If you’re from Boston or have ever been there, you might be familiar with the phrase “packie” when it refers to a booze store. But why is this phrase so often used in Boston, and where does it come from?
In reality, “packie” is short for “package store,” a New England name for a booze store. When rules were passed requiring the sale of alcohol in sealed packages rather than in bulk, this phrase presumably first appeared in the early 20th century. Stores that offered packaged alcohol as a result started to be referred to as “package stores.”
The phrase was eventually abbreviated to “packie,” which is still often used in Boston and other New England cities today. In fact, many locals might not even be aware that “packie” is a local phrase and believe it to be a well recognized name for a booze store.
Although the term “packie” is specific to New England, the idea of a business that only sells booze is not. Many regions of the world, including Europe and Canada, refer to liquor businesses as “off-licenses” or “bottle shops.” Liquor can only be purchased at state-run liquor stores in various US states, including Pennsylvania.
In Boston and other regions of New England, “packie” has acquired a larger connotation in addition to its original use as a name for a booze store. Any type of store that sells alcohol can be referred to by this term, including supermarkets and convenience stores with a liquor department. In general, the word “packie” is a distinctive and enduring component of Boston’s language and culture. It is a cherished and commonly used term that reflects the history and customs of the city, despite the fact that it may be unclear to those who are not native to the area. So you’ll understand exactly what someone means when they recommend going by the packie the next time you’re in Boston.