coffee order at Dunkies/any coffee place that means 'with cream and sugar.' "I'll take a lahge regulah."

- A coffee order at Dunkies/any coffee place that means 'with cream and sugar.' "I'll take a lahge regulah." The Res (pronounced rez) - Short for the reservoir (municipal reservoir of whatever town you are in).

(pronounced rez) - Short for the reservoir (municipal reservoir of whatever town you are in). Ripper - a kegger or a big, wild party

- a kegger or a big, wild party Ripped - very angry, i.e. “Joe got wicked ripped when he found out the packie ran out of liquah”

- very angry, i.e. “Joe got wicked ripped when he found out the packie ran out of liquah” The River - the Charles River

- the Charles River Road Soda - A beer you drink while driving around. Also known as a "roadie". "Dude, I grabbed a couple of roadies for the ride to the bah."

- A beer you drink while driving around. Also known as a "roadie". "Dude, I grabbed a couple of roadies for the ride to the bah." Rocketown - nickname for the town of Reading, referring to the rocket mascot, which is named for a pair of water towers located near the town's high school -- one of which is oval, as in a 1950s depiction of a flying saucer, and one of which is pointed to give the appearance of a flying saucer and rocket standing side-by-side.

- nickname for the town of Reading, referring to the rocket mascot, which is named for a pair of water towers located near the town's high school -- one of which is oval, as in a 1950s depiction of a flying saucer, and one of which is pointed to give the appearance of a flying saucer and rocket standing side-by-side. Rossie, Rozzie - Roslindale

- Roslindale Rotary - what would be known as a traffic circle or a roundabout elsewhere

- what would be known as a traffic circle or a roundabout elsewhere Route 9 High - Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley. The campus is on or near Route 9.

- Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley. The campus is on or near Route 9. Rubbish - Trash, garbage, refuse

- Trash, garbage, refuse The Dirty Rick - Billerica MA

S [ edit ]

Salem - Where the infamous witch trials took place. See Salem Witch Trials

- Where the infamous witch trials took place. See Salem Witch Trials Salt and Pepper Bridge - the Longfellow Bridge, crosses the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, named because the towers on the bridge resemble salt and pepper shakers.

- the Longfellow Bridge, crosses the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, named because the towers on the bridge resemble salt and pepper shakers. screw - a verb meaning "to take off" or "get out of here,” i.e. a cop might say to teenagers hanging out on a street corner, “hey you kids, screw!”

- a verb meaning "to take off" or "get out of here,” i.e. a cop might say to teenagers hanging out on a street corner, “hey you kids, screw!” scully - a driving cap or an ivy cap that has a snap-button front; often pronounced as "scahlly."

- a driving cap or an ivy cap that has a snap-button front; often pronounced as "scahlly." Severe - A term used when referring to the town of Revere

- A term used when referring to the town of Revere I'm sheets - tired, ready for bed. Bedford, Mass

- tired, ready for bed. Bedford, Mass shanty Irish - poor or working class person of Irish descent.

shiesty - A term meaning someone or something is shady or sketchy. "Those kids standing on the corner are wicked shiesty." Or "The food here looks wicked shiesty"

- A term meaning someone or something is shady or sketchy. "Those kids standing on the corner are wicked shiesty." Or "The food here looks wicked shiesty" the shit- something or someone thats awesome

Sick nasty - see ill. As in that stunt in the movie was sick nasty. i loved it!

- see ill. As in that stunt in the movie was sick nasty. i loved it! that's was sick - that was awesome. "that's sick"-that's awesome.

- that was awesome. "that's sick"-that's awesome. Skeezer - Used when describing a drug addict; typically used in reference to a "druggie slut." #also see "slampig"#

- Used when describing a drug addict; typically used in reference to a "druggie slut." #also see "slampig"# skeeze - A person of questionable personal reputation considered to exhibit lack of discernment in intimate encounters and thereby considered to have high potential for being afflicted with a communicable social disease.

- A person of questionable personal reputation considered to exhibit lack of discernment in intimate encounters and thereby considered to have high potential for being afflicted with a communicable social disease. skid - a loser or lowlife. "His brother is a real skid ."

- a loser or lowlife. "His brother is a real ." skidder - referring to someone who bums (borrows) money from friends. Pronounced "skiddah"

- referring to someone who bums (borrows) money from friends. Pronounced "skiddah" Slampig - A skank, overly slutty female, a "Sled Dog", equivalent to a whore or slut. "That chick's been a slampig."

- A skank, overly slutty female, a "Sled Dog", equivalent to a whore or slut. "That chick's been a slampig." Slummerville - A derogatory term for Somerville, referring to its working-class population and reputation for crime. Also Scummerville.

- A derogatory term for Somerville, referring to its working-class population and reputation for crime. Also Slush - An icy Boston area treat.... similar to Italian ice... popular flavors are lemon and blue vanilla

- An icy Boston area treat.... similar to Italian ice... popular flavors are lemon and blue vanilla Smells 'n' Bells - The Church of the Advent, an Anglo-Catholic parish on Beacon Hill noted for its high church liturgy

- The Church of the Advent, an Anglo-Catholic parish on Beacon Hill noted for its high church liturgy smoot - a unit of measurement used to mark the length of the Harvard Bridge. Also used as a point of reference by MIT students; ("Are you past the 182 (smoot mark) yet?" "Nah, we're still in Hell."

- a unit of measurement used to mark the length of the Harvard Bridge. Also used as a point of reference by MIT students; ("Are you past the 182 (smoot mark) yet?" "Nah, we're still in Hell." smuck - lopsided; usually used by children to describe uneven teams: "These teams are smuck." Can also be used as a verb: "We smucked 'em." Mostly used on North Shore.

- lopsided; usually used by children to describe uneven teams: "These teams are smuck." Can also be used as a verb: "We smucked 'em." Mostly used on North Shore. SoBro - South Brookline. Used as a term of pride by teenage residents of the area.

- South Brookline. Used as a term of pride by teenage residents of the area. So don't I - pleonasm [1] used to agree with a statement; a replacement for "So do I" or "Me, too"; "I like the Red Sox." "So don't I."

- pleonasm [1] used to agree with a statement; a replacement for "So do I" or "Me, too"; "I like the Red Sox." "So don't I." Southie - South Boston; also used for residents of the area

- South Boston; also used for residents of the area spa - neighborhood shop that sells groceries, soda fountain drinks, sandwiches, or other prepared food and miscellaneous notions. Spas of this sort include the Hillside Spa Cardoza Brothers, on Hancock Street, the Thurston's Spa #aka "Johnnies"# in Somerville, Lenny's Spa in East Boston, MA, Winship Spa, Faneuil Spa or the former Palace Spa known to locals as Mac's in Brighton.

- neighborhood shop that sells groceries, soda fountain drinks, sandwiches, or other prepared food and miscellaneous notions. Spas of this sort include the Hillside Spa Cardoza Brothers, on Hancock Street, the Thurston's Spa #aka "Johnnies"# in Somerville, Lenny's Spa in East Boston, MA, Winship Spa, Faneuil Spa or the former Palace Spa known to locals as Mac's in Brighton. Spastic - Emotional outburst involving what appears to be uncontrolled waving of the arms, legs and head.

- Emotional outburst involving what appears to be uncontrolled waving of the arms, legs and head. Spaz - One who is exceptionally athletically uncoordinated.

- One who is exceptionally athletically uncoordinated. Spinner (pronounced "Spin Nah") - A pettie hot young woman.

(pronounced "Spin Nah") - A pettie hot young woman. spuckie - related to a submarine sandwich, it is the bread it was made with.

- related to a submarine sandwich, it is the bread it was made with. SoWa - An area of Boston's South End east of Washington Street. A term created by the real estate industry and not used by locals.

- An area of Boston's South End east of Washington Street. A term created by the real estate industry and not used by locals. Sox also The Sox - the Boston Red Sox; pronounced "socks" or "sawx"

also - the Boston Red Sox; pronounced "socks" or "sawx" The Square - Harvard Square

- Harvard Square Stab'n Kill - A derogatory term for the Dorchester neighborhood of Savin Hill. The term refers to a past history of violence in that neighborhood.

- A derogatory term for the Dorchester neighborhood of Savin Hill. The term refers to a past history of violence in that neighborhood. Stackjack - A short, broad-chested male with a short haircut.

- A short, broad-chested male with a short haircut. statie - Massachusetts State Police Trooper; also called a Trooper pronounced: Troopah

- Massachusetts State Police Trooper; also called a pronounced: street number - Evolved term for a numbers lottery game which once had a racist name. In decline after the state lottery introduced a daily numbers game, the street number was originally the results of mutual payoffs from certain horse races at Suffolk, Narragansett or Lincoln parks which were once shamelessly published on the front page of the city's afternoon dailies. Later revised to the last digits of the U.S. Treasury balance.

- Evolved term for a numbers lottery game which once had a racist name. In decline after the state lottery introduced a daily numbers game, the street number was originally the results of mutual payoffs from certain horse races at Suffolk, Narragansett or Lincoln parks which were once shamelessly published on the front page of the city's afternoon dailies. Later revised to the last digits of the U.S. Treasury balance. supper - refers to the third meal of the day.

T [ edit ]

U [ edit ]

U-ie - a u-turn while driving. Also sometimes called a "u-dog". Almost always used with the verb bang , as in "After this next light, bang a U-ie and then take a right."

- a u-turn while driving. Also sometimes called a "u-dog". Almost always used with the verb , as in "After this next light, bang a U-ie and then take a right." Up - A general direction one takes when going anywhere. I'm takin' the kids up Foley Field to play ball; or "We're goin' up Maine for the weekend." This becomes "Down" when going to Cape Cod, as in "I'm goin' down Cape this weekend."

or Upper Mass Ave - the stretch of Massachusetts Avenue that runs north through North Cambridge from Harvard Square toward the town of Arlington.

- the stretch of Massachusetts Avenue that runs north through North Cambridge from Harvard Square toward the town of Arlington. Up Mt. Auburn, under the tree - Referring to a deceased person. Example: "Where's your mom?" "Shes up Mt. Auburn, under the tree"

- Referring to a deceased person. Example: "Where's your mom?" "Shes up Mt. Auburn, under the tree" Up the Corner - A popular hang-out spot in most Boston Neighborhoods. Neighborhoods such as Southie were infamous for the crowds of young kids hanging out in front of their block's corner store and protecting it as their own.

V [ edit ]

The Village - Adams Village, Irish encleave in Dorchester

- Adams Village, Irish encleave in Dorchester The Vineyard, The Vin - Martha's Vineyard, pronounced Mahtha's Vinyid

W [ edit ]

Wadah bubblah - a water fountain.

Wiskey Point. A neighborhood in Brookline between Brookline Village and Jamaica Pond. Originally a derogatory name for its Irish Residents. Now called simply "The Point"

whateva - whatever

Wake - Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield

- Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield (The) Wake - Wakefield (Used only by residents of Wakefield.)

- Wakefield (Used only by residents of Wakefield.) Wake Vegas or Tha Dirty Dirty Wake Vegas -Wakefield (Used by teens in Wakefield to describe how Wake Vegas is where the fun never stops, because the fun never started.)

or -Wakefield (Used by teens in Wakefield to describe how is where the fun never stops, because the fun never started.) "The Well" A nickname referring to the town of Norwell. "Oh that kid's straight from the Well".

Westa Wooster Line of demarcation indicating Western Massachusetts which, as we all know, is anything west of Worcester.

Line of demarcation indicating Western Massachusetts which, as we all know, is anything west of Worcester. Westie - West Roxbury (Used only by residents. Most commonly referred to as simply West Roxbury)

- West Roxbury (Used only by residents. Most commonly referred to as simply West Roxbury) White Man -refers to the town of Whitman

-refers to the town of Whitman White Roxbury - West Roxbury

- West Roxbury Whitey - refers to Mr. James Bulger

- refers to Mr. James Bulger whoopie pie - a pastry first sold commercially at the Berwick Cake Factory in Dudley Square, Roxbury

- a pastry first sold commercially at the Berwick Cake Factory in Dudley Square, Roxbury wicked - very; or occasionally cool. Used indiscriminately, can modify anything (e.g.: especially "Wicked pissa." ; also"Wicked good." "Wicked bad." "Wicked boring.", etc.). Almost always used as an adverb, rather than an adjective; some Bostonians feel it is grammatically improper not to put an adjective or verb after "wicked".

- very; or occasionally cool. Used indiscriminately, can modify anything (e.g.: especially "Wicked pissa." ; also"Wicked good." "Wicked bad." "Wicked boring.", etc.). Almost always used as an adverb, rather than an adjective; some Bostonians feel it is grammatically improper not to put an adjective or verb after "wicked". wicked gross mental fit - A sustained emotional outburst, generally triggered by a specific incident. "She came home drunk and her mom took a wicked gross mental fit." "She saw him making out with someone else and took a wicked gross mental fit." Believed to have originated in the Reading-Stoneham-Wakefield area north of Boston.

- A sustained emotional outburst, generally triggered by a specific incident. "She came home drunk and her mom took a wicked gross mental fit." "She saw him making out with someone else and took a wicked gross mental fit." Believed to have originated in the Reading-Stoneham-Wakefield area north of Boston. Wiffle - a short haircut given to boys and young men usually in the summer, a buzz cut.

- a short haircut given to boys and young men usually in the summer, a buzz cut. Williamsburg - the addition of the bullpens to right-center field at Fenway Park for Ted Williams

- the addition of the bullpens to right-center field at Fenway Park for Ted Williams The Wood - Refers to the suburban town of Westwood or Norwood

- Refers to the suburban town of Westwood or Norwood The Woo or The Woo-ha or Wormtown or Wistah or Woostah - Refers to the city of Worcester.

or or or or - Refers to the city of Worcester. "Wolfpack" - Boston Latin School Students

- Boston Latin School Students The Wu, Woobin - Woburn, Mass. Used by woburnites.

- Woburn, Mass. Used by woburnites. "The Chedder" - Winchester, Mass. Used by people from Winchester

Y [ edit ]

yah huh- very determined, "yes"

Yaz - Carl Yastrzemski, long-time left fielder for the Red Sox. "Big Yaz Bread" was a loaf of bread similar to Wonder Bread sold locally after the Red Sox' pennant winning season of 1967.

- Carl Yastrzemski, long-time left fielder for the Red Sox. "Big Yaz Bread" was a loaf of bread similar to Wonder Bread sold locally after the Red Sox' pennant winning season of 1967. Yiz - Plural form of "you." As in, "All a yiz bettah be in the cah by the time I count to fou-ah"

- Plural form of "you." As in, "All a yiz bettah be in the cah by the time I count to fou-ah" Youse - Alternate form of "yiz"

Z [ edit ]

The Zakim - The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge over the Charles River, on I-93 through the city.

- The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge over the Charles River, on I-93 through the city. ZooMass, The Zoo or ZooMass Slamherst - Used to describe the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, because of its reputation for wild parties and bad behavior. The school has spent years trying to distance itself from the term but it is still widely used, especially among local high school students and students of the four other UMass campuses. (See also: PooMass above)