Masshole

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Masshole is a portmanteau of the words Massachusetts and asshole, used to express a derogatory view of residents of that U.S. state. The term is primarily used by residents of states bordering Massachusetts, in reference to what they perceive as the elitist attitude and aggressive driving habits of the state's leaders and residents. 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. #50 and Rhode Island at #51 having worse scores. [1]

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 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.

Conversely, the word is often used by more cosmopolitan residents of Massachusetts to stigmatize residents with strong roots in a particular Massachusetts communty, but with perceived lower social status. This usage is rather like use of the term "townies."

However, just as New Englanders consider "Yankee" a term of pride, the term 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.