Here are 10 hilarious and unique sayings and slang expressions you’ll only hear in New York:
- “It’s brick out!”
Translation: It’s extremely cold outside. - “Get a slice.”
Means: Buy a piece of pizza (New Yorkers are serious about their pizza!). - “I was schvitzing on the train.”
Means: I was sweating a lot (especially during humid NYC summers). From Yiddish. - “We out.”
Means: We’re leaving (time to go!). - “Bodega run.”
A quick trip to the ubiquitous corner store for snacks or essentials—bodegas are a NYC institution. - “Deadass.”
Means: I’m really serious (used to emphasize you mean what you say). - “Waiting on line.”
Instead of “in line,” New Yorkers say they’re “on line” for coffee, bagels, etc.. - “You mad aggy.”
Means: You’re super aggravated/annoying. - “Yerrr!”
A favorite NYC greeting, kind of like “Hey!” or “What’s up?” (yelled across the street or subway). - “Yo, that’s OD!”
Translation: That’s over the top or way too much (OD = overdose).
These sayings capture the hilarious, direct, and fast-paced spirit of New York. If you use them, just don’t try to fake the accent unless you’re ready for the real “grill” from a local!
SOURCES
(https://www.berlitz.com/blog/new-york-nyc-slang)
(https://parade.com/1323554/marynliles/new-york-slang-words/)
(https://www.humancareny.com/blog/new-york-slang-unveiling-big-apples-slang-phrases)(https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/pset2e/uniquely_nyc_words_and_sayings_please/)(https://freedomcare.com/new-york-slang/)
