10 Boston Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

Boston slang words can be tricky to get the hang of. Sure, it’s technically English, but it can sound like a different language. Arriving to Boston without a grasp of the lingo can be confusing, especially if English isn’t your native language.

Boston slang is so much more than just an accent. And yes, since that accent is officially the sexiest accent in America, you’re gonna want to understand it.

Here’s a list of 10 commonly used slang words in Boston. You’ll be speaking like a local in no time.

Here are 10 Boston Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

1. Wicked = “very” or “really”

“It’s wicked cold. It’s wicked hot!” You can use this for anything.

2. Townie = local who’s never left their neighbourhood

It usually refers to people from Charlestown and Dorchester.

3. The Cape = Cape Cod

“My parents just bought a new house on the Cape.”

4. Packie = liquor store

“You guys need any beers from the the Packie?”

5. Bubbler (pronounced bubblah) = water fountain

“You thirsty? There’s a bubblah just down the hallway.”

6. The Hub = the city of Boston

“We’re all going out in the hub tonight!”

7. Grinder (pronounced grindah) = sandwich/hoagie

“Gonna go pick up some grindahs for lunch, you want one?”

8. No Suh = no sir (expression of disbelief)

Like ‘no way!’ aka: “no Suh, I didn’t eat your grinder.”

9. Parlor (pronounced pahlah) = the living room

“Come on in, she’s in the parlor.”

10. Dunks = Dunkin’ Donuts

They LOVE Dunkin’ Donuts in Boston, so much so it has a nickname.