As I begin my second year at URI, I find it completely necessary to share with my fellow out-of-state students some of the vocab I’ve picked up on during my time in Rhode Island. Not only was I completely confused when I heard some of these words, but I also had no idea how to use them without sounding stupid. I hope that this guide will help the Jersey girls (and others) like me when talking to your wicked* cool Rhode Island friends.
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Bubbler [buh-bler] –Â A fountain that you drink water from.
“The bubbler in Swan is so warm and gross.”
Synonyms:Â Drinking fountain, water fountain, water bubbler
What You Thought It Meant:Â I don’t even know
Cabinet [kab-ih-neht] – The concoction of ice cream, milk, syrup, and potentially whipped cream and a cherry if you’re into that sorta thing.
“I just drank a chocolate cabinet from Brickley’s and it was the bomb.”
“My cabinet brings all the boys to the yard.”
Synonyms: milkshake, frappe
What You Thought It Meant: A small closet, usually in the kitchen, that stores things.
Doughboy [doe-boi] – Fried dough that usually comes with powdered sugar on top.
“We have to go to Iggy’s and get some doughboys. I’m in need.”
Synonyms:Â zeppoles, fried dough, elephant ears
What You Thought It Meant:Â The little Pillsburry character that scared you as a child.
Grinder [gr-ine-derr] – Sandwiches that are usually served on a long Italian roll.
“Ronzios has the best Italian grinders on campus.”
Synonyms: hoagie, hero, po’boy, sub
What You Thought It Meant:Â That thing people used to do at middle school dances.
Package store [pah-ck-ihj st-oh-r] – a store where alcohol is sold.
“I need to go get some Burnett’s at the package store because I’m all out.”
Synonyms: liquor store, alcohol store
What You Thought It Meant: Somewhere you go to pick up packages.
Rotary [roe-tah-ree] – A circle that cars drive around.
“To get to The Coastguard House, you have to take the third exit off the rotary onto Kingstown Road.”
Synonyms: roundabout, circle, traffic circle
What You Thought It Meant:Â Rotary club?
Sucker [sukk-er] –Â A round candy that comes on a stick.
“My orgo teacher gave us all suckers after that ridiculously hard exam.”
Synonyms:Â lollipop
What You Thought It Meant: Someone who’s really dumb or gullible.
*Wicked [wik-id] –Â A description that puts emphasize on the following word.
“I met this guy at Bon Vue last Thursday and he was wicked hot.”
“The RIPTA drivers drive wicked fast.”
Synonyms:Â extremely, very, really, mad
What You Thought It Meant:Â Referring to the Broadway show.