You can take the person out of Rhode Island (kicking and screaming) but you can’t take the Rhode Island out of the person. There are things that go on here that just don’t happen in other places. We came up with a few examples of Rhode Island habits that are definitely unique to the Ocean State. Try these anywhere else and you may be met with blank stares.
- Calling ice cream sprinkles “jimmies”
Wikimedia/ MarkBuckawicki Who really knows where this one got started, but this colloquialism only flies here in New England.
- Driving in the passing lane
Wikimedia/ Raime In other parts of the nation, the far left lane is meant for passing. Just passing.
- Ordering your coffee “regular”.
Flickr/ Mr.TinDC If you order a regular coffee somewhere else, they will say, “Regular what?”, even though we all know it means with cream and sugar. And let’s not even get started on “Extra, Extra”.
- The Rhode Island Rolling Stop
Flickr/ Frank Brunke No real explanation needed, and this is one habit we really should unlearn.
- Giving directions based on places that are no longer in business, or on Dunkin Donuts locations
Wikimedia/ JJBers “Go past where the old Sears used to be and take a right at Dunkin.”
- Yelling out “So good, so good, so good” while “Sweet Caroline” is playing.
Flickr/ Keith Allison Yes, we know this goes on in Massachusetts too. Since it’s the unofficial theme song of the Boston Red Sox, be sure you show your pride by yelling it as loud as possible in bars.
- Using the word “wicked” as an intensifier.
Wikimedia/ Basboosa1988 We share this one with our Mass neighbors too. “Wicked” can be used in place of “very” and also as a word to mean extreme coolness. Wicked good.
- Packing a sandwich and drinks for any drive longer than 15 minutes.
Wikimedia/ Juliancolton If it’s longer than 15 minutes in a state it takes less than an hour to cross, it’s a road trip baby.
- De-stressing at the ocean.
Wikimedia/ waffries With over 400 miles of gorgeous coastline in our state, it’s no wonder Rhode Islanders rely on the water to de-stress and stay calm. Ahhh.
Rhode Islanders can never unlearn these habits, even if that does make us weird. Add to the list in the comments!
Wikimedia/ MarkBuckawicki
Who really knows where this one got started, but this colloquialism only flies here in New England.
Wikimedia/ Raime
In other parts of the nation, the far left lane is meant for passing. Just passing.
Flickr/ Mr.TinDC
If you order a regular coffee somewhere else, they will say, “Regular what?”, even though we all know it means with cream and sugar. And let’s not even get started on “Extra, Extra”.
Flickr/ Frank Brunke
No real explanation needed, and this is one habit we really should unlearn.
Wikimedia/ JJBers
“Go past where the old Sears used to be and take a right at Dunkin.”
Flickr/ Keith Allison
Yes, we know this goes on in Massachusetts too. Since it’s the unofficial theme song of the Boston Red Sox, be sure you show your pride by yelling it as loud as possible in bars.
Wikimedia/ Basboosa1988
We share this one with our Mass neighbors too. “Wicked” can be used in place of “very” and also as a word to mean extreme coolness. Wicked good.
Wikimedia/ Juliancolton
If it’s longer than 15 minutes in a state it takes less than an hour to cross, it’s a road trip baby.
Wikimedia/ waffries
With over 400 miles of gorgeous coastline in our state, it’s no wonder Rhode Islanders rely on the water to de-stress and stay calm. Ahhh.
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