45 New York Slang Words and Phrases Everyone Should Know
Tap into the city’s vibrant slang and spark authentic connections in every conversation.
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45 New York Slang Words and Their Meanings
New York City is famous for its pace, attitude, and vibrancy. One way locals express their unique identity is through language: slang words and phrases that often mystify newcomers and amuse longtime New Yorkers. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to stay, mastering these expressions will help you blend in, understand conversations, and appreciate the culture of the city that never sleeps. This guide covers 45 essential New York slang words and phrases, their meanings, and typical usage.
What Makes New York Slang Special?
New York slang reflects the city’s multicultural heritage, energy, and sense of humor. Many terms originated in specific neighborhoods or among certain groups, then spread across the five boroughs. Today, these expressions are woven into the city’s daily life, shaping how people communicate from Manhattan to Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Quick Table: NY Slang Examples
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brick | Very cold weather | “Grab your coat, it’s brick outside.” |
| Whip | Nice car | “Check out my new whip.” |
| Bodega | Small convenience store | “Run to the bodega for snacks.” |
| Deadass | Seriously, truly | “I’m deadass, you need to see this.” |
| Frontin’ | Pretending to be better than you are | “Don’t be frontin’.” |
45 Common New York Slang Words
Grill
To intensely stare at someone or question them in an accusatory way.
Example: “She kept grilling me while I was walking towards the train.”Brick
Extremely cold weather.
Example: “Grab your coat. It’s brick outside.”Frontin’
Pretending to be better, richer, or more important than you are.
Example: “Don’t be frontin’.”Kid / Son
Warm term for a close friend; also used to admonish.
Example: “Hey kid, what you got going on tonight?”
Example: “Son, you gotta calm down.”Whip
Refers to an expensive, cool, or impressive car.
Example: “Look at that whip!”Ratchet
Describes something messy, rundown, or poorly kept.
Example: “Don’t go there. I’ve heard the bathrooms are ratchet.”Wack
Something boring, of poor quality, or uninteresting.
Example: “That party was mad wack.”Dope
Means excellent, cool, or admirable.
Example: “That pizza spot is dope.”Deadass
Seriously or truly; used to intensify statements.
Example: “I’m deadass exhausted.”Bodega
Small, usually family-run convenience store central to neighborhood life.
Example: “Go grab a sandwich from the bodega.”Bodega Cat
The mascot cat found in many bodegas, considered part of the store’s charm.
Example: “The bodega cat’s guarding the chips.”Mad
Used to intensify a description, meaning “very” or “really.”
Example: “That show was mad funny.”Brolic
Someone extremely muscular or physically built.
Example: “He got brolic after hitting the gym.”Aggy
Derived from “aggravating,” meaning extremely annoying.
Example: “Riding the subway makes me so aggy.”Spaz
To get very angry or lose one’s composure.
Example: “I spazzed after they spilled my drink.”Grimy
Refers to selfish or unfair behavior.
Example: “Don’t go out with her, she’s grimy.”Staticky
A situation that causes conflict or friction; wanting to fight.
Example: “He got all staticky after being bumped on the train.”Trippin’
Acting irrationally, overreacting, or exaggerating.
Example: “You’re trippin’, relax.”Son
A friendly term for someone close; also used to get someone’s attention.
Example: “What’s good, son?”Schlep
Carry, haul, or drag something with difficulty; drawn from Yiddish.
Example: “I had to schlep all my groceries home.”Word
Signifies agreement, approval, or being impressed.
Example: “We’re meeting at 8? Word.”Facts
Used to strongly agree or emphasize the truth of a statement.
Example: “This pizza is the best, facts.”Fuhgeddaboudit
Iconic, exaggerated dismissal—”forget about it!”
Example: “You think you can get in without a ticket? Fuhgeddaboudit.”Hella
Means “very” or “extremely” in some boroughs.
Example: “That movie was hella good.”Uptown
Refers to northern Manhattan, typically Harlem and above.
Example: “Let’s hit uptown tonight.”Dig
To understand or appreciate; classic Harlem slang.
Example: “You dig what I’m saying?”Jawn
Anything or anyone—a person, place, or thing.
Example: “Pass me that jawn.”Swag
Style, charm, or confidence.
Example: “His swag was undeniable.”Wavy
Cool, trendy, or stylish.
Example: “Her outfit is wavy.”Bent
Intoxicated or acting strangely.
Example: “She was bent last night.”Cop
To buy, steal, or acquire something.
Example: “I need to cop those sneakers.”Yerrr
Loud greeting favored by New York youth, especially in Brooklyn.
Example: “Yerrr! What’s good?”OD
Means “overdoing”; extreme behavior or excess.
Example: “You’re OD with the selfies.”Chopped
Done for, ruined, or finished.
Example: “After that test, I’m chopped.”Corny
Uncool, insincere, or awkward.
Example: “That joke was corny.”Litty
Very exciting or lit; lively party or event.
Example: “That concert was litty.”Dub
To gain a victory, or dismiss someone; a “dub” means a win.
Example: “We caught a dub at the game.”Bad
Describes someone or something as attractive or impressive.
Example: “She’s mad bad.”Honey
Term of endearment; someone dear or sweet.
Example: “Hey honey, what’s up?”Dap
Handshake or gesture of greeting among friends.
Example: “Give me some dap.”Catchin’ feelings
Developing romantic feelings for someone.
Example: “I think I’m catchin’ feelings for him.”Bag
To successfully attract or win over someone in dating.
Example: “He bagged a date.”Savage
Unapologetically bold or ruthless.
Example: “She was savage at the debate.”Hype
To get excited or overly enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m hype for the weekend.”Trill
True and real; honest and respected.
Example: “That’s trill behavior.”Ghost
To disappear or ignore someone suddenly.
Example: “He ghosted after our date.”Lowkey / Highkey
Lowkey: Something subtle or on the down low.
Highkey: Something obvious or public.
Example: “Lowkey, I love city pizza.”Beast
Someone fiercely skilled.
Example: “She’s a beast at basketball.”
Neighborhood-Specific New York Slang
New York City’s neighborhoods each have their own unique flavor of slang. Some of the most recognizable are:
- Brooklyn: Bodega, Deadass, Yerrr, Son
- Harlem: Dig, Jawn, Swag, Wavy, Uptown
- Queens: Hella, Whip, Litty
Saying It Like a Local
Want to sound like a true New Yorker? Drop these slang terms into conversation naturally, but be confident. Remember, context matters—the meaning can change based on the situation and who’s listening. Many words like “deadass” or “brick” are especially common in casual conversations among friends or in youth culture.
Why Is New York Slang So Influential?
Because New York is a global crossroads. Its language is a dynamic blend of immigrant communities, hip-hop, youth culture, and urban life. These terms travel across America and the world, so learning them gives you real street credibility—no matter where you’re from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is New York slang different from other American slang?
A: Yes. NYC slang often borrows from immigrant languages, hip-hop, and street culture, making it unique from other regional slang.
Q: What does ‘brick’ mean in a sentence?
A: “Brick” means extremely cold, often used to describe frigid winter weather.
Q: Why do New Yorkers say ‘deadass’ so much?
A: “Deadass” adds emphasis, meaning “seriously” or “truly.” Its versatility makes it a favorite intensifier.
Q: What is a bodega cat?
A: A bodega cat is a feline that lives in and watches over the corner store, beloved for keeping pests at bay and as a local mascot.
Q: How do I use ‘frontin’’ in speech?
A: If someone is pretending to be something they’re not, you’d say, “Stop frontin’.”
Q: Can I use these slang words outside New York?
A: Definitely, but expect some puzzled looks! Many terms have crossed into national pop culture, but some are still uniquely New York.
Q: What’s the best way to learn New York slang?
A: Listen and chat with locals, watch NYC-based movies and shows, and practice confidently—don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
Conclusion: Speaking Like a New Yorker
New York slang is bold, colorful, and full of personality, just like the city itself. Learning these words helps you connect with locals and better appreciate the atmosphere of the Big Apple. Remember, slang evolves quickly—so stay street smart, tune in to the city, and, above all, enjoy using language that’s as lively and iconic as New York City itself.
References
- https://parade.com/1323554/marynliles/new-york-slang-words/
- https://www.atpeacehealth.com/the-art-of-using-new-york-city-slang/
- https://www.humancareny.com/blog/new-york-slang-unveiling-big-apples-slang-phrases
- https://en.amazingtalker.com/blog/en/english/73685/
- https://www.eminencehhcma.com/blog/new-york-slang
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