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Rhode Island may be the tiniest state in the union, but don’t let its size fool you—this place is packed with opinions louder than a New York tourist ordering “clam chowder.” From regional rivalries to food fights (figuratively… mostly), people from the Ocean State will debate the details like it’s their full-time job. Here are 11 things Rhode Islanders will argue about forever—probably while double-parking outside a Dunkin’.
1. Whether It’s “Coffee Milk” or Just a Weird Milkshake
To a Rhode Islander, coffee milk is sacred. Suggest it’s strange or just “a melted latte” and you’ll be immediately banned from the nearest Cumberland Farms.
2. The Best Place to Get a Doughboy
Everyone swears by their beach shack or church festival. Mention fried dough from anywhere else and prepare to be shamed.
3. Calling It a “Cabinet” Instead of a Milkshake
Yes, it’s a cabinet. No, we don’t know why. Yes, we’ll fight you about it like it’s a family heirloom.
4. Where to Get the Best Stuffies
Clam-stuffed quahogs come with fierce loyalty. Some like ‘em spicy, some like ‘em mild—but everyone agrees: if it’s frozen, it’s trash.
5. The Real Pronunciation of “Quahog”
It’s “KO-hog,” not “KWA-hog,” and you better say it right before someone corrects you mid-sentence and questions your entire upbringing.
6. Del’s vs. Mr. Lemon
Frozen lemonade is basically summer in a cup. Which one reigns supreme depends on your zip code, your grandparents’ opinion, and how many brain freezes you’re willing to endure.
7. Whether You’re from Rhode Island or “La Prov”
There’s Rhode Island—and then there’s Providence. And folks from Providence make sure you know they’re from Providence.
8. Is Newport Fancy or Just for Tourists?
You either live for Gilded Age glamour or complain about every overpriced lobster roll and out-of-state license plate.
9. I-95 Traffic: Actual Nightmare or Just Business as Usual?
You can go 43 miles across the whole state—but somehow it still takes an hour and a half. Opinions vary on whether to blame Connecticut, Massachusetts, or the mysterious forces of Pawtucket.
10. Whether or Not Rhode Island Is Part of New England
It technically is. But culturally? Let’s just say Rhode Islanders reserve the right to be both part of and completely separate from everyone else in New England.
11. How Big Rhode Island Actually Is
Every Rhode Islander will tell you you can drive across the state in 45 minutes, but also argue endlessly about how far “too far” is. (“You live in Cranston? That’s like a whole 20 minutes away!”)
In Rhode Island, the accents are thick, the sandwiches are called grinders, and the arguments are loud—but weirdly affectionate. These debates aren’t just quirks—they’re baked into the state’s identity like a hot wiener on a steamed bun. Just don’t call it “Long Island,” and we’ll be fine.
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