New York Metropolis Slang: Over 120 Slang Phrases to Converse Like a Native New Yorker

For those who’re ever leaving Brooklyn, NY, utilizing the Belt Parkway, you may catch a glimpse of an indication that claims: “Leaving Brooklyn—Fuhgeddaboudit.”

This phrase is a good instance of New York slang.

You may already know a number of others because of films and popular culture, just like the basic “how you doin’” and “yerr,” which has turn out to be extra standard lately.

Whether or not you’re planning a visit to The Huge Apple, otherwise you simply wish to perceive New Yorkers within the media, learn on to study among the commonest New York slang phrases and expressions.

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What Is New York Slang?

There’s a very good probability which you can acknowledge New York slang once you hear it. However what really defines this native spin on the English language and the way did it get to the place it’s at this time?

Listed below are among the defining parts of “New Yorkese”:

• New Yorkers have a definite accent, characterised by dropping the -r sound on the finish of phrases (that is known as a “non-rhotic accent”), the pronunciation of -th as -d and the pronunciation of “o” and “a” appears like “aw” (in phrases like “espresso” and “discuss”). There are a number of different distinctive options to New York pronunciation, so preserve an ear out for them!
• New York speech is energetic and fast-paced, giving it a uniquely NYC sound and rhythm.
• New Yorkers are inclined to say it how it’s, typically resulting in blunt, easy speech and slang.
• Numerous communities and ethnicities and a wealthy historical past of immigration have introduced with them their cultures and language, including their very own taste on New York English and slang.
• The rise of hip-hop music within the Seventies and 80s, with its roots within the Bronx, introduced a brand new wave of slang phrases and phrases to the mainstream.

Frequent New York Metropolis Slang Phrases and Phrases

Take a look at some widespread slang phrases and expressions that you just may hear once you’re strolling down a NYC road!

The Metropolis  — Utilized by New Yorkers to check with Manhattan.

Buggin’  — Describes somebody who’s performing loopy or dropping their composure. You may additionally hear this as “Buggindaf*ckout.”

Yerr  — An exclamation used to greet somebody or categorical settlement, just like “yo” or “hey.”

Deadass  — Emphasizes the reality or seriousness of an announcement, just like “severely” or “for actual.”

Aight  — A colloquial pronunciation of “alright,” generally used to point settlement or understanding.

Mad  — Used as an intensifier to imply “quite a bit” or “very,” as in “mad cool” or “mad costly.”

Son  — A time period of endearment or addressing somebody, just like “dude” or “man.”

Cuz  — Brief for “cousin,” however typically used as a common time period of familiarity or addressing somebody.

Cabbie  — One other phrase for a taxi driver.

Brick  — Used to explain extraordinarily chilly climate. For instance: “It’s mad brick exterior.”

Tight  — Used to precise frustration, annoyance or disappointment. For instance, “That’s tight, I can’t go.”

Gassed  — Excited or overrated about one thing.

The Subway — The underground practice system in New York Metropolis, used for public transportation all through the 5 boroughs. Notice that even in locations the place the practice goes above floor, New Yorkers may name it the practice system the “subway.”

Schlep  — To hold or haul one thing, typically used to explain the act of touring a protracted distance with a heavy load.

Chillin’  —Enjoyable or hanging out, typically used to explain an off-the-cuff and laid-back exercise.

Snack  — Referring to somebody who’s enticing, typically by way of bodily look.

Wager  — Brief for “you guess.”

Frontin’ — Refers to somebody who’s pretending to to be higher than they’re.

Johnny Pump — A fireplace hydrant, named after John Giraud, the creator of the fashion of hydrant launched to NYC in 1830.

Straphanger — Somebody who takes the NYC subway. This title is in reference of the outdated fashion of trains, which had leather-based straps hanging from the poles for riders to carry on to.

New York Slang in Totally different Boroughs

Bronx Slang

From the Bronx Zoo to the wealthy tradition, the Bronx has loads of supply for guests and residents. These are some widespread phrases and phrases you may hear within the Bronx borough of NYC.

Da Bronx  — Refers back to the Bronx, one of many boroughs of New York Metropolis, typically utilized by characters to convey their affiliation with that specific space.

Boogie Down Bronx  — One other title for the Bronx, derived from the borough’s wealthy music and dance tradition.

BX  — Brief for the Bronx, typically utilized in written or spoken kind as an abbreviation.

Chopped Cheese — A well-liked sandwich made with chopped floor beef, cheese and numerous toppings, generally present in Bronx delis.

The Concourse  — Referring to Grand Concourse, a significant boulevard working by way of the Bronx, recognized for its artwork deco structure.

Brooklyn Slang

Brooklynites have a selected method of talking that you just may acknowledge from standard media like films and TV exhibits. Take a look at some Brooklyn-specific slang!

Brooklynite  — Refers to somebody who’s from or resides within the borough of Brooklyn.

The Boardwalk — Refers back to the Brighton Seashore Boardwalk on Coney Island, the place you’ll be able to entry a seashore, restaurant and the Luna Park Amusement Park.

The Beast  — Referring to the Cyclone, a historic picket curler coaster positioned in Coney Island.

Mattress-Stuy  — Brief for Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn recognized for its wealthy historical past and cultural significance.

The 718  — Referring to the telephone quantity space code for Brooklyn and components of Queens.

Queens Slang

The Queens borough has its personal set of helpful slang and expressions you may hear, many referring to locations and landmarks which might be distinctive to Queens.

QNS  — Brief for Queens, typically utilized in written or spoken kind as an abbreviation.

The Rock  — Referring to Rockaway Seashore, a well-liked seashore and neighborhood positioned within the Rockaways space of Queens.

The Globitron — Refers back to the Unisphere, the enduring spherical sculpture positioned in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, symbolizing Queens’ function because the host borough of the 1964 World’s Honest.

The Iron Triangle  — Referring to Willets Level, a neighborhood in Queens recognized for its auto restore outlets and industrial character.

The Sutphin Strip  — Referring to the business hall alongside Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, recognized for its bustling exercise and various companies.

The Pearly Gates  — Referring to the doorway gates of St. John’s Cemetery, positioned in Center Village, Queens.

Manhattan Slang

Essentially the most well-known borough of the town, Manhattan has loads of slang!

The Village  — Brief for Greenwich Village, a neighborhood recognized for its bohemian and creative environment.

The Bowery  — The historic road in Manhattan that runs by way of the Decrease East Aspect and is related to music and artwork scenes.

FIDI — A shortened title for the Monetary District in downtown Manhattan.

Museums Mile  — The stretch alongside Fifth Avenu,e between 82nd Road and one hundred and fifth Road, that options a number of famend museums, together with the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork.

The Nice White Approach  — Refers to Broadway, recognized for its iconic theaters and the theatrical trade in New York Metropolis.

The Skyline  — The long-lasting silhouette created by Manhattan’s tall buildings when seen from a distance.

The Beehive  — The unofficial title for the Vessel, a construction in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards district.

Yellow Cab  — The long-lasting yellow taxis which might be a typical sight on the streets of Manhattan.

The Met  — Brief for the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork, some of the famend museums in New York Metropolis.

Staten Island Slang

Sometimes called the “forgotten borough,” Staten Island is considerably in a world of its personal. The slang and neighborhood nicknames right here aren’t as well-known exterior of the borough however they’re important to know when you plan to go to the little island.

The Rock  — A nickname for Staten Island, referring to its rocky terrain and hilly landscapes.

The Landfill  — Refers back to the Contemporary Kills Landfill, a former landfill web site on Staten Island.

Shaolin  — Derived from the Wu-Tang Clan, a well-known hip-hop group from Staten Island that usually referred to the borough as “Shaolin” of their music.

The Forgotten Borough  — A time period used to precise the notion that Staten Island is typically missed or forgotten compared to the opposite boroughs of New York Metropolis.

Richmond  — Referring to the historic title of Staten Island, because it was beforehand referred to as the County of Richmond.

NYC Style and Type Slang

New York Metropolis is a hotspot for vogue and magnificence developments. From the world-famous vogue week to among the hottest manufacturers and shops, it’s no marvel that there are lots of slang and colloquial phrases from the style facet of NYC.

Timbs  — Brief for Timberland boots, a well-liked model of sturdy, waterproof boots typically worn in city vogue.

Copped  — Used to explain buying or buying a brand new merchandise of clothes or footwear.

Poloed Up  — Refers to carrying a number of objects from the Polo Ralph Lauren model or dressing in a preppy fashion.

Scuffed  —Describes footwear which might be worn out, soiled or in poor situation.

Bubblegoose  — A slang time period for a puffy or down-filled winter jacket, usually worn in colder months.

Guap  — Slang for a major sum of money, typically used within the context of buying costly clothes or equipment.

Rockin’  — Sporting or sporting a selected clothes merchandise or fashion with confidence.

Dope  — Used to explain one thing that’s fashionable, cool, or spectacular, typically referring to clothes or equipment.

Steppin’  — Sporting modern or eye-catching clothes, typically with an air of confidence and swagger.

Kicks  — Slang time period for sneakers or athletic footwear.

Dripped Out  — Refers to somebody who’s dressed exceptionally properly, with consideration to element and trendy coordination.

Flexin’  — Displaying off one’s modern clothes or equipment, typically with an air of confidence and satisfaction.

Contemporary  — Used to explain somebody or one thing that appears fashionable, fashionable, or modern.

Steez  — A mixture of fashion and ease, used to explain somebody’s distinctive and easy vogue sense.

Swag  — Refers to an individual’s assured and trendy demeanor or the general fashion and angle of their outfit.

Stuntin’  — To indicate off or exhibit one’s fashion, typically in an extravagant or attention-grabbing method.

Swagga  — Refers back to the assured and trendy demeanor or general presence of a person.

Excessive Style  — Refers to luxurious and designer vogue manufacturers, typically related to high-end runway exhibits and couture.

Grailed  — Refers to a extremely sought-after or uncommon piece of clothes or accent, typically related to restricted editions or hard-to-find objects.

Road Type — Style influenced by the city surroundings and characterised by a mixture of informal, edgy and eclectic parts.

New York Metropolis Meals Slang

For those who’ve by no means ordered a baconeggncheese or a greenback pizza, are you even a New Yorker? The phrases beneath are quintessentially and deliciously NYC.

Slice  — Refers to a slice of pizza, a quintessential NYC meals merchandise.

Bagel and schmear — A bagel with cream cheese unfold.

Baconeggncheese — A well-liked breakfast sandwich in NYC, usually consisting of bacon, fried eggs and cheese on a roll or bagel. New Yorkers usually slam all 4 phrases collectively into one phrase!

Road meat  — Refers back to the numerous forms of meals, corresponding to kebabs or scorching canines, offered from meals carts and vans on metropolis streets.

Soiled water canine  — A scorching canine boiled in water, generally offered by road distributors.

Bodega — A small comfort retailer or nook retailer the place one can discover a wide range of snacks, drinks and different meals objects.

Hero  — A New York-style sandwich, usually made with Italian bread and full of chilly cuts, cheese and condiments.

Nosh  — To eat a small snack or gentle meal, typically related to having fun with a fast chew from a meals vendor or meals cart.

Egg cream  — A basic NYC drink made with milk, seltzer and chocolate syrup. Regardless of the title, it doesn’t include any eggs.

Coney canine — A scorching canine topped with chili, onions and mustard, popularized by the well-known Nathan’s Well-known Sizzling Canines in Coney Island.

Boozy Brunch  —A brunch (a lightweight meal between breakfast and lunch) gathering or meal the place alcoholic drinks, corresponding to cocktails, mimosas or Bloody Marys.

Grub  — A slang time period for meals on the whole, typically used casually to check with a meal or snack.

Dive  — Refers to a low-key, unpretentious restaurant or bar that will have an off-the-cuff environment however provides scrumptious and inexpensive meals.

Cuppa Joe  — Slang for a cup of espresso, typically used casually or in diners and occasional outlets.

Slang from NYC’s Monetary District

Town is house to Wall Road, some of the influential locations for finance and the inventory alternate in the USA. If you end up within the Monetary District in downtown Manhattan, otherwise you wish to get a job that in some way pertains to the trade, you’ll wish to know these phrases and phrases.

Wall Road  — Refers back to the road in Decrease Manhattan the place the monetary district is housed, in addition to the monetary district as a complete.

Bankster  — A portmanteau (mixture) of “banker” and “gangster,” used to check with people within the monetary trade, generally in a unfavorable method.

Bull  — Refers to somebody who’s optimistic in regards to the path of the inventory market or expects costs to rise. It’s derived from the time period “bull market.”

Bear  — Refers to an individual who’s pessimistic in regards to the path of the inventory market or expects costs to fall. It’s derived from the time period “bear market.”

Huge Board  — Refers back to the New York Inventory Alternate (NYSE), the world’s largest inventory alternate positioned on Wall Road.

Ticker  — The scrolling show of inventory quotes and monetary info discovered on digital boards, notably the ticker tape on the New York Inventory Alternate.

Ground dealer  — A dealer who conducts transactions on the buying and selling ground of an alternate, typically utilizing hand indicators and verbal communication.

Pit  — An space on the buying and selling ground the place open outcry buying and selling happens, with merchants making bids and provides utilizing hand indicators.

Dollar  — A slang time period for the U.S. greenback, derived from the colour of American banknotes.

Boiler room  — A high-pressure gross sales surroundings, typically related to fraudulent or unethical practices within the monetary trade.

New York Metropolis Sports activities Slang

From the Yankees to the Mets and past, New York Metropolis is house to a number of sports activities groups and venues. Learn the way to speak sports activities like a New Yorker with these slang phrases!

The Bronx Bombers  — Nickname for the New York Yankees, referring to their highly effective hitting potential.

Broadway Blueshirts  — Nickname for the New York Rangers, the town’s skilled ice hockey group.

Bronx Zoo  — Refers back to the tumultuous period of the New York Yankees within the late Seventies, recognized for its colourful and generally controversial personalities.

Gotham Gridiron  — Refers back to the soccer discipline, particularly within the context of the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

Subway Standoff  — Refers to a match-up between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.

Huge Blue  — Nickname for the New York Giants, referring to their group colours.

The Backyard — Refers to Madison Sq. Backyard, a well-known area in New York Metropolis that hosts numerous sporting occasions, notably basketball and ice hockey.

Empire way of thinking — Refers back to the satisfaction and mindset related to representing New York in sports activities, and the nickname for NYC, “The Empire State.”

Pinstripes  — Refers back to the distinctive uniform of the New York Yankees, that includes skinny vertical stripes.

Subway Heroes  — Refers to standout gamers on the New York Mets or New York Yankees who persistently carry out properly.

Nets Nation  — Refers back to the fanbase of the Brooklyn Nets, the town’s skilled basketball group.

The Home That Ruth Constructed  — Nickname for the unique Yankee Stadium, honoring the legendary participant Babe Ruth.

Orange and Blue  — Refers back to the group colours shared by the New York Mets and the New York Knicks.

New York Slang in Well-liked Tradition

Each time NYC is featured in films and TV exhibits, you may overhear some very New Yorker factor to say. Listed below are among the most well-known examples of NYC slang utilized in standard tradition.

Fuhgeddaboudit — A phrase popularized by New York movies like “Donnie Brasco” and “Goodfellas,” which means “overlook about it” or “let it go.”

Bada bing, bada growth — Popularized by the TV collection “The Sopranos,” it’s an expression used to emphasise the simplicity or quickness of a course of.

I’m walkin’ right here! — A line famously ad-libbed by Dustin Hoffman’s character within the film “Midnight Cowboy,” representing the assertiveness and toughness related to New Yorkers.

You talkin’ to me? — An iconic line from the film “Taxi Driver” delivered by Robert De Niro’s character, representing a confrontational and skeptical angle.

Youse/Youse guys — Utilized in “A Bronx Story” and “The Sopranos” to deal with a bunch of individuals, equal to “you all” or “you guys.”

The way you doin’? — Made well-known by Joey Tribbiani within the TV present “Buddies,” it’s a easy and flirtatious method of claiming “good day” or expressing curiosity.

Wassup? — An off-the-cuff greeting, popularized by Budweiser commercials and later utilized by characters in numerous TV exhibits and films.

Slang Names for NYC

New York Metropolis has many names. Examine them out beneath!

The Huge Apple  — A nickname that represents New York Metropolis’s standing as essentially the most outstanding and influential metropolis in the USA.

The Concrete Jungle  — Refers back to the dense city panorama of New York Metropolis, characterised by its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.

Gotham  — A nickname derived from the fictional metropolis of Batman comics, representing the darkish and mysterious points of New York Metropolis.

The Empire Metropolis  — Displays New York Metropolis’s historic and cultural significance as a middle of financial energy and affect.

The Metropolis That By no means Sleeps  — Emphasizes the 24/7 power and fixed exercise of New York Metropolis, the place there may be all the time one thing occurring at any time of day or night time.

The Capital of the World — Highlights New York Metropolis’s international affect and its standing as a hub for finance, tradition, media and numerous industries.

The Melting Pot — Describes New York Metropolis’s various inhabitants and the mixing of various cultures, languages and traditions in a single place.

Town so good they named it twice — Refers back to the full title of the town and state, “New York, New York.”

 

Whether or not you’re planning to go to New York Metropolis or stay there, the slang phrases and expressions on this submit will educate you to talk like a real New Yorker!