13 Rhode Island Slang Phrases You Need to Master

Rhode Island is unique—its postal abbreviation 'RI' is the only one that appears in the word tourism, making it stand out among states.

Despite its name, Rhode Island isn’t entirely an island, though it boasts numerous islands like Aquidneck, Block, and Prudence.

Rhode Island is full of fascinating quirks, especially in its local language and culture. As the last of the 13 original colonies to become a state, it has a rich history. Dive into these 13 local terms to make your visit to the Ocean State more enjoyable and immersive.

1. The AMP

This is a fresh term, with a strong focus on its commercial origins.

Last fall, Rhode Island’s premier indoor entertainment venue was renamed for the second time. Built in 1971 as the Providence Civic Center, it later became known as the Dunkin Donuts Center (or “The Dunk”) from 2001 to 2022.

After Dunkin’s naming rights expired, a Lincoln-based insurance company seized the opportunity, rebranding the venue as the Amica Mutual Pavilion. This new name creates an acronym that resonates with the lively spirit of local sports and music fans. However, many traditionalists still prefer to call it the Civic Center, so be ready to hear multiple names for the same place.

2. Awful Awful

When Ocean Staters use the term awful twice, it’s not a critique—it’s a nod to Newport Creamery’s famous “Awful Big, Awful Good” milkshake. After tasting one, you might even suggest adding a third “Awful” to describe its thickness.

The Awful Awful is crafted with frozen ice milk, a key ingredient that, according to Newport Creamery, “lets us create a thicker, customizable shake unique to each customer.” This sets it apart from the traditional milkshake found elsewhere in the U.S., which typically blends ice cream, milk, and syrup. (Rhode Island also offers that version, but it goes by a different name—more on that later.)

3. Bubblah

In Rhode Island, what most Americans refer to as a “water fountain” is called a bubbler—pronounced “bubblah” in the local accent. While parts of Massachusetts and Wisconsin also use this term, recent research by The Providence Journal’s Katie Landeck suggests it originated in Rhode Island. The Pawtucket-based H.F. Jenks Company coined the term in a 1900 sales pamphlet, promoting their redesigned drinking-water device as “our own patented bubbler.” By 1911, The Providence Journal archives show the term was widely used, with the Rhode Island Historical Society confirming its popularity for describing fountains that bubbled water without requiring a cup.

4. The Bucket

Pawtucket (pronounced “P’tucket”) is known as the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S., celebrated for its blue-collar heritage. However, its history of mills and manual labor has also given it a reputation for reflecting economic struggles, often appearing worn and neglected. According to Urban Dictionary, the nickname The Bucket comes from its “rundown, dirty atmosphere and abandoned mills.” Despite this, locals have embraced the term with pride, naming businesses like the now-closed Bucket Brewery (2010–2018) and the Bucket restaurant (opened in 2021) after it.

5. Cabinet

In Rhode Island, what’s commonly known as a “milkshake” (made with milk, syrup, and ice cream) is called a “cabinet.” The term’s origin is straightforward: Rhode Island’s official state website explains that it comes from the blender being stored in a “kitchen cabinet.” Given the locals’ love for coffee syrup, you can enhance your Ocean State experience by trying a coffee cabinet at most ice cream shops.

5. Dandle

In 1997, the Hartford Courant explored regional terms for the seesaw, a playground staple with a plank balanced on a fulcrum. Rhode Island’s term, dandle, stood out among others like teeter-totter, hickey-horse, and tinter board, which often included horse or board in their names.

Even today, commenters on Yankee magazine’s discussions about local language fondly recall playing on the dandle. It’s likely you’ll hear older Rhode Islanders passing this unique term down to younger generations.

6. Downcity

This Rhode Island term is straightforward to understand. To describe the bustling heart of the state capital, simply replace town with a synonym and capitalize the d, resulting in Downcity.

According to the Providence-based group InDowncity’s “About” page, the term originated in the early 1900s when locals used it to designate meeting spots for social gatherings and shopping trips.

While Downcity fell out of use for a time, it regained popularity in the 1990s during the Providence Renaissance. This revival brought new attractions like the Providence Bruins, the Rhode Island Convention Center, the iconic WaterFire events, and a new shopping mall. These developments spurred a wave of restaurants and hangouts, cementing Downcity’s place in the local lexicon once again.

7. Grindah

While the correct spelling is “grinder,” lifelong Rhode Islanders often replace the last syllable when referring to a submarine sandwich (a term also used in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other parts of the Northeast). According to Yankee magazine’s Chris Burnett, the origin of “grinder” is unclear, though it’s believed to stem from the tough Italian bread used, which required some serious chewing.

8. Hot Wiener

Though the hot wiener is also called the New York System, it’s a distinctly Providence creation, thanks to Greek immigrants who added unique toppings. According to the New England Historical Society, a proper hot wiener is topped with “yellow mustard, onions, celery salt, and a ground beef sauce (never ketchup).” The buns, made by Homestead Baking Co. in East Providence, are slightly sweeter than typical hot dog buns, adding another layer of local flavor.

9. Pizza Strip

A pizza strip is essentially a rectangular, open-faced sandwich topped with tomato sauce—think of it as a pizza without cheese or additional toppings.

While it might sound simple, the ongoing debate about where to find the best pizza strips keeps things exciting. Rhode Island’s Italian tomato pie makers fiercely compete for this honor, whether through formal recognition like awards from Rhode Island Monthly or informal bragging rights.

10. ProJo

11. South County

This term refers to Washington County, the southernmost of Rhode Island’s five regions, including Block Island. The area’s tourism council has wholeheartedly adopted this unofficial name. (Note: The southern part of Worcester County, Massachusetts, also uses “South County,” so context is key to avoid confusion.)

12. Stone Ender

A stone ender is a wooden house with a stone chimney extending down one wall. This architectural style dates back to Rhode Island’s colonial era, inspired by English settlers who combined their traditions with the region’s abundant timber and limestone resources.

For history enthusiasts, exploring stone ender houses is an experience almost unique to Rhode Island. While a few such structures appeared in Connecticut and Massachusetts, a recent study by Preserve Rhode Island revealed that “only one confirmed stone ender remains outside Rhode Island today.”

According to Preserve Rhode Island, at least 14 stone enders still stand across the state’s five counties. Notable examples include the Thomas Fenner House in Cranston (the oldest surviving house on the mainland), the Clement Weaver-Daniel Howland House in East Greenwich (Kent County), and the John Bliss House in Newport (one of Aquidneck Island’s oldest structures).