New Yorkers have a unique lexicon. First, there’s the accent (it’s real). Then, there are all the distinctive phrases that pop up in our daily conversations.
Here are some quintessential New York sayings that you are bound to hear on the streets of Manhattan.
Image Source: Flickr/The Pizza Review
Slice: a piece of pizza. Specifically, this often refers to a slice of cheese pizza. If you want something on your slice, make sure to specify your toppings: “I’ll have a slice of sausage.”
Downtown: used when traveling south. Generally, anything below Canal is considered Downtown.
Uptown: you’re not heading north in Manhattan, you’re heading Uptown.
Crosstown: crossing the city in an east or west direction. “That Crosstown bus is the worst!”
Upstate: anything north of the Bronx.
Schlep: carry or drag. “I schlepped this package around all day, and now I’m exhausted.”
Nosh: a snack or small meal. “I haven’t eaten anything since morning! I need something to nosh on.”
Schmuck: someone who is stupid or foolish. “They’re all a bunch of schmucks in that office.”
Mad: a lot of something. “He is mad funny.”
Image Source: Flickr/Michael Cory
Bodega: the combination deli/grocery/convenience store found on almost every corner in New York.
The City: the island of Manhattan. After grabbing a cab at LaGuardia, tell the cabbie, “I’m heading into The City.”
Regular coffee: refers to a coffee with cream (or milk) and two sugars, usually ordered from your corner deli or bodega. Don’t try this New York saying at Starbucks!
Schmear: a thin coating of cream cheese on a bagel. “I’ll have an everything bagel with a schmear and a regular coffee.”
Standing on line: said rather than standing in line.
Bridge and Tunnel: indicates people who commute to Manhattan for work or pleasure by a bridge or tunnel. May also be referred to as B and T.
Stoop: the steps leading up to an apartment building and a popular gathering spot during the hot summer months.
Boss: a way of referring to someone when you don’t know their name. “What can I get you, boss?”
Son: another way of addressing a person whose name you don’t know. “How you doin’, son?”
Image Source: Flickr/Alex
Street meat: the food you order from a food cart.
Whether you’re new to The City or a native, you’re sure to hear at least one of these New York sayings anytime you leave your NYC apartment.
Main Image Source: Flickr/Angelo Amboldi
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