There are so many things that make Rhode Island unique. Beyond Del's, beaches, traffic, and potholes, here are 7 things you'll know to be true when your area code is 4-0-1.
1. Climate Confusion
30 degrees in the morning, but 68 degrees by 12 PM is something that will never phase a Rhode Islander. There have actually been days when I’ve gone home in between my morning and afternoon classes to change outfits because I was dying of heat stroke in my Patagonia fleece, even though it was barely enough warmth earlier that morning.
2. New England clam chowder, not RI.
Why does it exist? I couldn’t tell you. I have never in my life ordered “Rhode Island” chowder, or clear clam chowder, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.
3. Coffee. All the time.
Sure, we might be known for coffee syrup and coffee milk, but coffee in general is just as important. Our little state is fueled by caffeine, and there's not shortage of coffee shops. We take our coffee very seriously.
4. And Dunkin Donuts on every corner.
Rhode Island is a Dunkin’ Donuts empire. People always say they’re everywhere, but you will never realize what they mean until you visit RI. You’ll find at least three in every town, maybe more.
5. Coffee made “regular"
When I was on vacation in South Carolina, I ordered just as I always do at Dunkin’, asking for a “medium-iced-french-vanilla-regular.” What I received was a medium iced French vanilla coffee…BLACK. PLAIN. NOTHING IN IT. I was initially horrified and confused at first, thinking I must have picked up the wrong drink. It didn’t occur to me until a few minutes later that “regular” (meaning made with cream and sugar) is a term that might not extend past the borders of New England.
6. “Can I have a hot cup please?”
Keeping up with the coffee theme here, we can’t forget about the infamous “hot cup.” Asking for a hot cup, a styrofoam cup meant for a hot beverage, is a must-have when ordering your iced coffee. Some might say it’s a waste of a cup…maybe they’re right, but that won’t stop a Rhode Islander from asking for one.
7. Wicked.
Yes, I know it’s not just a Rhody thing, and yes I know it’s technically Boston slang. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be guaranteed to hear it everywhere you go in Rhode Island! Even if you make an effort to speak perfectly, in the most grammatically correct way possible, I’d be willing to bet that you still drop “wicked good” into your conversations throughout the day.
wick•ed adv \'wik-əd\
It's a New England thing. You wouldn't understand.
