Rhode Island has a language all its own. There’s no question that there are words and phrases spoken here that leave the rest of the country scratching its head. Here’s a quick rundown of some sayings you simply won’t hear anywhere else.
- “Where’s the bubbler?”
Pixabay/ jasongillman In the rest of the country, a bubbler is generally known as a drinking fountain.
- “I’ll have 3 all the way.”
Wikimedia/ Alcinoe This is the proper way to order your hot wieners at your local New York System joint.
- “Make a packie run”
Wikimedia/ David Shankbone Most often heard before Patriots and Red Sox games, a packie run is your basic beer, wine, or alcohol run. Liquor stores are known as package stores, lovingly shortened to packie, and of course the only place you can get liquor in Rhode Island. (Which takes about an hour to explain to visiting out of state friends.)
- “Going to Cumbie’s”
Wikimedia/ MattyBalooch That’s Cumberland Farms, our go-to corner store.
- “I’ll have a coffee cabinet”
Wikikmedia/ Visitor7 No, we don’t mean a cupboard stained with a lovely coffee colored stain. A cabinet is a delicious milkshake as every Rhode Islander knows.
- “Turn left where ____ used to be.”
Flickr/ JJBers That’s right, Rhode Islanders give directions based on places that are no longer there. (And can we have a moment of silence for Benny’s?)
- “No school Fosta Glocesta.”
Flickr/ Gary Brownell Everyone knows what this means. Just hope you already got your bread and milk.
There are so many more Rhode Islandisms out there. Can you add some to the list?
Pixabay/ jasongillman
In the rest of the country, a bubbler is generally known as a drinking fountain.
Wikimedia/ Alcinoe
This is the proper way to order your hot wieners at your local New York System joint.
Wikimedia/ David Shankbone
Most often heard before Patriots and Red Sox games, a packie run is your basic beer, wine, or alcohol run. Liquor stores are known as package stores, lovingly shortened to packie, and of course the only place you can get liquor in Rhode Island. (Which takes about an hour to explain to visiting out of state friends.)
Wikimedia/ MattyBalooch
That’s Cumberland Farms, our go-to corner store.
Wikikmedia/ Visitor7
No, we don’t mean a cupboard stained with a lovely coffee colored stain. A cabinet is a delicious milkshake as every Rhode Islander knows.
Flickr/ JJBers
That’s right, Rhode Islanders give directions based on places that are no longer there. (And can we have a moment of silence for Benny’s?)
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
Everyone knows what this means. Just hope you already got your bread and milk.
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