New York is a city like no other, where the hustle and bustle never stop, and the people have a unique way of expressing themselves. The language of New Yorkers is often fast-paced, witty, and full of humor. If you’ve ever visited the Big Apple, you’ve probably overheard some phrases that only locals seem to say. Here’s a collection of some funny New York phrases you’ll hear only in this amazing city.
“What, you want a medal?”
In New York, people aren’t shy about expressing their opinions, and sometimes that means poking fun at others. If you hear someone say, “What, you want a medal?”, they’re usually joking about how someone is acting as if they’ve done something extraordinary when, in reality, it’s just another day in the city. It’s a funny way of saying, “Big deal!”
“Fuhgeddaboudit!”
One of the most famous New York phrases, “Fuhgeddaboudit”, is an expression of disbelief or emphasis. Whether it’s used to say “forget about it,” “it’s not happening,” or “no way,” this phrase is used in a variety of situations. The thicker the accent, the funnier it sounds. You’ll hear it in everything from casual conversations to arguments and even when discussing food (especially pizza!).
“I’m walkin’ here!”
This one has become iconic thanks to the famous movie Midnight Cowboy. If you hear someone yell, “I’m walkin’ here!”, they’re probably trying to make a point as they walk through the busy streets of Manhattan, often when a taxi is getting too close. It’s an expression of confidence and frustration, mixed into one. Just a day in New York!
“Don’t make me come over there.”
While this might sound like a threatening statement, in New York, it’s more often used humorously. If someone is about to get into trouble or act up, a New Yorker might throw this out as a warning. It’s one of those phrases that can go from playful to dead serious in a split second. Depending on the tone, it’s either a joke or a challenge!
“I’ll give you a ride if you can catch me.”
New Yorkers have a particular way of expressing that they’re in a hurry. If you’re in the city and you hear someone yell, “I’ll give you a ride if you can catch me!”, it’s probably because they’re about to jump on the subway or rush to a cab. It’s a cheeky way of showing that getting around the city is more of a race than a leisurely activity.
“Eh, whatever.”
In a city that never slows down, a lot of things get brushed off with an indifferent “Eh, whatever”. If someone suggests something that’s not exactly thrilling or important, New Yorkers will simply shrug it off and keep moving. It’s one of the ways locals show their no-nonsense attitude while still keeping it light and humorous.
“You got a problem with that?”
In a city of 8 million, it’s easy to bump into people who aren’t afraid to stand their ground. If someone feels you’re questioning them, they might quickly ask, “You got a problem with that?” Don’t worry, it’s usually said with a smirk and is more about their bold personality than actual conflict.
“It’s not that serious.”
New Yorkers are experts at handling stress, especially when it comes to things like the subway or long lines. If you hear someone say, “It’s not that serious,” it’s their way of telling you not to sweat the small stuff. New Yorkers know how to keep their cool, even when things get a little crazy.
“I’m not here to make friends.”
When you’re in New York, the priority is getting things done. If someone says, “I’m not here to make friends,” it’s usually a humorous way to show that they’re more focused on the task at hand than on being overly friendly. The city is full of go-getters who respect the hustle.
“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
This famous phrase comes from the iconic song “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. While it might sound cliché, it captures the essence of New York perfectly. Whether you’re trying to find a job, make friends, or simply survive the subway, New Yorkers take pride in the city’s ability to turn anyone into a tough, resilient individual. The phrase is as much a compliment as it is a challenge.
New York’s funny phrases are a reflection of the city’s personality: tough, quick-witted, and always ready with a clever comeback. Whether it’s joking around about getting a medal or telling someone to step aside, these sayings are part of what makes the Big Apple so special. If you ever find yourself walking the streets of New York, keep an ear out for these iconic phrases — they’re as much a part of the city as the Empire State Building and Broadway!
Sources
[1] https://www.berlitz.com/blog/new-york-nyc-slang
[2] https://secretnyc.co/nyc-slang-that-everyone-should-know-and-use/
[3] https://edmora.org/nyc-slang-sayings-and-meanings/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/pset2e/uniquely_nyc_words_and_sayings_please/
[5] https://freedomcare.com/new-york-slang/
