New York Slang II
According to the Urban Dictionary, SLANG (noun) is "a type of language that consists of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people."
So what are the more common informal words and phrases spoken by New Yorkers. Like every other large cultural center, New York City has slang words, jargon, and abbreviations that are unique to the Big Apple. Learning the meaning of those words and phrases will be helpful if you are planning on visiting the city for any length of time. Also, some of them are just for fun. So take a look at our growing list of New York City slang, jargon, and abbreviations, and learn how to talk like a New Yorker.
In New York, pie means just one thing: pizza
Schlep, oy, schvitz, etc. – If it’s Yiddish, we say it. Your religion, ethnicity or state of origin doesn’t matter—all New Yorkers are a little bit Jewish. Similarly: agita, mozzarella, prosciutto, etc., because all New Yorkers are also a little bit Italian.
Yooz – A plural form of you. Sometimes takes the form: “yooz guys.”
Schmear – A lot of cream cheese. As in, “Can I getta a bagel with schmear?”
Northwest corner, southeast corner, etc. – Manhattan’s nearly perfect grid system means that, when meeting friends, we get very specific. There’s no “I’ll come get you on the corner of 14th and Broadway,” because guess what? There are four corners there.
"Meet you on 59th and 5th"