Everything about Masshole totally explained
Masshole is a
portmanteau of the words
Massachusetts and
asshole, used to express a derogatory view of residents of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA. The term is primarily used by residents of other
New England states, in reference to what they perceive as the elitist attitude and aggressive driving habits of the state's leaders and residents.
A symptom of friction often found when rural and urban cultures meet, the term's use has increased with the migration of upper-middle-class families from eastern Massachusetts to districts with less crowding, lower home prices, and lower taxes, either as a primary residence or a vacation home (examples are
New Hampshire,
Vermont, most of southern
Maine, especially the tourist areas of
Kennebunk and
Kennebunkport, and the rural areas of
Rhode Island). The term is a direct reference to the perceived rudeness, snobbishness, and high-pressure lifestyle of the migrants and current residents of Massachusetts. It indirectly refers to upward pressures on real estate prices, due to their higher average income and net worth.
The word is also often used by non-native, upwardly-mobile residents of Massachusetts to stigmatize life-long residents having a lower perceived social status. This usage is rather like use of the term "
townies," and is tied to
gentrification and
yuppieness.
"Masshole" is sometimes used as a boastful local symbol, especially when talking about the drinking and/or driving habits of Massachusetts residents. Massachusetts residents who congregate outside of Massachusetts will often refer to themselves as Massholes in jest. This is especially prevalent among college students in neighboring states of Massachusetts.
In the
United States Merchant Marine, "Masshole" is frequently used to refer to graduates of the
Massachusetts Maritime Academy, regardless of whether or not they're from Massachusetts.
"Masshole" is a trademark registered with the
US Patent & Trademark Office by Mass Industries, Inc.
Driving habits
Massachusetts residents, used to the congested and confusing road network in the Boston area, are said to be bad at obeying traffic laws. A 2006 auto insurance study found Massachusetts tied at #48 with
New Jersey in correctly answering a quiz about the rules of the road, with only
Washington, D.C. and
Rhode Island having worse scores. However, Massachusetts has the lowest fatal accident rate in the nation.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Masshole'.
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