1. You’ll Start Speaking “Massachusetts” (Boston Accent and All) The Boston accent isn’t just a stereotype-it’s a way of life. Words like “pahk the cah” and “wicked” will slip into your vocabulary, whether you intend it or not. Even if you arrive accent-free, you’ll soon find yourself adopting local slang and pronunciations.
2. Driving Is a Contact Sport (and Rotaries Are Everywhere) Massachusetts drivers have a reputation for being aggressive but efficient. Navigating chaotic Boston traffic, surviving the infamous “rotaries” (roundabouts), and getting honked at for hesitating at a green light are rites of passage. Mastering the art of driving here is essential-it might feel overwhelming at first, but you’ll adapt quickly.
3. “Bubbler” Means Water Fountain Ask for a “water fountain” and you might get a confused look. In Massachusetts, it’s a “bubbler.” This quirky bit of local lingo will become second nature, and you’ll be surprised when people from other states don’t know what you mean.
4. The Cape Is Everyone’s Summer Home (Even If It’s Not Yours) Cape Cod isn’t just for the wealthy or those with vacation homes. For many Bay Staters, “going to the Cape” is a summer tradition-whether it’s for a weekend, a day trip, or just to sit in traffic. The Cape holds a special place in the collective heart of Massachusetts.
5. Dunkin’ Is Practically a Religion Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) is more than a coffee shop-it’s a cultural institution. Locals have strong opinions about their coffee orders and favorite locations. Trying to order Starbucks in a Dunkin’-dominated area might earn you some side-eye.
6. Place Names Are a Pronunciation Test Massachusetts is filled with towns whose names stump outsiders: Worcester (“WUSS-tuh”), Gloucester (“GLOSS-tuh”), Leicester (“LESS-tuh”), and more. Locals take pride in correcting newcomers and enjoy the challenge these names present.
7. Weather Is Wildly Unpredictable-And You’ll Store Food in the Snow Massachusetts weather can change in an instant. It’s not uncommon to keep an ice scraper and snow shovel in your car year-round. In winter, locals often use the outdoors as an extra refrigerator for drinks and perishables.
8. Local Laws and Customs Are Delightfully Odd From it being illegal to put tomatoes in clam chowder to needing a license for a goatee, Massachusetts has its share of quirky laws. For example, dueling with water pistols is illegal, and in some towns, squirt guns are banned altogether. These oddities add to the state’s unique charm.
Sources:
- https://www.factretriever.com/massachusetts-facts
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/massachusetts
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/cz-tip-firsts-and-fun-facts-from-coastal-massachusetts
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/massachusetts/weird-things-people-ma
- https://www.thefactsite.com/massachusetts-facts/
- https://rock929rocks.com/listicle/7-fun-facts-about-massachusetts-you-may-not-know/