Here are 10 experiences that suggest you’ve lived in Massachusetts far too long, reflecting the state’s unique culture, language, and traditions:
- You ask for “hot top” when you want asphalt for your driveway or road repairs—only a Massachusetts phrase.
- You’ve bowled candlepin bowling, the distinct New England version of bowling that’s rare elsewhere in the U.S..
- You call the trash bin “the barrel,” a local way of referring to the garbage can used by many residents.
- You live in or have lived near a “triple decker” house—a common three-family home type in the Boston area..
- You go to the grocery store and ask for a “carriage” instead of a shopping cart.
- You say “tonic” when ordering any carbonated soft drink, instead of soda or pop.
- You go “down cellar” to do laundry or grab storage, as the basement is called in Massachusetts.
- You call a hospital gown a “johnny.” This local term is unique to Massachusetts.
- You crave a “beef three way,” the classic roast beef sandwich loaded with cheese, mayo, and gravy that’s specific to the region.
- You’ve celebrated local traditions like the Boston Marathon or visited historic towns like Plymouth, Concord, and Salem, deeply connecting with the state’s rich history and culture.
Living in Massachusetts long enough means these cultural quirks and regional language traits become second nature, marking you as a true local.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.britannica.com/place/Massachusetts/Cultural-life)
[2](https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/11/03/massachusetts-bostonians-common-expressions-field-guide)
[3](https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/)
[4](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/9-towns-in-massachusetts-with-unique-traditions.html)
[5](https://live959.com/10-massachusetts-phrases-out-of-staters-wont-understand/)
