Boston Slang

Boston is one of America's oldest cities, and over the years it developed its own slang that often confuses visitors from other parts of the country. Some of the words refer to local sites and locations, while others are simply unique words and figures of speech that developed over time. 

Sports Slang

“The Bs” refers to the Boston Bruins.

“The Sox” is the local name for the Boston Red Sox. Sportscasters sometimes use the term “BoSox” to differentiate the team from the Chicago White Sox.

“The Monster” is the prominent green, 27-foot-tall wall in Fenway Park's left field.

Locations 

“The Cape” means Cape Cod, and “down Cape” means either being there or going there.

“Bury” is Boston's Roxbury section.

“The Garden” is short for the Boston Garden, the old home of both the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics professional sports teams. Now “The Garden” could also refer to TD Garden, the new home for these two teams.

The “Pike” refers to the Boston Turnpike.

A “southie” is someone who comes from South Boston, while precocious girls from that area are “hoodsies.”

Never refer to Boston as “Beantown” if you're trying to pass yourself off as a knowledgeable person. True Bostonians never use this term.

Businesses

“Dunkies” is a local reference to the Dunkin' Donuts chain. 

“Cumbies” means the Cumberland Farms convenience store chain.

“The Basement” is the Filene's Basement store in Downtown Crossing. It's part of a regional chain with no affiliation to Federated Department Stores, which converted its Filenes stores into Macy's. 

“Packie” is short for “package store,” another term for a liquor store. A “packy” is the six-pack you buy there, and you make a “packie run” when you head out to get it.

“Spa” refers to what most people would think of as a convenience store, with most selling sandwiches and other prepared food items.

Clothing 

“Bobos” are cheap sneakers with no brand name. 

“Hoodie” is short for a hooded sweatshirt. 

“Docksiders” are brown boat shoes, with the term properly pronounced as “docksidahs.” 

“Decked” means that you are dressed very nicely.

Homes 

A “triple decker, “also called an “Irish Battleship,” is a three-story house that holds three families. 

A home's “parlor” is its living room. 

“Down cellar” means that you are downstairs, in the basement. A “bulkhead” is an outdoor entrance to the basement.

Law Enforcement

“The Boys” is a reference to police officers and a “cruiser” is a police car.

“Bagged” is a way of saying that someone got arrested by the police.

Food 

“Grinders” are similar to what most people think of as sub sandwiches is most other parts of the country. They're also known as “spuckies.”

“Chowdah” strictly means either New England clam chowder or fish chowder, not the Manhattan version. A “chowdahead” is a New Englander, although it used to refer to someone who was not too bright. 

“Jimmies” are sprinkles like the type you normally put on desserts like cookies or ice cream. 

Driving 

“Blinker” means a car's turn signal, which is also referred to as a “directional.”

“Bang” means to make a left turn or a “u-ie,” which is Boston slang for a U-turn.

A “rotary” is the same road feature known as a roundabout in other parts of the country. 

The “breakdown lane” is technically a spot to stop when you're having car trouble. However, it is legal to drive in some breakdown lanes during rush hour. 

General Slang 

“Bubbler” is a term for a water cooler or drinking fountain. 

A “carriage” is a grocery shopping cart. 

“Wicked” means “very” and is used to emphasize just about any word, like “good” or “bad.” The work “mad” is sometimes used in a similar manner.

“Chucklehead” is a derogatory word meaning someone who is not too bright. 

“Skid” is a negative term for a loser, with a “skidder” being someone who always hits up others for money. 

A “Northeaster” is a severe winter storm that comes from the northeast, as the word implies. 

A “barrel” is another term for a garbage can. 

“Book it” means to flee.

A “ripper” is a particularly wild and crazy party.

Book a Boston Hotel today!