New York City Slang: How to Sound Like a New Yorker

There are words and phrases used in every local around the world that mean something specific to that geographic region. New York City is no exception.

Photo of © Paul Lowry

A lot of slang that started in New York City has made its way out and is used in other places as well. Knowing some New York City slang will go a long way in helping you sound like and understand locals.

Some of these words and phrases are not specific to New York City but were popularized there.

Schlep: to carry something awkward or heavy; to make a tedious trip

Pizza connection: The cost of a slice of pizza plus the subway fare

Bagel and a schmear: Bagel and cream cheese

Crosstown: Traveling east or west in NYC

Uptown: Traveling north in NYC

Downtown: Traveling south in NYC, anything south of Canal Street

Standing on line: NYC’s way of saying standing in line

Slice: A slice of pizza

Upstate: Anywhere north of The Bronx

The Island: Long Island

Alphabet City: A neighborhood in the East Village where the avenues are named A, B, C, D

Johnny pump: Fire hydrant

SoHo: Area south of Houston (pronounced How – ston)

The Willie B:: The Williamsburg Bridge