Bostonians are known around the world for our funny accents and quirky words. Most of the time, we drop the ‘R’ but we also add R’s in places that others do not. (ex: Vodka = Vodker)
In true Masshole fashion, we think what we say is correct because we’re one of the oldest cities in America! Whether you grew up here and have moved away, still live here, are new to Boston, or know someone from Boston; we’ve done our best to try and translate some words to help ease the language barriers so nothing gets ‘Bost’ in Translation.
Bahbah-Q – Barbecue
Bang a Uey – Turn the car around; make a U-Turn
Barrel – Trash Can
B’dayduhs – Potatoes
Bubblah – Water Fountain
Carriage – Shopping Cart
Cellah – Basement
Clickah – TV Remote
Cruizah – Police Car
Down The Cape – On Cape Cod
Dungarees – Pants made of denim
Frappe – Milk Shake with ice cream
Hangovah – What occurs the day after a night of drinking
Hawahyah – How are you? (no response necessary)
Hunkah Down – What one does during a storm
No SUH – Really? No Way! (a statement of disbelief)
Packie – Liquor Store
Patriots’ Day – The 3rd Monday in April. Also known as ‘Marathon Monday’
Pockabook – Ladies Handbag
Regulah – Cofee with cream and sugar
Rotary – Traffic Circle
Scorchah! – Hot Day
Statie – State Policemen
Suppah – Dinner
Taget – a department store that sells general merchandise (not to be confused with Wal Maht)
Tonic – Soda
We’re constantly adding to our translation services so be sure and check back often. If you have any Boston Slang ideas, let us know on Facebook or Tweet us with the hashtag #BostonTranslation.