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- Yerrr. I’d be a menace if I didn’t start this list with a hearty welcome. Yerrr is the call heard through the concrete jungles of the boroughs. Need to get someone’s attention?
- “ A minute” If you’ve never heard this phrase before, you’ll be surprised to know that it does not actually mean a minute at all. “a minute” means a very long time.
- Dub. This is one of those words that’s been around for a minute. For as long as I can remember, I have been saying the word dub in all its definitions.
- Bet. Bet is another classic. In this context, it is less about a wager and more about a done deal. “Bet” is short for “you bet”, allegedly popularized between drug dealers in Brooklyn and the Bronx in the ’80s.
1 day ago · Ah, New York—the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made, and a place with slang so unique it could have its own dictionary! If you’ve ever hailed a yellow cab in Manhattan or grabbed a slice from a corner pizzeria at 3 a.m., you know that New Yorkers have a language all their own.
- Grill
- Brick
- Frontin’
- Kid/Son
- Ratchet
- Real Talk
- The City
- Mad
- Dead*Ss
- Schmear
This New York slang word means to stare at someone for a long period of time in an unrelenting way or to ask someone questionsin an accusatory way. “She kept grilling me while I was walking towards the train.”
When someone uses this word to describe the weather outside, it means the roads are icy and slushy and it is freezing in temperature. “Grab your coat! It’s brick outside.”
According to New Yorkers, when someone is pretending that they are better than they really are, they are frontin’. “Don’t be frontin’"
If a New Yorker calls you a “kid” or “son”, you should take it as a compliment. It means they see you as a close friend! “Hey kid, what you got going on tonight?” “Son, you gotta calm down.”
When New Yorkers call something or someone “ratchet” it’s not a good thing. This word usually refers to someone who doesn’t take care of themselves and has a filthy appearance. It could also be used to describe a place that is shabby and just looks really run down. “Don’t go there. I’ve heard the bathrooms are ratchet.” Related: Gen Z Slang
If you hear someone start a sentence with the words “real talk,” be prepared for a serious conversation. “It's time for real talk."
For local New Yorkers, the island of Manhattan is called “The City.” “You down to go to The City tonight?”
This New York slang word is different than your usual take on “mad.” In the hustling and bustling eastern city, this adjective is a New Yorker’s intensifying adverb of choice. “It’s mad delicious!”
When a New Yorker says they’re “dead*ss”, it means they’re completely and totally serious about something. “Dead*ss, I don't want to see him anymore.”
When you head to a deli, you may want to order a bagel with schmear. It’s a shorter way to say “a lot of cream cheese”! “I always start my mornings with an everything bagel and schmear. Don’t you?”
Mar 18, 2024 · The rise of hip-hop music in the 1970s and 80s, with its roots in the Bronx, brought a new wave of slang words and phrases to the mainstream. The best way to understand the New York accent and slang is to hear it. Seek out movies and shows featuring New Yorkers, like “Broad City” and “30 Rock.”
Aug 12, 2023 · Apple. Meaning: A nickname for New York City, often termed “The Big Apple.”. Origin: The term was popularized in the 1920s by sports writer John J. Fitz Gerald. It’s believed to have derived from references to New York City’s horse races as the major leagues or “the big apple”. Usage: “I’m visiting the Apple next weekend.”.
Apr 9, 2024 · From the iconic cityscape of Manhattan to the charming villages nestled along the Hudson River, New York’s slang reflects the melting pot of cultures and the unmistakable energy that permeates the state. Join us on a linguistic journey through 25 slang terms, each a vibrant thread in the rich fabric of New York’s diverse and spirited identity.
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Mar 13, 2024 · New York City, a melting pot of cultures and languages, has developed its own unique slang over the years. From the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the vibrant corners of Manhattan, NY slang is an essential part of the city's identity. This guide explores 45 common slang terms that capture the essence of New York, providing a transcription for each, along with descriptions and examples of ...
