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New York Slang: How To Talk Like A Real New Yorker

Published:

by Chickie Patton

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Ever wondered how to sound like a true New Yorker? New York slang can seem like a whole new language, but once you get the hang of it, you'll fit right in. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, locals have their own unique way of speaking. Words like "bodega," "schlep," and "stoop" are just the beginning. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you've lived here for years, understanding these terms can make your experience more authentic. Ready to dive into the world of New York slang? Let's get started!

What is New York Slang?

New York City has its own unique way of speaking. The slang here is fast, colorful, and often confusing to outsiders. If you want to blend in, learning some common phrases is a good start.

Common New York Slang Phrases

Here are some phrases you might hear on the streets of NYC. Knowing these will help you sound like a local.

  1. "Deadass"
    This means "seriously" or "for real." If someone says, "I'm deadass tired," they are very tired.

  2. "Brick"
    When it's extremely cold, New Yorkers say it's "brick" outside. "It's brick out here, better bundle up!"

  3. "Mad"
    This word is used to mean "very" or "a lot." For example, "That pizza was mad good."

  4. "Bodega"
    A small convenience store found on almost every corner. "I'm heading to the bodega to grab a sandwich."

  5. "OD"
    Short for "overdoing it." If someone is being extra, you might say, "You're ODing right now."

Slang for Getting Around

Navigating the city can be tricky. Here are some terms that will help you understand directions and transportation.

  1. "The City"
    Refers to Manhattan. Even if you're in one of the other boroughs, "the city" means Manhattan.

  2. "Uptown/Downtown"
    Directions in Manhattan. Uptown means north, and downtown means south. "I'm heading uptown to visit a friend."

  3. "The L"
    Refers to the L train, which runs between Brooklyn and Manhattan. "I take the L to get to work."

  4. "The Subway"
    The underground train system. "I lost my MetroCard on the subway."

  5. "Crosstown"
    Traveling east or west across Manhattan. "I need to take a crosstown bus."

Food and Drink Slang

New Yorkers love their food. Here are some terms related to eating and drinking in the city.

  1. "Slice"
    A single piece of pizza. "Let's grab a slice after the movie."

  2. "Pie"
    A whole pizza. "Should we order a pie for dinner?"

  3. "Schmear"
    A spread, usually cream cheese, on a bagel. "I'll have a bagel with a schmear."

  4. "Hero"
    A large sandwich, also known as a sub or hoagie. "I could go for a hero right now."

  5. "Coffee Regular"
    Coffee with milk and two sugars. "I'll take a coffee regular, please."

Social and Cultural Slang

These phrases will help you understand the social and cultural vibe of New York City.

  1. "The Met"
    Refers to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "I spent the afternoon at the Met."

  2. "The Village"
    Short for Greenwich Village, a popular neighborhood in Manhattan. "We're going to a show in the Village."

  3. "Bridge and Tunnel"
    Refers to people who commute from the outer boroughs or New Jersey. "The club is full of bridge and tunnel tonight."

  4. "The Park"
    Central Park. "Let's have a picnic in the Park."

  5. "The Yankees"
    The New York Yankees baseball team. "Are you going to the Yankees game?"

Learning these phrases will help you fit in and understand the fast-paced life of New York City.

Speak Like a True New Yorker

Mastering New York slang helps you blend in and understand the city's unique culture. Phrases like "deadass," "brick," and "mad" are just a few examples of how New Yorkers express themselves. Using these terms correctly can make conversations more engaging and authentic.

Don't be afraid to practice. Listen to locals, watch movies set in New York, and try using the slang in your daily life. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.

Remember, New York slang is always evolving. Stay updated by keeping an ear out for new phrases and trends. Whether you're visiting or planning to move, speaking like a New Yorker can make your experience more enjoyable and immersive.

So go ahead, give it a shot. You'll sound like a local in no time.