Things They Say in New England That the Rest of Us Probably Don't Get

Blue jeans or denim trousers. Also used in the United Kingdom and, in earlier times, in other parts of the U.S. The term comes from one of several languages on the Indian subcontinent, originally referring to a fortified port from which the cloth was traded.

Otherwise known as a rubber band.

A disparaging term used in Vermont to describe out-of-staters who are unfamiliar with local ways or bring negative values with them.

In New England, a “milkshake” is usually just milk with chocolate or some other flavor syrup blended in. If you want ice cream to be involved, ask for a frappe — not a “frap-pay,” as the French would pronounce it; just a “frapp.”

A term unique to Maine, meaning klutzy, accident-prone, likely to do something dumb.