11 Words That Prove You’ve Lived in New York Too Long—Can You Say Them?

New York is a place like no other. From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the peaceful upstate countryside, the state has its own unique culture, and that culture is reflected in the way New Yorkers speak.

Whether you’re navigating the crowded streets of Manhattan, enjoying a bagel in Brooklyn, or hiking in the Adirondacks, you’ll notice that locals have a distinct vocabulary that sets them apart from the rest of the country. If you can say these 11 words without missing a beat, you’ve truly embraced your inner New Yorker. So, how many can you say?

1. Bodega

In New York, a bodega is a small convenience store, usually found on almost every corner, selling everything from snacks to toiletries, and sometimes even fresh sandwiches or coffee. If you’ve grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich or a soda at your local bodega, you’re officially in tune with the New York lifestyle. The word “bodega” is an integral part of daily life here, and if you use it, you’ve likely been living in New York for a while.

2. Schlep

To “schlep” means to carry or haul something, often something heavy or awkward. The term has Yiddish roots, and it’s commonly used by New Yorkers when they’re talking about dragging bags, boxes, or even just their tired selves across the city. If you’ve ever schlepped groceries up several flights of stairs or carried a heavy load through subway stations, you’re no stranger to this New York staple.

3. Hero

In New York, a sandwich is not just a sandwich—it’s a “hero.” Whether it’s filled with cold cuts, meatballs, or veggies, this is the classic New York sub. If you’ve ever ordered a hero, you know the local lingo. Don’t confuse it with a hoagie or a sub—those words might get you some strange looks in the city.

4. The City

When New Yorkers talk about “The City,” they’re referring to Manhattan. It’s a term so common that locals don’t need to specify “Manhattan” anymore. If you’ve ever said, “I’m heading into The City” without thinking twice, then you’ve definitely spent enough time in New York to pick up on this subtle yet telling detail.

5. Mad

In New York, “mad” doesn’t necessarily mean angry—it’s often used as an adjective to mean “a lot” or “very.” For example, “There were mad people at the concert last night” or “I’m mad tired.” If you’ve used “mad” this way, you’re totally in tune with New York slang.

6. Soda

While many places in the U.S. call it “pop,” New Yorkers call any carbonated drink “soda.” Whether it’s Coke, Sprite, or seltzer, the word “soda” reigns supreme in New York. If you ask for a soda and don’t get a confused look, you know you’ve been living in New York long enough to embrace the local dialect.

7. Lirr

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This one’s for Long Island residents. The “LIRR” (Long Island Rail Road) is the primary commuter rail system used by many Long Islanders to get into New York City. If you’ve ever mentioned the LIRR without hesitation, you’ve likely been living in the city or on Long Island long enough to get the hang of this transport abbreviation.

8. Stoop

A “stoop” is the set of stairs leading up to a building or apartment, often the place where New Yorkers gather to chat with neighbors, drink iced tea in the summer, or watch the world go by. If you’ve ever sat on a stoop during a hot summer evening or had a conversation with friends on your stoop, then you’ve embraced a classic New York tradition.

9. Fuhgeddaboudit

This word is more than just a fun New York accent—it’s a whole phrase that means “forget about it.” If you’ve ever said or heard someone say “fuhgeddaboudit” to dismiss an idea or a problem, you’re already channeling the New York attitude. Whether you’re annoyed, incredulous, or just in disbelief, this is a quintessentially New York phrase.

10. Youse

When you live in New York, especially in areas with strong Italian-American influence, you might hear “youse” used instead of “you” (plural). For example, “What are youse doing tonight?” If you’ve used this word in casual conversation, you’re definitely a local, and you’ve fully embraced the regional dialect.

11. Gotham

While “Gotham” is widely associated with the fictional world of Batman, in New York, it’s often used to describe the city itself. It’s a term of endearment for the place that has everything—from the Empire State Building to Central Park. If you’ve ever referred to New York City as Gotham, you’re speaking the language of an authentic New Yorker, one who sees the city as the heart of it all.

From “schlep” to “stoop,” these 11 words give you a glimpse into what it’s like to live in New York. The language is as fast-paced and unique as the city itself. If you can say these words without hesitation and use them in your daily life, it’s safe to say you’ve spent enough time in New York to truly understand the local flavor.

So, how many of these words do you use regularly? If you’ve checked off most of them, you’re well on your way to being an honorary New Yorker!

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