I've always noticed that Boston-accent people drop the "g" in "-ing" words. But I couldn't quite pin down exactly when they did it, and how it was different from when anyone else did it. I kept telling my girlfriend (who's from around here, and has a hint of an accent) that "her people" dropped their "g"s, and she'd tell me I was crazy, citing Southerners and Midwesterners with their drawls who also do it. And she'd occasionally point out times when I'd do it. But I knew there was something specific about Boston "g" dropping, I just had to figure out what it was.

Finally, it hit me. What's really unique about Boston-ish people is the dropping of the "g" in "-ing" nouns. Think about it. Curt Shillin'. Nobody says that. Except Boston people. "It's only the third innin', Schillin's pitchin', and I gotta get to a weddin'!" (Like I said, any of us might say "pitchin'," but it's the three nouns in the sentence that are Boston-only.)

I have pretty much proven my point to my girlfriend at this point, although I don't know just how convinced she is. But we've definitely listened to a lot of sports radio together, with me pointing out all the "-in'"s.

Feel free to add to this or debate it or whatever. Remember, Boston people, I only joke about the Boston accent because I love it so much, and I feel that having lots of family who talk like that, and being a Sox fan, and being from New England (albeit the accent-free zone), give me the right to do so. I assure you, if I hear anyone else making fun of it, I kick them out of my house. Also, I am grouping all of northern New England together here, which I'm sure you'll be wicked offended by. So if you're from Concord and you don't drop your "g"s and you know that the people of Manchester do, or whatever, again, feel free to add to the discussion.