8 Massachusetts Words And Phrases Only We Understand
That show is “wicked” good! Let’s drink from the “bubblah.” I’m going to the “packie” for some beer. All three are words that you probably won’t hear outside of Massachusetts….
That show is "wicked" good! Let's drink from the "bubblah." I'm going to the "packie" for some beer. All three are words that you probably won't hear outside of Massachusetts. These are slang words that we "Massholes" have made famous. Only we understand them. And many of us are proud of our own little hidden language. Proud enough that we will continue to speak it, even when we travel. These words have become part of our every day vocabulary.
Vocabulary and slang words aside, anyone from outside of our region knows we also speak with a unique accent. Yes, we drop the "R" from our words. Some born and bred "Massholes" have thicker accents than others. It also depends on which region you live. Southeastern Massachusetts residents (Taunton, Dighton etc) tend to have a thicker accent than others. Regardless of how thick your accent is, I can almost guarantee you've used one of these words and phrases at least once. That is, if you're really from Massachusetts.
We have asked our listeners to give us their favorite slang words that only people from Massachusetts would understand. Some words that were mentioned were tonic, which is another way of saying soda. Another word was frappe. Frappes are a regional thing to describe an ice cream shake. Or how about a "fribble?" Remember those? Friendly's (another regional institution). But after the hundreds of entries, we've narrowed it down to our favorite 13. And if we missed some, please let us know. There can always been room for more to add to the list.
Wicked
This is the ultimate Masshole word. Wicked is a word used as an adjective to describe anything you want to exaggerate. That person is "wicked" smart. They are "wicked" rude.
Pissah
Okay pissah is a strange one. It's usually used in conjunction with another Masshole word "wicked." Pissah is equal to AMAZING. That game last night was "wicked pissah!" That pizza was "wicked pissah!"
Packie
Packie is a nick name for a "package store." When you're buying any form of alcohol, you're going to the "packie." You're not going to the liquor store. Here is the exact origin behind the word "packie."
Bubbler
Apparently a water fountain is not called a bubbler anywhere else. Well, rumor has it it is also used in Wisconsin, but we're going to claim it for ourselves. People in Rhode Island will also try to clam it.
Frappe
No, we're not talking about the fancy word pronounce"frapp-pay". We're talking about that ice cream shake thing they sell at most ice cream shops. Friendly's was famous for a good frappe. They also had the fribble that was very popular.
Nips
Who would've thought nips weren't known nationwide. Nips as we know are mini bottles of alcohol. You usually see many empty bottles thrown on the ground near packies. Some cities and towns are looking to ban nips.
Bang a U-ey
Ahhhh the dreaded U Turn. Typically when you have to "bang a U-ey" you just took a wrong turn. It simply is our way of saying, turn around and go back in the same direction you came from. If you try to say this anywhere else, they will certainly look at you funny.
Nosa
This one is quite popular. "Nosa" is our way of saying "No sir!" As in the definition: "I don't believe you!" But we say it with such a thick accent that it sounds like "Nosa."
