This is also popular with the older New York generations. Since you now know what Schlep means, you might as well learn the Yiddish word “Shvitz! ” You will likely hear Jewish New Yorkers say Shvitz when it is hot out because it means to sweat. If you hear someone say my guy, it is usually used as a way of endearment or to a friend.

This slang word is general terminology across New York generations. This New York slang word at this point is pretty universal, especially since it is used in songs so often. But in case you haven’t heard it, this is one of the things New Yorks say (Gaup, Maula, or Paper) that all stand for money. You will surely have heard this New York slang word in an old-school New York Italian-like movie. Most of these New York slang terms will be focused around New York City and Long Island neighborhoods since that’s where my family is from and where I grew up and spent most of my time. Timbs (n.) – An NYC slang word used to describe a pair of Timberland shoes which are a type of work boot that is often worn by men.

This is probably the most common slang words you will hear millennial New Yorkers say. Bridge and Tunnel (adj.) – Okay, this term has changed over time so hear me out because this is one of those New York slang words that needs a little explanation. Well, since I’m a local New Yorker I personally don’t think we say anything weird. However, here are some words and New York phrases that we definitely pronounce a little differently than the rest of the country.

New Yorkers definitely have their own way of speaking, with phrases and words that are more than likely not understood by visitors or in other cities. Over 800 languages are spoken in NYC, and one of those isn’t tied to any specific region or culture, except, well, New York. We believe in intentional and informed travel experiences. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming trips, cultural guides, and travel articles. If you live in a real lively New York neighborhood, you might hear bops blasting through car windows all night and day. For me, I whip out the Shazaam whenever I hear a dembow song I don’t recognize.

thoughts on “68+ Things New Yorkers Say: New York Slang (From a Local)”

J.A.P (n) – Short for “Jewish American Princess” this is a derogatory term that is used to describe someone – typically a woman – who is rich, snotty, and entitled. It’s typically used to describe women from affluent communities in Long Island and Westchester. This way, you can – ya know – actually understand what people around you are saying. Who knows, you might even work up enough courage to use these New York phrases in your everyday life. So, to help you better understand and communicate with people during your 4 days in NYC, here is some common NYC slang that residents use on the reg.

Walk into the bagel store and hear a New Yorker say that they want a schmear of cream cheese? This is another Yiddish word Jewish New Yorkers say, and it means to spread. Schmear is usually used with food, but not always. This slang word is popular in rap but has been around for a while.

Things New Yorkers Say: New York Slang (From a Local)

City officials have argued that short-term rentals like Airbnb listings reduce the amount of available long-term housing. And less rental supply means higher rents. But the link between the amount of short-term rentals and housing affordability isn’t exactly clear. It is not the first time women have reached for a different word to encapsulate their ambivalent feelings about womanhood.

It’s similar to the word “wicked” in Boston and “hella” in Northern Cali. Boujie (adj.) – Derived from the French word “bourgeoisie”, this phrase is used to describe someone (or something) who is doing something to make themselves father of facebook appear more affluent. Kid/Son (n.) – A word used to describe a close friend. Basically, an east coast version of the word homie. Also, full disclosure, not everyone in New York will say things exactly the same.

Heard

To link means to meet up with someone. This has nothing to do with the brand, and everything to do with a creative and fun option for saying “good”. It is usually used in interpersonal matters. This word is a variation of “good looking out!

OD (v.) – OD in New York slag has a lot of meaning – overdose and over-doing something. Bacon Egg and Cheese (n.) –  An iconic NYC breakfast sandwich that consists of, you guessed it, bacon, egg, and cheese. Typically it is condensed into one word or abbreviated as “BEC”. B (n.) – a term of endearment for a close friend or someone you care about.

What does K mean in slang?

The term “tp” is often used as an abbreviation for “toilet paper,” particularly in the context of bathroom humor or practical jokes. For example, someone might say “I’m going to TP my friend’s house” to indicate that they plan to cover the house with toilet paper as a prank. There is no definitive answer to this question as slang terms can have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. However, in general, the meaning of “tp” in New York slang is likely to remain consistent across different contexts.

• The New York slang word “fire” is usually used as a response to something being really good, or describing a woman being beautiful.
• A woman who’s the companion or conspirator to a gangster can be called a moll.
• This way, you can – ya know – actually understand what people around you are saying.
• Said like fat, “phat” was a super popular term in my mother’s generation, and she told me it must make the list of things New Yorkers say.

On the internet, where thousands of strangers may be reading one’s missives at any point, it can be useful to make it clear who should be listening. Yet despite the word’s flexibility, “girl” usually works to establish an in-group and relish a particular kind of bond. Abi Balingit knows she’s an adult. She has a day job as an ad operations manager for a music company and a side job as a cookbook author.

Washed your hair and it turned into an icicle just halfway down the block? The air conditioner in Target is odee? Another contender for the longest-running word in my vocabulary… Odee is OD, which means to overdose. But in NY, to odee is to do the most in any context.

Whether you’re planning a trip to The Big Apple, or you just want to understand New Yorkers in the media, read on to learn some of the most common New York slang words and expressions. Said like fat, “phat” was a super popular term in my mother’s generation, and she told me it must make the list of things New Yorkers say. Calling something “phat” means it’s cool or nice. You will certainly hear the older New York generations saying this.

“I’m deadass.”

Aggy (adj.) – Aggy is short for aggravated or a person who is annoying. Moving Funny (v.) – a person who is acting in a suspicious way. (phrase) – another way to ask someone what they’re doing.

My friend had beef with our middle school teacher because he took her freshly bought bagel with cream cheese and bacon from her in the middle of class. A bodega is a convenience store, usually located at the corners of Black and Latinx neighborhoods in New York City. Popularized by Puerto Rican and Dominican immigrants, the bodegas are hubs for local products, and a quick stop for snacks, groceries, and breakfast foods. Check out this video on the importance of small businesses from a Dominican bodega-deli owner in Queens.

Slang Words for New York

Please know that all definitions are listed in alphabetical order. You can click links on the right to see detailed information of each definition, including definitions in English and your local language. The real, in the phrase, is slang for “excellent” or “authentic,” dating back to at least the late 1940s. The real also sums up, upon leaving and often accompanied by a handshake or other gesture, some time spent with a person was memorable in some way—good or bad. A few years ago, Davide Proserpio, a marketing professor at USC, looked into how an increase in short-term rental listings can affect housing costs overall.

It can also mean that you’re getting really angry at someone if you’re, “spazzing out” at them. Dumb (adj.) – Like the word “mad”, this word can be used to really emphasize something and be used to replace very/really. Schvitz (v./n.) – This is originally a Yiddish word that is used to mean sweating profusely. In some cases, you could also use it as a noun when talking about a place (like a sauna or steam room) that is gonna make you sweat.

You would hear someone say that’s so “grimey” if they believed someone did wrong by them in an immoral way. When https://1investing.in/ a New Yorker is saying be easy, they mean stay well or be good. This NY phrase is usually said when leaving.