New York is a state of striking contrasts—where towering skyscrapers meet sprawling farmland and small-town life coexists with global cultural hubs. From the hustle of Manhattan to the serene vistas of the Adirondacks, there’s more to New York than its infamous city streets. If you want to speak like you’ve navigated both the subway system and scenic upstate highways, these 18 slang terms will get you talking like a tried-and-true New Yorker.
The City
In most of New York State, “the City” is shorthand for New York City—specifically Manhattan. If you tell someone you’re heading “to the City,” they’ll assume you mean Midtown, Times Square, or anywhere beneath those skyscrapers.
Upstate
Anywhere north of the Bronx, depending on who you ask. Some even call Poughkeepsie “downstate,” so definitions vary—but if you’re “Upstate,” you’re likely surrounded by rolling hills, lakes, or farmland.
The Island
Refers to Long Island (excluding the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, even though they technically sit on the same landmass). If someone’s “from the Island,” they might drop a thick “Lawn Guyland” accent in casual conversation.
Bodega
A small corner store or deli, especially in NYC. Where else can you grab a bacon, egg, and cheese at 3 AM alongside a pack of gum and a lottery ticket?
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese (BEC)
The quintessential on-the-go breakfast sandwich found at every corner bodega. If you haven’t scarfed down a BEC on an NYC morning commute, you haven’t fully lived the local life.
Regular Coffee
In New York City, “regular coffee” typically means coffee with milk and two sugars. Order a “regular” anywhere else, and you might get a black coffee—or a confused look.
Pie
In many parts of the U.S., a “pie” might mean fruit filling in a crust. But in New York, it’s a whole pizza. Ask for “a pie” and expect a box of cheesy perfection.
A Slice
The single-serving version of that pizza pie. If someone says “Let’s grab a slice,” they’re talking pizza, not apple pie.
The Subway
Refers to NYC’s transit system. Outside the City, you might hear folks talking about “the train” more generally—but within NYC, “the Subway” is the default for getting around.
Bridge and Tunnel
A (sometimes snobby) NYC phrase referring to folks who commute into Manhattan from other boroughs or suburban areas. If you’re “bridge and tunnel,” you’re crossing water to get into the heart of the city.
The 212 / The 718 / The 917 / Etc.
New York’s iconic area codes. Saying “I’m a 212” can imply long-time Manhattan roots, while “718” covers much of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and so on.
BK
Short for Brooklyn. If someone says “I live in BK,” they’re telling you they call the biggest borough home.
The City That Never Sleeps
A classic nickname for NYC, referencing its endless hustle, 24-hour bodegas, and nightlife that rolls on until dawn. If you’re on an upstate farm, though, that’s a different world entirely.
Yonkers
Often called “the Sixth Borough,” though it’s actually a city in Westchester County. Just north of the Bronx, folks might joke about which side of the border it really belongs to.
The Hudson Valley
A scenic region stretching north of the City along the Hudson River. Known for farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, and quick weekend escapes from the bustle of Manhattan.
I’m Walkin’ Here!
The stereotypical New York phrase (often parodied) expressing frustration with traffic or oblivious pedestrians. Yes, it’s cliché—but you’ll still hear it from time to time (with slightly more colorful language).
LIC
Stands for Long Island City, a rapidly developing neighborhood in Queens. If someone invites you to “LIC,” be prepared for waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline.
Don’t Sleep On (It)
A modern NYC-born idiom meaning “don’t ignore” or “don’t overlook.” You might hear, “Don’t sleep on that local pizza joint—it’s actually the best in the neighborhood.”
Each of these local expressions showcases the cultural scope of the Empire State, weaving together the unending buzz of Manhattan and the peaceful stretches upstate. Learning this lingo helps you navigate the layered identities of New York—from a 3 AM bodega run in “the City” to a peaceful vineyard weekend in the Hudson Valley. So dive in, savor a slice, and proudly claim your spot in the endlessly captivating New York conversation.
