Massachusetts wins: “Wicked” is now the 2nd most popular slang word in America
To count the number of times I’ve been made fun of for saying “wicked” by somebody not from New England, I’d need all of my fingers and toes, yours too, and all your neighbor’s fingers and toes. It has happened a lot. Probably to you too if you drop “wicked” like I drop “wicked.” I love the word. And now America does too.
Wicked is now the second most popular slang word in America. That’s not something I ever thought I’d say, based on the chilly reception I always got for muttering it from outsiders. Actually, they didn’t so much mock me as treat me like an animal at the zoo. “Awwwww you guys really do say ‘wicked'” is a frequent reaction. Here’s another thing I never thought I’d say about the popularity of our beloved “wicked.” I want a recount because I think it should actually be #1. That’s because the only slang word that beat “wicked” in popularity in the US is “conniption.” This info from a new report on slang in America from Wordtips.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the word. I never use it myself but I always find myself amused when I hear someone else using it… but… I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard someone use it. Maybe it was the 90’s?
I’m quite sure that “wicked” is used more in America than “conniption.” I think us Massh*les tip the numbers in wicked’s favor. By a lot. A wicked lot.
But wicked isn’t the only slang word made famous by Massachusetts and New England. We have so many slang words it’s almost like another language. We’re the Klingons of America. How many of these Boston/Massachusetts/New England slang terms do you frequently use? Anything more than 10 of the 21 and I love you. Sorry if I came off too strongly there… OK here comes the slang – keep track!
21 Saucy Slangs That Are SO Boston
Wicked
Because, well, it’s wicked cool to say. It’s just an adjective, but it’s uniquely our adjective. You can’t have it New York! Add it to a pissah, and you are slaying the jam.
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Packie
This isn’t a bag to keep your stuff in. A packie is a liquor store, as in package store, where they conceal your alcoholic beverages in a brown “package” or paper bag. And since we’re talking about it, can you pick me up a 6-pack of Sams next time you’re at the packie?
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Bubbler
This is where you go when you’re thirsty and your building actually still has one of these things. More likely to be found outside near parks and beaches these days. It’s a water fountain, and bubbler just sounds better, even though there isn’t any bubbles to be found in the water.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Pissah
A word often heard following wicked. It just means the absolute best! But, it can be used very effectively as sarcasm too. Oh, yeah. That’s wicked pissah, like the Celtics this year.
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Carriage
I know, Boston is old. So old. But a carriage is not what you’re thinking. It’s not a reference to a horse and carriage, but rather a shopping cart you can load up with lobstahs and chowdah.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Regular
Nope. Not referring to your personal body function habits here. This is how you order your coffee at Dunks when you want it with milk and sugar. Try ordering it that way in California, and you’ll get a cup of black coffee.
Tonic
Certainly this Boston term isn’t as popular as it used to be, but for those who grew up around here tonic was soda, or anything carbonated.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Statie
Just a warning. If someone tells you to watch out for staties, that means you may want to pay attention to your speed when driving, as not to get pulled over by the State Police.
(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Rotary
We say it so much and drive through so many, we often take for granted the fact that most people refer to these circular traffic paths as round-a-bouts. And doesn’t that just sound silly?
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
In Town
Telling someone that you are going in town, just means you are going to Boston. The Town. You don’t go into the city, you go “in town.” Oh, and when you do, have a wicked pissah time!
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bang Out
You need to get out of something, like an obligation? Then you definitely need to bang out. Like when the Red Sox are losing badly in the 8th, you might bang out to beat the crowd.
(Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Yah No
Despite the “yah.” It’s a HARD no, for a Bostonian. Yah, no, I’m not buying this round of beeahs.
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
