LOCAL LINGO

This is a handy reference guide of the translations of unusual vocabulary of a typical Rhode Islander and is likely to save you much confusion when encountering the locals!

Bar (BAH): A place where alcoholic beverages are served.

Big Blue Bug (BIG BLOO BUG): Mascot of New England Pest Control, a large blue insect placed atop the New England Pest Control building, along interstate 95.

Bubbler (BUB-lah):  A water fountain.

Cabinet (KAB'nit):  Basically, it is a milk shake.

Coffee Milk (KAW-fee milk):  Milk with sweet coffee syrup added; similar to chocolate milk.

Del's (DELZ): A frozen lemonade beverage.

Get Out! (GED-OWT): An expression of shock or disbelief.

Gravy (GRAY-vee):  Spaghetti sauce.

Grinder (GRINE-dah):  Any sandwich stuffed with ingredients ranging from meats and cheeses to veggies and eggplant.

Not for nothing (NOT-fur NUTH-in): Although this may seem minor, it really is important.

Rhode Islander (roe-DYE-lin-DAH):  One who is native to the state of Rhode Island; a local.

URI (YOO-ahhh-RYE):  Short for University of Rhode Island.