Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but it packs an impressive amount of weird into its tiny borders. To locals, these quirks are completely normal. To outsiders, they’re proof that Rhode Islanders live in their own hilarious little world—and love every second of it.
Table of Contents
1. Give Directions Using Landmarks That Don’t Exist Anymore
“Take a left where Benny’s used to be” makes perfect sense to locals. Outsiders are totally lost.
2. Treat Coffee Milk Like It’s the Official Drink of Civilization
It’s not iced coffee—it’s coffee-flavored milk. Outsiders are confused; locals are addicted.
3. Call a Water Fountain a “Bubbler”
Outsiders think it’s nonsense. Rhode Islanders think everyone else is wrong.
4. Drive Like They’re in a Race but Panic When They Leave the State
Inside Rhode Island: 80 mph. Outside Rhode Island: full meltdown.
5. Call Sub Sandwiches “Grinders”
Outsiders order a “sub” and get corrected immediately.
6. Eat Clam Cakes and Chowder Like It’s a Personality Trait
If you haven’t burned your tongue on a hot clam cake, you’re not one of them.
7. Measure Distance in Minutes, Not Miles
Everything is “15 minutes away.” Outsiders quickly learn that’s a lie.
8. Treat Del’s Lemonade Like a Summer Religion
It’s not just frozen lemonade—it’s a sacred rite of passage. Outsiders who drink it too fast get brain freeze and judged.
9. Brag About “the Beach” Like It’s the Caribbean
It’s the Atlantic Ocean, it’s freezing, and it’s perfect.
10. Insist on Using “the” Before Highway Numbers
It’s “the 95,” not “I-95.” Outsiders sound wrong. Locals sound… uniquely Rhode Island.
11. Have Heated Debates About the Best Pizza Strips
Yes, cold pizza with no cheese is a delicacy. Outsiders are horrified; locals are proud.
12. Act Personally Offended If You Call It “Part of Massachusetts”
Say it once and see how fast you get corrected…