Boston meaning
packie
A liquor store; shortened from package store.
Uses your device’s built-in voice. Pronunciation is approximate because available voices and boston pronunciation vary.
Meaning
Packie is an informal New England term for a package store, meaning a shop licensed to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption elsewhere. The shortened form is especially associated with Massachusetts speech.
Pronunciation and grammar
/ˈpæki/ · noun
Informal and regional; common in casual Massachusetts conversation.
How it is used
A local speaker may use it when giving directions, planning errands, or naming where to buy beer, wine, or spirits. Package store remains the clearer formal term.
Examples
Local: I'm stopping at the packie on the way home.
Plain English: I'm stopping at the liquor store on the way home.
Local: Is there a packie near the station?
Plain English: Is there a liquor store near the station?
Important context
Outside New England, many listeners will not know this meaning. Use liquor store or package store when clarity matters.