Worcester is a historic city located in central Massachusetts. Not too far from Boston or Cape Cod and it’s full of adventure. However, like in every city, we Worcester people have our distinctions.
1. You call a water fountain a “bubbler.”
This debate can ruin friendships. People from other states or even cities in Massachusetts seem to think that the term “bubbler” makes no sense. However, those from Worcester can remember raising your hand in the third grade and asking the teacher: “may I please go get a drink from the bubbler?”
2. Wicked is commonly used in your everyday vocabulary.
This may be a New England problem, but Worcester inhabitants use this term like oxygen. Needless to say, it can get wicked annoying.
3. You actually know how to pronounce the name of the city.
Wor-chest-er is not correct. There is no “h.” I repeat, there is no “h” in Worcester.
4. The Icecats still exist to you.
I bet my hat you Worcester peeps still call our AHL team the Icecats. Remember Scratch, aka the best mascot to exist in the Worcester area?
5. You rely on Grafton Street for Friendly’s since that’s the only one around anymore.
Friendly’s is a necessity sometimes and there is now only a few left in the central Massachusetts area. Grafton Street Friendly’s is a legendary spot. Your parents went there as a kid, your grandparents went there, it’s basically a landmark at this point.
6. You dread the parking on Shrewsbury Street.
All I am going to say is; if you cannot parallel park, do not try parking on Shrewsbury Street.
7. You can name the nine colleges in Worcester.
You know at least one person who goes/went to each.
8. You know that “field trip” really means going to the Ecotarium.
I bet you lost track counting how many times you went to the Ecotarium as a kid. Let’s face it, you went for the semi-famous polar bear who has been alive since my parents were little. See the problem there?
9. You know people who actually don’t live in Worcester say they are from Worcester.
Ever hear someone from Grafton or Auburn tell people from other cities or states that they are from Worcester? I have. That’s because no one outside of Massachusetts has ever hear of Grafton or Auburn.
10. You know that back in the day, Sh-booms was the spot to be at.
I bet your parents met at the club/bar Sh-Booms because mine sure did.
11. You can walk through the DCU Center with your eyes closed.
How many concerts or hockey games have you been to at the DCU Center? A lot? Yeah, me too. I could find my way through that place in my sleep.
12. You know that Mechanics Hall does not fit the area.
Mechanics Hall is the arguably the fanciest spot in Worcester. It gives the city such class. So yes, you could say it sticks out like a sore thumb.
13. You may or may not have a Boston accent.
Just pronounce your r’s people, it’s not that hard. You drive a c-a-r, not a ca-a-a-a.
14. You know how to drive like a “Mass-hole.”
Ever have your non-Massachusetts friend tell you that you are a scary driver? Well, you probably are.
After reading this, I hope that all you Worcester-raised people feel nostalgic and proud. For those who do not live in Worcester, all I can say is, try it sometime.
