LocalMean
Boston local meaning

wicked

/ˈwɪk.ɪd/ · Adverb
Starter sample
An adverbial intensifier meaning “very” or “extremely.” In Boston and wider New England speech, it commonly appears before an adjective or adverb.

Browser voice is a device-generated approximation, not a recording of a verified Boston speaker.

How Boston speakers use “wicked”

Use it directly before the word being strengthened: wicked good, wicked fast, or wicked carefully. The regional intensifier is separate from the ordinary adjective wicked meaning evil or morally bad.

Why people look this up

Frequently searched by newcomers who hear the term in New England films, sports coverage, campus conversations, and everyday Boston speech.

Examples in context

  • “The traffic on the Southeast Expressway was wicked bad today.”
  • “She’s a wicked smart developer; she’ll fix the code in no time.”

Pronunciation guide

Syllables

WIK · id

Stress

Stress the first syllable.

The second syllable is short and unstressed. The IPA shown is broad, and browser voice remains an approximation.

Context profile

tone

Emphatic and flexible; it can intensify praise, criticism, surprise, or frustration.

setting

Casual conversation, sports talk, local media, campus life, and familiar writing.

audience

Widely understood in New England and often recognized by visitors through film, television, and sports culture.

caution

Do not assume every use of wicked is regional slang; the surrounding grammar determines whether it is an intensifier.

Common patterns

  • wicked + adjective
  • wicked good
  • wicked smart
  • wicked fast

Do not flatten the meaning: In the Boston intensifier pattern, wicked strengthens the next adjective or adverb. It is not functioning as the adjective meaning evil.

Editorial note

This expanded wicked record is based on a Boston and New England search-intent research brief. Keep it labeled as a starter sample until the meaning, scope, and examples are checked against reliable regional references or knowledgeable local speakers.

  • High-intent content expanded
    July 20, 2026
    Expanded pronunciation, real-world examples, search context, usage boundaries, and related Boston terms while retaining visible editorial uncertainty.
  • Starter record created
    July 18, 2026
    Added with a local definition, contextual examples, and explicit regional scope.