New York City Slang: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Urban Vernacular

New York City is famous not only for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and eclectic neighborhoods but also for its rich and vibrant slang that reflects its unique culture. Here, we dive into some commonly used terms and phrases, exploring their meanings and how they are used in everyday conversation.

Understanding New York Slang

New York City slang is a dynamic mix of English, Yiddish, Italian, and other influences, each contributing to a lively and vivid lexicon. Below, we look at some of the most commonly used slang terms and how they are integrated into the dynamic urban culture of the city.

Bodega

Bodega (n.) A small convenience store often found on street corners, offering a range of items from snacks and groceries to household supplies. This is where you buy your morning coffee, your late-night munchies, and your essential toiletries.

Deadass

Deadass (adverb) Used to emphasize sincerity or seriousness, akin to saying "I'm serious" or "for real." For example, "I'm deadass tired after the long day at work."

Lit

Lit (adjective) Exciting or excellent, often used to describe a fun party or event. For instance, "That party was lit, and we danced the night away."

Mad

Mad (adjective) Used as an intensifier, meaning very. It can be used to convey strong emotions or to emphasize a point. For example, "It's mad cold today," or "That's mad serious, we need to take action."

Schlep

Schlep (verb) To carry or drag something heavy, often used when describing a burdensome task. For example, "I had to schlep that heavy box all the way home."

Yerr

Yerr (interjection) A casual greeting or a way to get someone's attention, similar to "Hey" or "There."

Cuz, Wavy, and Dumb (Mad)

- Cuz (short for cousin) A term of endearment used among friends or family. For example, "Hey, how are you, cuz?" - Wavy (adjective) Cool or stylish; something that is impressive or appealing. For instance, "That hat is wavy."

- Dumb (Mad) (exclamation) Very, used to express strong emotions or emphasize a point, like "That is dumb hard."

Brick and Tight

- Brick (noun) Extremely cold weather, often used in winter. For example, "It's brick outside today, better stay in with a hot drink."

- Tight (adjective) Can mean either frustrated (e.g., "I was tight after we lost that game") or impressive or cool (e.g., "That new backpack is tight.") The context usually provides the meaning.

B and Bridge-and-Tunnel

- B (short for bro or brah) A term used among friends or to refer to a male friend, like "What's good, B?" - Bridge-and-Tunnel (adjective) A commentary on anyone from Long Island or New Jersey, suggesting they are not true New Yorkers. For example, "She's so bridge-and-tunnel, walking around uptown with a suitcase."

Flying Rat and Pie

- Flying Rat (noun) A pigeon, often used in a casual or lightweight manner, like "Look, a flying rat just landed on the statue."

- Pie (noun) A term meaning pizza. In New York City, pie is synonymous with the delicious and varied slices you can find in every corner, like “Get me a pie with extra cheese.”

Yooz and Schmear

- Yooz (pronoun) A plural form of you, sometimes used in spoken or colloquial contexts, like "Yooz guys, I gotta go."

- Schmear (noun) A lot of cream cheese, often requested when ordering bagels, like "Can I get a bagel with schmear?"

Northeast and Southeast Corners

- Northeast/Southeast Corners (noun) Term used in Manhattan to indicate a specific location, making it easy to meet friends with exactness. For example, "Meet me at the northeast corner of 9th and Lexington."

Triborough and The City

- Triborough and Triborough Bridge (noun) A term some New Yorkers still use instead of the official name, particularly the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and Tunnel. For example, "We just crossed the Triborough to get to the park."

- The City (noun) A colloquial term for Manhattan. For example, "On the weekends, we all go to the city for some free shopping."

Online and Fuhgedaboutit

- Online (adjective) In line, often used with the context of waiting for events or tickets. For example, "I waited online for seven hours to get tickets to the show, it was totally worth it."

- Fuhgedaboudit (exclamation) A speed-up of "Forget about it," used to mean "No way!" or "Absolutely not!" For example, "I can't go to the party, fuhgedaboudit."

Exploring and understanding New York City slang can greatly enhance your experience and better connect you to the vibrant and dynamic city. Whether you're a native or a visitor, appreciating these terms and phrases will allow you to better navigate the city's unique cultural landscape.