New York City Vernacular: Slang and Terminology

If you're planning on visiting New York City, it might be a good idea to brush up on the local vernacular. Each town in America has it's own uniqueness and the language is part of that charm. Simple words and phrases can mean something totally different by crossing just one state line. And if you're a visitor, who's never heard New Yorkers talking, you may become very confused if you don't understand more about their particular use of the English language.

New York City is full of intrigue and action, but if you use the word "action", you're liable to be telling others that you want sex. If you were to say "I'd like to get in on some action", you're really stating that you want to find sex. Be careful what you say in a strange land - you might get more than what you bargained for!

If you'd like to participate with the plan of action, in any situation, you'll say "I'm about that" or "I'm 'bout that". Getting upset about something? Say you're "aggro" and everyone will know. Think something's really cool? Just say "alvo" (those shoes are really alvo). Broke and can't tag along? Just say you're "ass out". The word "ass" is used in unusual ways, like saying "ass-load", meaning a lot or a whole bunch, ass-end of space, meaning very far away, or plain "ass" meaning anything that's not good. ( I feel like ass, you look like ass, etc.)

Although "bad" means good, "badload" means a drunk. The word "bah" is used often, like when you're having trouble believing what someone is saying, or you're disgusted by something someone said. "Bail" means to leave someone. It's sometimes used as "bail on" or "bail out". "Baldwin" means a good-looking guy. Saying "He's a real Baldwin" means that's a very handsome man. If a man is referring to a beautiful woman he may say "She's banging" or she's "A Betty". A not-so-handsome guy is often called a Barney.

Know someone with lots of money? He's a baller. Know a couple of people who are practically inseparable? They're called Batman and Robin. Hopefully, while visiting New York City, no one will call you a "beals", meaning you're very uncool. Don't be put off, though, if someone calls you a "bitch", whether you're male or female. The term is often used as a mere greeting, like "What's happening, bitch?" "Bitching" also means something really cool. ("That car is really bitching"). Someone may also call you a "hick" meaning you're not from the area or you're from a rural setting elsewhere. "Hillbilly" is another term for the same.

If someone mentions bogart, they're not likely talking about the deceased movie star. Instead, to "bogart" means to be greedy or help yourself when you shouldn't. Getting tired? Just say you're "cashed". "Crump", "fat" "gravy" or "dank" is good, "crunk" is fun, but "crunchy" is not good and neither is "gimp", "git" or "crummy".

Any time you visit a new and unusual place it's wise to understand a little of the area terminology and slang. If you really want to feel like you belong, practice the accent and study hard to learn the popular lingo. You'll enjoy your trip to New York City - even more so when you don't seem strange to the natives.