How to Speak Like a New Yorker

First thing first, to speak like a New Yorker, forget the combination of the letters “T” and “H”. As in:

For whatever reason, these, those, this and that don’t exist in New Yorker. Instead, D’s are really popular and if you want to fake being a native, drop these and switch to doze.

A phrase of encouragement. As in, “go on with your bad self”.

Sure this sounds confrontational but its a term of disbelief more than anything. Scenario: “So Paulie (a common man’s name in NY for some reason), I ran into Fat Lou dis morning and he told me that five guys rolled into the deli wearing nothing but speedos and cowboy boots.” Paulie “Get the F*ck Outta Hea”.

More than one of you. You and a friend are bot yous.

Made popular by Friends, it’s like asking how you are doing but with more intent. Put some emphasis on the YOU and you’ll blend right in.

Don’t worry about it, it’s all good. Also used to express that something is never going to happen as in, “You think you can get in her pants? Fuggetaboutit!”

Not a hooker but a single cigarette. Smokes in NYC are about $10 a pack so there is a huge demand for single cigarettes (at $0.75 a piece).

Directly translated to mother. Popular uses include: “I heard your mudder was sick? How is that old broad?” and “F*ck your mudder”. Both are quite different uses of the term but nonetheless very common.

People that either don’t know or forgot your name will call you “boss” instead, especially if you go to the same bodega (the general store you see on every corner) more than once during your visit. You will feel like a big deal for no good reason.

If you get one of these thrown in your direction, know that you really f*cked up. The equivalent of being called a douchebag. Get your fight face on, shit’s going down.

Astar

Head Writer/Editor-in-Chief of Off Track Planet. Pescatarians are not just cheating vegetarians; we're our own breed and the extra protein makes us more feisty! Rawr

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11 Comments

1. Joan P. says:

   August 12, 2010 at 10:25 am

   This very funny and usefull info.
   Thanks, guys.
2. Denise Michaels, "Your Excellent Adventure" says:

   August 12, 2010 at 9:58 pm

   Never want to live in the Big Apple – but I love visiting there. Yes, people are direct in a way that feels confrontational. I love your attempt to share the “local dialect.” Look just a little under that tough exterior and you’ll see that Noo Yawkers really care. I always meet the nicest people when I go to NY. Even if it’s just for a couple days.
3. Shirley B. says:

   August 13, 2010 at 8:51 pm

   uhhhh you know people here dont really talk like that right?
4. Norbert says:

   August 20, 2010 at 8:27 am

   LMAO… that’s so true. I moved to NYC three years ago. At first it was really strange, but now hearing all these phrases is so common to my ears.

   You will also hear a lot “Whatchamacallit” (What you may call it)
5. admin says:

   August 23, 2010 at 1:18 am

   OTP comes to you live from Brooklyn, NY – You can’t tell me you don’t hear this kinda talk around town on a day to day basis??
6. Annie says:

   September 15, 2010 at 6:33 pm

   I was born and raised in New York..Actually in the borough of Manhattan…Ironically enough, I don’t speak this way and it’s insulting..I have had stupid, ignorant individuals assuming that I speak in the manner you have demonstrated in this website…And people believe this!
7. Mikey says:

   September 25, 2010 at 4:51 pm

   First the name you are referring to is not “Polly” but “Paulie”, as in, a nickname for “Paul”.

   Second, on what authority are you coming up with this crap? Just because you’ve watched a handful of movies about NY does not make you an expert. 90% of New Yorkers sound nothing like the above.

   But, you know, good on you for knowing your stereotypes.
8. Dreazy says:

   June 5, 2011 at 8:07 pm

   Um…What? Did every New Yorker become a character in a mob movie in the few weeks Ive been away?
9. Joe Mama says:

   June 6, 2011 at 11:12 pm

   First of all this was written by someone whom English is obviously their second language. To even remotely suggest that these eleven phrases would help you communicate in some manner with the fine citizens of New York City is beyond insulting. You obviously have no clue as to the rich and colorful history or historical references that spawned this vernacular. Your attempt to be knowing and informative came off more like condescending and brain damaged.
10. admin says:

    June 7, 2011 at 10:20 am

    Like any stereotype, when you hear or see something that reinforces it, you become convinced it’s true. For travelers coming to New York for the first time, it only takes hearing one person speak like this to solidify the stereotype for themselves. We’re not saying EVERYONE speaks this way in New York, but there are those who do and it makes a travelers New York mobster movie fantasy come to life. Otherwise, you shouldn’t take it so seriously – and stop pretending like you don’t have harmless stereotypes of other cultures around the world, yourself.
11. Steve says:

    November 12, 2011 at 10:58 am

    This is a great guide if you’re planning on visiting New York — in 1920.