Referring to Boston as "in town" (how much, neighborhoods)

[Boston_Burbs]

I work in the Construction industry and Boston is often referred to as "In Town"

Not Charlestown, but Boston as a whole. Also, this is by people who don't live in Boston.

"I have been working in town the past few weeks and I forgot how much the traffic sucks"

"Not going to be able to use a non-union electrician in town, save that for the suburbs"

etc.

Anyone else notice this? Any idea how it came about?

[GeePee]

Yes. it's very common.
"I'm not going all the way in town for a sandwich"
I've heard it since I can remember.

[bostongymjunkie]

It's how many people in the immediate Boston suburbs refer to Boston. It's also commonly used by people who live in outlying neighborhoods such as Dorchester or West Roxbury.

[scorpio516]

Most places in the country say the city for the hub of the MSA or the region.
In the Sacramento suburbs, going to the city is going to SF not Sac.

We're more provincial, so it "in town" instead of "in the city"

[bostongymjunkie]

I don't get how saying "in town" in this context is more provincial. The people who use the phrase are generally people who also live in very urban areas close to Boston. People outside the immediate Boston area generally say "into Boston" and they are often more provincial. Saying "in the city" in other areas often means the hub is the only city around.

[msRB311]

My parents said this when I was a kid and I think they still. And they grew up in Boston. I don't hear it much anymore.

[missionhill]

Originally Posted by msRB311

My parents said this when I was a kid and I think they still. And they grew up in Boston. I don't hear it much anymore.

I think you're right. And it doesn't mean Brighton, Dorchester, and all those other annexed districts; it means the original Boston. Globe once had a restaurant list headed "intown Boston."

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by missionhill

I think you're right. And it doesn't mean Brighton, Dorchester, and all those other annexed districts; it means the original Boston. Globe once had a restaurant list headed "intown Boston."

yes. like to Filene's basement, the north end, or the wang center

[CaseyB]

I said/say that phrase.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

I said/say that phrase.

Same here, and virtually everyone I grew up with.