If you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, there's one thing you need to know: New Yorkers have their own language. From uptown to downtown, Brooklyn to the Bronx, each neighborhood has its own unique slang that can be tough to decipher for outsiders. In this article, we'll break down some of the most common New York slang words and phrases that you're likely to hear on the streets.
What is New York Slang?
New York slang is a unique dialect that has developed over time in the city's diverse neighborhoods. It's a mix of English, Spanish, Yiddish, and other languages, and it's constantly evolving. New York slang is more than just a way of speaking; it's a cultural phenomenon that reflects the city's history and diversity.
100+ New York Slang Words and Phrases
Bodega
A corner store where you can find everything from snacks to toiletries. It's a staple in every New York neighborhood and often open 24 hours a day.
Ex. "I need to stop by the bodega to pick up some milk."
Fuggedaboutit
A common phrase used to express disbelief or refusal, often accompanied by a dismissive hand gesture. It can also be used to mean "forget about it" or "don't bother."
Ex. "Are you kidding me? You want me to walk all the way to Times Square? Fuggedaboutit!"
Schmear
A schmear is a term used to describe the act of spreading cream cheese on a bagel. It's a quintessential New York breakfast item that can be found at any bagel shop in the city. Whether you prefer lox, bacon, or just plain cream cheese, a bagel with a schmear is a must-try for any visitor to the Big Apple.
Ex . "Can I get a bagel with lox and a schmear of cream cheese?"
Cabbie
The cabbie is a term used to describe a taxi driver in New York. It's a common way to get around the city, but be prepared for some wild rides. New York cabbies are known for their aggressive driving and colorful personalities. If you're lucky, you might get a cabbie who knows all the shortcuts and can get you to your destination in record time. Just be sure to tip them well if they do!
Ex. "The cabbie took us on a scenic route to avoid traffic."
The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ex. "Have you been to The Met lately? They have an amazing exhibit on Ancient Egyptian art."
Slice
A slice is a single piece of pizza that has been cut from a larger pie. It is often sold by pizzerias as an individual serving.
Ex. "Let's grab a slice at Joe's Pizza before the movie."
The City
"The City" is a common nickname for Manhattan, one of the five boroughs of New York City. It is often used by residents of the surrounding areas when referring to Manhattan.
Ex. "I'm taking the train into the City for a job interview tomorrow."
The Village - Greenwich Village
"The Village" is a nickname for Greenwich Village, a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its bohemian culture and nightlife. It is a popular destination for students and young professionals.
Ex. "I used to love hanging out in The Village when I was in college."
The Heights - Washington Heights
"The Heights" refers to Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan that borders the Hudson River. It is known for its diverse population and vibrant food scene.
Ex. "My friend lives in The Heights, so we're going uptown for the party."
The Uptown
"The Uptown" is a term used to refer to the Upper East Side or Upper West Side of Manhattan, two affluent neighborhoods located on opposite sides of Central Park. They are known for their high-end shops, art galleries, and museums.
Ex. "She lives on the Uptown, so we're taking the 6 train."
The F Train
The F train is a subway line that runs from Queens to Manhattan, passing through Brooklyn. It is one of the busiest subway lines in New York City.
Ex. "I take the F train to work every morning."
The L Train
The L train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan, connecting neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Bushwick with Manhattan's East Village. It will be shut down for repairs in 2019.
Ex. "The L train is going to be shut down for repairs next year, so I'll have to find another way to get to work."
The J Train
The J train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Queens, passing through neighborhoods such as Bushwick and Ridgewood. It is often used by commuters traveling between the two boroughs.
Ex. "I'm taking the J train to go visit my friend in Ridgewood."
The 6 Train
The 6 train is a subway line that runs from the Bronx to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Harlem and the Upper East Side. It is one of the busiest subway lines in New York City.
Ex. "The 6 train is always crowded during rush hour."
The A Train
The A train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Bedford-Stuyvesant and Washington Heights. It is known for its express service to JFK airport.
Ex. "The A train is the fastest way to get to JFK airport from Manhattan."
The E Train
The E train is a subway line that runs from Queens to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Midtown and the Financial District. It provides access to several major tourist attractions.
Ex. "The E train goes all the way to the World Trade Center now."
The N Train
The N train is a subway line that runs from Queens to Brooklyn, passing through neighborhoods such as Astoria and Bensonhurst. It is often used by commuters traveling between the two boroughs.
Ex. "I'm switching to the N train at Atlantic Avenue."
The Q Train
The Q train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Park Slope and the Upper East Side. It is known for its newly renovated trains and stations.
Ex. "The Q train is a good option if you're going to the Upper East Side."
The R Train
The R train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Bay Ridge and Greenwich Village. It often experiences delays and service disruptions.
Ex. "The R train is running on a reduced schedule this weekend."
The Z Train
The Z train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Queens, passing through neighborhoods such as Bushwick and Ridgewood. It is a relatively new line and is not as well-known as some of the other lines.
Ex. "I've never taken the Z train before. Is it reliable?"
The G Train
The G train is a subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Queens, passing through neighborhoods such as Greenpoint and Long Island City. It is known for its frequent delays and service disruptions.
Ex. "The G train is notorious for its delays and service disruptions."
The 1 Train
The 1 train is a subway line that runs from the Bronx to Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods such as Inwood and the Upper West Side. It provides access to several major tourist attractions.
Ex. "I'm taking the 1 train down to Battery Park for a picnic."
The 2 Train
A subway line that runs from the Bronx to Manhattan. It is a local train and stops at all stations.
Ex. "The 2 train is going local between 96th and Times Square."
The 3 Train
A subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It is an express train, but it also has a local service during late nights and weekends.
Ex. "The 3 train is not running between Utica Avenue and New Lots Avenue."
The 4 Train
A subway line that runs from the Bronx to Brooklyn. It is an express train and stops only at selected stations.
Ex. "The 4 train gets really crowded during rush hour."
The 5 Train
A subway line that runs from the Bronx to Brooklyn. It is an express train and stops only at selected stations.
Ex. "I'm taking the 5 train to go see my parents in East New York."
The 7 Train
A subway line that runs from Queens to Manhattan. It is an express train during peak hours and a local train during off-peak hours.
Ex. "The 7 train is packed with tourists on weekends."
The B Train
A subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It is a local train and stops at all stations.
Ex. "I'm taking the B train to go shopping in SoHo."
The C Train
A subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It is an express train during peak hours and a local train during off-peak hours.
Ex. "The C train is a good option if you're going to Columbia University."
The D Train
A subway line that runs from Brooklyn to the Bronx. It is an express train and stops only at selected stations.
Ex. "The D train is not running between 161st Street and 205th Street this weekend."
The M Train
A subway line that runs from Queens to Brooklyn. It is a local train and stops at all stations.
Ex. "The M train is going to be extended all the way to Midtown soon."
The S Train
A shuttle train that runs between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is a local train and stops at all stations.
Ex. "The S train is a local train that stops at every station."
The V Train
A subway line that used to run from Queens to Manhattan, on the same line as the M train. However, it was discontinued in 2010.
Ex. "The V train used to run on the same line as the M train, but it was discontinued in 2010."
The W Train
A subway line that runs from Queens to Manhattan. It is an express train and stops only at selected stations.
Ex. "The W train is a recent addition to the subway system. It runs between Astoria and Lower Manhattan."
The T Train
A subway line that runs from Brooklyn to Queens.
Ex. "There's no such thing as the T train. Did you mean the J or Z?"
The G Train
A subway line that runs from Queens to Brooklyn. It is nicknamed the "ghost train" because it often seems to disappear without a trace.
Ex. "The G train is notorious for being unreliable and overcrowded during rush hour."
The LIRR
The Long Island Railroad is a commuter rail system that serves the Long Island region of New York.
Ex. "I'm taking the LIRR out to Long Island to visit my grandparents. The trains are usually comfortable and reliable."
The MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is a public transportation agency that operates the subways, buses, and trains in New York City and surrounding areas.
Ex. "The MTA is responsible for ensuring that millions of commuters get to their destinations every day. However, it has faced criticism for its frequent delays and service disruptions."
The FDR
The Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, also known as the FDR Drive, is a highway that runs along the East River in Manhattan.
Ex. "The FDR can be a nightmare during rush hour, with bumper-to-bumper traffic that can make even a short commute feel like an eternity."
The West Side Highway
The West Side Highway is a highway that runs along the Hudson River in Manhattan.
Ex. "I love driving on the West Side Highway on a sunny day. The views of the river and skyline are breathtaking."
The BQE
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, also known as the BQE, is an interstate highway that connects Brooklyn and Queens.
Ex. "The BQE is always congested during rush hour, making it one of the most frustrating highways to drive on in New York City."
The GW Bridge
The George Washington Bridge, also known as the GW Bridge, is a suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan.
Ex. "The GW Bridge is one of the busiest bridges in the country, with thousands of cars crossing it every day. It offers stunning views of the river and surrounding areas."
The Holland
The Holland Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel that connects Jersey City in New Jersey to Manhattan in New York.
Ex. "I always get stuck in traffic when I drive through The Holland Tunnel."
How to Use New York Slang
If you're not from New York, using the city's slang can be a bit daunting. But don't worry – with a little practice, you'll be speaking like a native in no time. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Listen to how New Yorkers talk. Pay attention to the phrases they use, and try to incorporate them into your own vocabulary.
- Practice using New York slang with your friends. The more you use it, the more comfortable you'll become with the language.
- Watch movies and TV shows set in New York. This will help you pick up on the different dialects and slang words used in the city.
- Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. If you don't understand a word or phrase, don't be afraid to ask someone to explain it to you.
How to Use New York Slang Appropriately in Different Contexts
Using slang is all about context. What might be appropriate to say to your friends might not be appropriate to say to your boss or a stranger. Here are some tips for using New York slang appropriately in different contexts:
- Know your audience. Before you start using slang, consider who you're talking to and adjust accordingly.
- Be mindful of the situation. If you're at work or in a formal setting, it's probably best to avoid using too much slang.
- Pay attention to tone and body language. Sometimes the way you say something is just as important as what you say.
- Don't overdo it. Using too much slang can make you sound unprofessional or immature.
- When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It's better to use proper English than risk offending someone with inappropriate language.
Remember that New York slang is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with current trends and usage. By following these tips, you'll be able to use New York slang appropriately in any context.
Conclusion
New York City's transportation system is complex and vast, with a variety of options for getting around. Whether you prefer the subway, bus, or car, there is a mode of transportation that will suit your needs. Additionally, New York's unique slang adds to the city's character and charm, reflecting its rich history and diverse culture.
In conclusion, by learning about New York's transportation options and slang, visitors and residents alike can better navigate the city and fully appreciate all that it has to offer. So go ahead and take the subway to your favorite neighborhood or use some local slang in conversation – you might just feel like a true New Yorker.
Sources
- "MTA Subway Map." MTA.info.
- "New York Slang: A Guide to Using NYC Slang Correctly." Thrillist.
- "Transportation in New York City." Wikipedia.
