Bar Lingo, Boston Edition: How to Order Like a Local

Welcome back to Bar Lingo, where we teach you how to sound like a regular, this time, with a Boston twist. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or just exploring our Beacon Hill neighborhood, knowing a little local slang goes a long way. Here’s your crash course in sounding like you’ve been sipping pints here your whole life with Will Hunting and Chuckie Sullivan.

“Wicked”

If there’s one word you’ll hear all over Boston, it’s wicked. It’s the city’s favorite intensifier, meaning “really” or “very.”

Example: That old fashioned is wicked good.

 Translation: It’s really good. You’ll fit right in if you throw it into conversation once or twice (but don’t overdo it, we’ll know).

“Packie”

When someone says they’re heading to the packie, they’re not talking about a bag or suitcase. It’s short for package store, aka, a liquor store.

Example: We stopped at the packie before heading to the bar.

 You might not need it mid-bar crawl, but it’s essential Boston vocabulary.

“Bubbler”

No, we’re not talking about your drink. In Boston, a bubbler is a water fountain.

Example: Hit the bubbler on your way out, kid.

 If you hear this one mid-shift from the bartender, don’t go looking for bubbles in your pint.

“No Suh!”

Boston’s casual version of “No way!” It’s a reaction, an exclamation, and a very regional way to express disbelief.

Example: You saw the Sox win in person? No suh!

 Try it after your friend claims they’ve never had clam chowder.

“Clicker”

When your bartender says “Hand me the clicker,” they’re not asking for your car keys, it’s the TV remote.

 Boston sports bars take their remotes seriously. Just don’t touch the clicker unless you’ve earned the right.

“Bang a Uey”

Classic Boston driving slang that somehow sneaks into regular conversation, it means make a U-turn.

Example: You missed the bar? Bang a Uey and park out front.

 Good to know if you’re navigating those famously narrow Beacon Hill streets.

Final Round

Boston’s got a language all its own. Part accent, part attitude, and all charm. Whether you’re ordering a pint, catching a Sox game, or just soaking in the pub atmosphere, knowing the lingo helps you blend right in.

So next time you’re at Cheers, grab a stool, order a beer, and toss in a “wicked good” for good measure. You’ll sound like a local in no time.