Living in Massachusetts endows you with a certain set of skills, such as successfully getting saltwater taffy out of your hair and driving down frozen highways in the middle of a blizzard. But we’re also pretty good at pronouncing some seemingly unpronounceable words.
Here are 11 words that basically only Massachusetts natives can say right—including the names of historic small towns and classic New England foods. How many of these Bay State words can you say properly right off the bat?
1. Frappe
A frappe is what other states call a milkshake. We shudder when we hear outsiders say “frap-AY” because we pronounce it “FRAPP.” Plain and simple. Whether it’s mixed with coffee, ice cream, or just plain old fruit and milk, there’s no need to add that extra syllable to its name. Of course, there are plenty of chains across Massachusetts where you can get a delicious frappe (Dunkin’, anyone?), but we also love local restaurants that specialize in this frozen treat.
2. Mattapoisett
Though your cousin from out of state will probably sprain his tongue trying to figure it out, this one is pronounced “mat-uh-POISE-et.” This is the name of a charming New England town in Plymouth County, with a harbor right on Buzzard’s Bay. Only about 5,000 people live in Mattapoisett, making it one of the most charming small towns in the state. If you visit, be sure to stop by the historic Ned’s Point Lighthouse.
3. Tyringham
This town’s name appears pretty straightforward at first glance. You’d likely pronounce it “TY-ring-ham,” right? Nope. Locals will tell you it’s actually pronounced “TIER-ing-um,” which, of course, looks nothing like the actual spelling. Despite the complicated name, Tyringham is a simple and sweet rural town filled with rolling hills, horse farms, and hiking trails. You can even visit the famous Gingerbread House, also known as Santarella, located inside the Santarella Gardens.
4. Rehoboth
Unlike many other town names in Massachusetts, Rehoboth actually has Hebrew roots. It’s derived from the word for “enlargement.” Rehoboth is pronounced “ruh-HOE-bith.” Established in 1643, this Bristol County town is one of the oldest in Massachusetts, and features plenty of historic landmarks worth visiting. The Carpenter Museum offers insight into the town’s origins, while the scenic trails in Rehoboth State Forest give way to the town’s natural beauty.
5. Quahog
Okay, so this one is actually a little tricky. Technically, this Native American word is pronounced just how it looks: “QUA-hog”. However, almost all Massachusetts locals will go with the entirely different pronunciation of “KOE-hog,” which rhymes with “go-dog.” In other words, people will look at you funny if you use the dictionary pronunciation here. Quahog represents a region in Cape Cod where you can harvest quahog hard-shelled clams—a delicacy here in New England.
6. Billerica
Though it seems to make no sense, this word is pronounced “bill-RICK-uh.” Where did that middle “e” go? It’s impossible to say. When you visit this quaint town just 20 miles northwest of Boston, you’ll be able to hear firsthand how the locals pronounce the name, along with other unique ways their accent differs from other New Englanders. Make sure to check out the town’s haunted Dudley Road or the annual Yankee Doodle Homecoming Weekend in September.
7. Scituate
Another case of the disappearing “c.” The beautiful town of Scituate is actually pronounced “SITCH-yoo-it,” which we know can be tricky for anyone who doesn’t live nearby. There is so much to see in this South Shore town: it’s located between Boston and Plymouth and boasts picturesque marinas, tree-lined walking trails, the Old Scituate Lighthouse, and charming antique shops downtown.
8. Belichick
The last name of the New England Patriots’ longtime coach is kind of a tough one, unless you’ve spent years hearing it on Massachusetts radio and T.V. Fun fact: while most people pronounce this name “BEL-i-chick” or “BEL-i-check,” the coach himself has often been captured on camera pronouncing it “bel-ICHIK.” We may never know.
9. Leicester
Tourists pretty much never get this one right: This Worcester County town is actually pronounced “LES-ter,” which is very deceiving, we know. Leicester is filled with historical sites that transport visitors to a time gone by. It was officially incorporated in 1713, and by the mid-1780s, it was known for being a primary manufacturer of hand cards—tools used to make cloth. Now, you can learn all about this industry (and more) at local museums, churches, and preserved homes.
10. Gloucester
Tourists call this place “gl-OW-sess-ter,” but most locals call it “GLOSS-terr.” That is, unless you’re actually from Gloucester, in which case you might call it “GLAH-stah.” Between the stunning colonial churches, official buildings, and downtown shops—and the peaceful shoreline filled with boats—it’s a top destination to visit in Massachusetts. Must-see sites include the European-inspired Hammond Castle and the abandoned Dogtown Common.
11. Acushnet
This town name is actually pronounced “uh-KOOZH-net,” though you’ve probably heard even locals saying something more like “ah-KUSH-net.” The name is from the Wampanoag word meaning “peaceful resting place near water.” Acushnet is a small town bordering New Bedford to the west, and it has a beautiful river running through it. Fun fact: The town was referenced in Herman Melville’s novel “Moby Dick.”
What other words do you think only Massachusetts natives can correctly pronounce? Whether you’re a lifelong local or you’re just visiting the Bay State, the best way to discover more lingo is by roadtripping across the state and spending time in small towns, at restaurants, and among people who live there. Start planning a fun trip today using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner—it’ll guide you to the best must-see spots…