New York City: a place so unique, it has its own language. If you’re not from the Big Apple, some things New Yorkers say might leave you scratching your head. Here’s a list of phrases that are quintessentially New York. Get ready to talk like a local!
1. “I’m Walking Here!”
This phrase is more than just words; it’s a declaration of a pedestrian’s right to the sidewalk. It epitomizes the busy, fast-paced New York lifestyle.
2. “Bodega”
Not just any corner store, a bodega is a New York institution, selling everything from coffee to cat food, often with a beloved cat roaming the aisles.
3. “The City”
To New Yorkers, “The City” always means Manhattan, regardless of the fact that NYC is made up of five boroughs.
4. “Stand in Line”
Forget about standing ‘in’ line. In New York, you stand ‘on’ line, whether you’re waiting for a bagel or a Broadway show.
5. “Schmear”
Want cream cheese on your bagel? In New York, you ask for a “schmear.” It’s the perfect amount of cream cheese spread.
6. “Pie”
Ordering a ‘pie’ in New York usually means a whole pizza, not a dessert.
7. “Forget About It”
It’s either used to say something is unbelievable or to indicate that the topic is not worth discussing further. It’s all about the tone.
8. “The LIRR”
This stands for the Long Island Rail Road, a major commuter train network serving Long Island and parts of Queens and Brooklyn.
9. “Regular Coffee”
In New York, a “regular coffee” is with cream and two sugars. No need to specify unless you want something different.
10. “Bridge and Tunnel”
This term is used somewhat pejoratively to describe people who commute to Manhattan from surrounding areas, not using the subway.
11. “Fuhgeddaboudit”
A more New Yorker way to say “forget about it,” emphasizing a very strong opinion or the impossibility of a situation.
12. “Slice”
When New Yorkers say they’re getting a “slice,” they mean a slice of pizza. It’s a staple of New York diets.
13. “Uptown” and “Downtown”
These terms are used to describe direction within Manhattan. “Uptown” is north, and “Downtown” is south. Very important for navigating the subway!
14. “MetroCard”
The key to public transportation in NYC. It’s used to pay for rides on buses and subways.
15. “The Subway”
In many cities, it’s called the metro, underground, or tube. In New York, it’s always “the subway.”
16. “Gravy”
In some New York Italian households, “gravy” refers to tomato sauce, especially when it’s meat-based.
17. “NoHo” and “SoHo”
Short for “North of Houston Street” and “South of Houston Street,” these are trendy neighborhoods in Manhattan known for their art galleries and shops.
18. “Boroughs”
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each has its own unique character.
19. “Deadass”
This term is used for emphasis, equivalent to “seriously” or “for real.”
20. “The Village”
Refers to Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its bohemian lifestyle, arts scene, and vibrant nightlife.
21. “The Train”
When a New Yorker says they’re taking “the train,” they mean the subway, not an above-ground train.
Learn the Lingo
Whether you’re visiting for a slice or staying for a schmear, knowing these phrases will help you navigate New York City like a local. So, next time you’re standing on line for a bagel, you’ll fit right in. Welcome to New York!
The post 21 Things Only New Yorkers Understand first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Nout Gons.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
