Boston

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Common Boston Slang

A guide to understanding the unique slang and local terms commonly used by Bostonians.

Sections

1. Wicked

  • Meaning: Very, extremely, or exceptionally.
  • Usage: This is one of the most iconic Boston slang terms. It’s used as an intensifier, often paired with adjectives.
  • Example: “That clam chowder was wicked good!” or “It’s wicked cold out today.”
  • Cultural Relevance: “Wicked” is quintessentially New England, but it’s most strongly associated with Boston. You’ll hear it everywhere—from casual conversations in Southie (South Boston) to Fenway Park during a Red Sox game.
  • Where to Encounter: Sports events, local diners, or even in advertisements targeting locals.

2. The T

  • Meaning: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Boston’s subway and public transit system.
  • Usage: Locals rarely call it the subway or metro; it’s simply “The T.”
  • Example: “I’m taking the T to Harvard Square.”
  • Cultural Relevance: The T is a lifeline for Bostonians, and knowing this term is essential for navigating the city. Each line (Red, Green, Orange, Blue, and Silver) serves different neighborhoods, so you’ll hear this term frequently when asking for directions.
  • Where to Encounter: Any conversation about getting around the city, especially in areas like Downtown Crossing, Cambridge, or Back Bay.

3. Bang a Uey

  • Meaning: Make a U-turn.
  • Usage: This phrase is often used when giving driving directions.
  • Example: “You missed the Dunkin’. Just bang a Uey at the next light.”
  • Cultural Relevance: Boston drivers are known for their aggressive and creative driving styles, and this term reflects that. It’s a practical phrase to know if you’re driving in the city.
  • Where to Encounter: Conversations with locals about driving, especially in neighborhoods like Dorchester or Charlestown.

4. Dunkies

  • Meaning: Dunkin’ Donuts, a beloved coffee and donut chain.
  • Usage: Bostonians have a deep love for Dunkin’, and it’s affectionately referred to as “Dunkies.”
  • Example: “I’m stopping at Dunkies for an iced coffee. Want anything?”
  • Cultural Relevance: Dunkin’ Donuts is practically a religion in Boston. You’ll find a Dunkin’ on almost every corner, and locals are fiercely loyal to it.
  • Where to Encounter: Everywhere—whether you’re in the Financial District or a suburban area like Quincy.

5. Pahk the Cah in Hahvahd Yahd

  • Meaning: A playful exaggeration of the Boston accent, meaning “Park the car in Harvard Yard.”
  • Usage: While no one actually parks their car in Harvard Yard (it’s a pedestrian area), this phrase is often used to poke fun at the Boston accent.
  • Example: “Say it! Pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd!”
  • Cultural Relevance: The Boston accent is one of the most recognizable in the U.S., characterized by dropping the “r” sound. This phrase is often used by locals and tourists alike as a joke.
  • Where to Encounter: Tours in Cambridge, conversations with locals, or even in movies like Good Will Hunting.

6. Southie

  • Meaning: South Boston, a historically Irish-American neighborhood.
  • Usage: Refers to the neighborhood itself or its residents.
  • Example: “I grew up in Southie, but now I live in the North End.”
  • Cultural Relevance: Southie has a rich cultural history and is known for its strong sense of community. It’s also been featured in movies like The Departed and Good Will Hunting.
  • Where to Encounter: Conversations about neighborhoods, especially when discussing Boston’s Irish-American heritage.

7. The Hub

  • Meaning: A nickname for Boston, short for “The Hub of the Universe.”
  • Usage: Used to refer to the city as a whole.
  • Example: “Welcome to The Hub! You’re gonna love it here.”
  • Cultural Relevance: This nickname comes from a 19th-century description of Boston as the intellectual and cultural center of the U.S.
  • Where to Encounter: Tourist guides, local pride slogans, or historical references.

8. No Suh!

  • Meaning: No way! (An expression of disbelief or surprise.)
  • Usage: Often used in casual conversations to express shock or amazement.
  • Example: “Did you hear the Sox won last night? No suh!”
  • Cultural Relevance: This phrase is part of the casual, conversational tone of Boston slang.
  • Where to Encounter: Informal conversations, especially among older generations or in working-class neighborhoods.

9. Sox, Pats, Bs, and Cs

  • Meaning: Shortened names for Boston’s major sports teams:
    • Sox = Red Sox (baseball)
    • Pats = Patriots (football)
    • Bs = Bruins (hockey)
    • Cs = Celtics (basketball)
  • Usage: These abbreviations are used universally by fans.
  • Example: “The Sox are playing the Yankees tonight. Wanna go to Fenway?”
  • Cultural Relevance: Boston is a sports-obsessed city, and knowing these terms is essential for fitting in with local fans.
  • Where to Encounter: Sports bars, stadiums like Fenway Park or TD Garden, and casual conversations.

10. Bubbler

  • Meaning: A water fountain.
  • Usage: This term is used in parts of New England, including Boston, to refer to a drinking fountain.
  • Example: “Is there a bubbler around here? I’m thirsty.”
  • Cultural Relevance: While not exclusive to Boston, this term is a regionalism that sets New Englanders apart from the rest of the country.
  • Where to Encounter: Schools, parks, or public spaces.

11. Hoodsie

  • Meaning: A small cup of ice cream, typically vanilla and chocolate, served with a wooden spoon.
  • Usage: A nostalgic treat for many Bostonians, often associated with childhood.
  • Example: “I haven’t had a Hoodsie since I was a kid!”
  • Cultural Relevance: Named after the Hood dairy company, Hoodsies are a staple of Boston childhoods and are often served at community events.
  • Where to Encounter: Local events, ice cream trucks, or grocery stores.

12. Townie

  • Meaning: A lifelong resident of a specific Boston neighborhood, often Charlestown.
  • Usage: Refers to someone with deep roots in their community.
  • Example: “He’s a real townie—his family’s been in Charlestown for generations.”
  • Cultural Relevance: Townies are often proud of their heritage and neighborhood identity.
  • Where to Encounter: Conversations about local history or community dynamics.

Tips for Using Boston Slang Effectively

  1. Listen First: Spend time listening to locals to get a feel for how these terms are used naturally.
  2. Be Casual: Boston slang is informal, so use it in relaxed settings rather than formal ones.
  3. Don’t Overdo It: While it’s fun to try out local slang, overusing it might come across as inauthentic.
  4. Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about a term, don’t hesitate to ask a local—they’ll likely appreciate your interest in their culture.

Where to Practice and Immerse Yourself

  • Neighborhoods: Southie, Charlestown, North End, and Dorchester are great places to hear authentic Boston slang.
  • Sports Venues: Fenway Park (Red Sox), TD Garden (Bruins and Celtics), and Gillette Stadium (Patriots).
  • Local Bars and Pubs: Try places like The Bell in Hand Tavern or The Black Rose for a mix of locals and tourists.
  • Events: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie or a Red Sox-Yankees game for peak Boston energy.

By learning and using these terms, you’ll not only navigate Boston more easily but also connect with its vibrant culture and people. Enjoy your time in The Hub!