12 Phrases You’ll Only Understand If You Live in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s got a big mouth, a big attitude, and an even bigger appetite for coffee milk, clam cakes, and regional pride. Whether you’re from the city (aka Providence) or down the line, Rhode Islanders have their own way of talking—and it’s wicked fast, wicked weird, and wicked awesome. If you’ve ever given directions using donut shops or told someone “it’s only 20 minutes away” when it’s actually 3 blocks, this list is for you.

1. “I’ll have a cabinet, not a milkshake.”

Don’t panic—it’s still cold and drinkable. It just comes with a Rhode Island name and a side of sass.

2. “You goin’ to the beach or the shore?”

In Rhode Island, they’re the same thing, but the beach sounds more legit, and the shore means you live nearby.

3. “It’s like… 15 minutes away.”

Everything is 15–20 minutes away. Even if it’s across the state. Which is also… 20 minutes away.

4. “I’ll meet you at Dunk’s.”

That’s Dunkin’, and there are 47 of them within walking distance. Good luck picking the right one.

5. “Wanna split a pizza strip?”

That’s room-temp, sauce-only bread from a bakery—and if you don’t like it, we don’t trust you.

6. “We’re goin’ to the Feast.”

The Feast of St. Joseph. Or St. Mary’s. Or literally any saint we can fry dough in honor of.

7. “Did you try the calamari?”

It’s our official state appetizer. We’re extremely proud of it. Don’t overcook it, or it’s a felony.

8. “That guy’s a total jabroni.”

Translation: fool, clown, idiot. Use liberally. Especially while driving.

9. “Bang a right at the light after the Cumberland Farms.”

All directions involve either Dunkin’, Cumbies, or “the old Benny’s.”

10. “I park my cah in the yahd in Pawtucket.”

Yes, we have the accent. No, we don’t hear it. Yes, you sound wicked weird.

11. “You want coffee milk with that?”

This is a real drink. Like chocolate milk, but coffee. Childhood fuel since forever.

12. “We don’t pump our own gas—wait, no, that’s Jersey.”

Easy to forget. We’re tiny, but mighty—and just a little confused near the borders.

If these phrases made you crave clam cakes and get irrationally angry about the pronunciation of “quahog,” congrats—you’re 100% Rhody. If not, spend a summer at the beach, survive a drive through Providence construction, and never ever confuse us with Connecticut. You’ll be talkin’ Little Rhody in no time, bub.

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