Oh, little Rhody. For such a small state, there sure are lots of things that make it so special. All of which out-of-staters just do not understand. Here are some things we’ve all had to explain to non rhodies before.
1. “Wait, are you drinking Del’s from a straw?”
Seriously, who does that?
2. "Coffee milk is god sent, and no it's not just milk to put in your coffee!”
Coffee milk is so much more than the label. It's an experience. It's not milk, not coffee, but just right.
3. “No, Quahog, Rhode Island does not actually exist.
If there was, I'm sure I would know about it. So please, do not try to tell me it exists.
4. “I understand that it's only a 20-minute drive… We still need snacks.”
It's the way we were raised. Snacks are always a necessity when you go on a 20-minute road trip, duh.
5. “Yes, party pizza is merely just sauce and dough, but like, taste it.”
We call it "Party Pizza", sometimes "pizza strips". But mostly party pizza, and despite its deceiving appearance, it will change your life. It's changed mine. I'm hungry.
6. “It’s not a water fountain guys, it’s a "bubbler(ah).”
I have no idea where this term originated from. I don't think anyone does honestly. Either way, it's bubbler.
7. “Hot cups are completely necessary."
We have no problem drinking iced coffee in the winter, but when it comes to holding it. Hot cups are so important.
8. “You’ve never been to Allie’s Donuts? No, they’re not just regular donuts. Let’s go, you’ll see.”
I can't even explain this one. You just, you guys know.
9. “We actually are nowhere near Long Island, New York…But nice try.”
Just because they both have the word "island" in it does not mean we are anywhere close to each other. Because to verify, we're not.
10. “You weren’t a Feinstein Jr. Scholar? Weird.”
Alan Shawn Feinstein played a significant role in most of our childhoods. We always thought he was borderline creepy but in a charming way, you know?.
11. “Just because it was 65 degrees yesterday does not mean it won’t snow tomorrow. Trust me, it's happened.”
It's true, if there is anything in Rhode Island you shouldn't trust, it's the weather. I mean, it was 65 degrees last Christmas. But also, global warming. Either way, inconsistent weather is definitely a thing.
12. “No, Waterfire is not a natural disaster!”
It's actually quite beautiful. Really crowded, though, and I mean REALLY crowded. Like, so crowded if you don't pay attention for 3 seconds, you will lose your family.
13. “We only have one area code… You have three? Wow, excessive.”
Just one, that's it. The best part is you don't have to tell anyone your area code while you're here. Just the 7 digit phone number.
14. “No, I don’t need the map if you have landmarks.”
Just drive to the Dunkin, take a left, get on the highway, and go towards the Big Blue Bug.
15. “You think the Boston Tea Party was rough? We set the Gaspee on fire.”
You don't hear about that in the history books very often do you?
As annoying as it may get, these special facts and phrases are what makes us so special. Rhode Island is wicked awesome and if you’re not from here; well, you’re missing out.