The Maine Lexicon | Mainepedia

Maine has a distinct dialect and vocabulary. Here are essential terms to help you translate.

Common Phrases

Ayuh: (eye-yuh) Yes. Often accompanied by a nod.
From Away: Anyone not born in Maine. You could live here for 40 years, but you’re still “from away.”
Dooryard: The area immediately outside your house (driveway/yard). “Park in the dooryard.”
Wicked: Very. “Wicked good,” “Wicked cold.”
Some: Very (similar to wicked). “Some good chowdah.”
Cunnin’: Cute or endearing. “That baby is some cunnin’!”
Finest Kind: The best. Used to describe anything excellent.

Camp: A vacation home, usually on a lake. It can range from a rustic shack to a mansion. “Going upta camp.”
Upta: Going north (or sometimes just away from the coast). “Headed upta Moosehead.”
Down East: The coastal region heading towards Canada (because you sail downwind from Boston to get there).
The County: Aroostook County, Maine’s northernmost region.
Downcellah: The basement.

Red Snapper: A bright red hot dog with a natural casing that “snaps” when you bite it.
Needhams: A Maine candy made with potato, coconut, and chocolate.
Whoopie Pie: Maine’s official state treat - two cake-like cookies with cream filling.
Chowdah: Clam chowder (never with tomatoes).
Scallop Drag: A boat used for scallop fishing (also called a dragger).

Nor’easter: A powerful coastal storm coming from the northeast.
Mud Season: The fifth season between winter and spring when dirt roads become impassable.
Black Flies: Tiny biting insects that swarm in May and June.
The Big Lake: Sebago Lake.