Here are 10 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in New York, reflecting the city’s unique culture and slang:
- “Fuhgeddaboudit”
This classic phrase means “forget about it” but conveys so much more—whether to dismiss something as impossible, to agree enthusiastically, or to say something is done and dusted. - “Yerrr”
An exuberant way to say “hey” or “what’s up,” often heard on the streets and in subway stations as a greeting between friends or strangers. - “Deadass”
A favorite phrasing used to emphasize seriousness or truthfulness, as in “I’m deadass tired” meaning “I’m really tired.” - “Brick”
A word to describe extremely cold weather, typical of a New York winter. “It’s brick outside, bundle up!” - “Cop”
Used as a verb, meaning to buy or get something. “I’m gonna cop a slice from the pizza joint.” - “Schlep”
Borrowed from Yiddish, it means to carry or haul something heavy or awkward. “I gotta schlep all these groceries up five flights of stairs.” - “Grill”
To glare at someone angrily or scrutinize them intensely. “Why you grilling me like that?” - “Bodega”
The quintessential NYC corner store. “I’m heading to the bodega to grab a soda.” - “Whip”
Refers to a car, usually something nice or expensive. “Check out his new whip!” - “Bet”
A way to say “yes” or agree to something. “Wanna meet at 8?” “Bet.”
These sayings capture the fast-paced, diverse, and colorful spirit of New York, where language evolves as quickly as the city itself.
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/)
