12 Phrases That Will Make You Swear New Orleanians Have Their Own Language

If you’re new to New Orleans, there’s a good chance you’ve heard things that you had a little trouble understanding. Here’s your guide if you want to understand the locals—and even sounds like a local from time to time.

1) Bay-bay!

This is how you get called out in NOLA.

2) Hey how you doin’, alright alright

You know someone is from New Orleans when they pass you on the street, ask you how you are doing and answer before you have the chance to say a word.

3) Yeah you right.

Kind of like alright, but better.

4) I’ve been sayin..

How New Orleanians say I told you so.

5) Boocoo

Meaning, very, a bunch, from the French beaucoup which means a lot.

6) I’m fixin’ to..

I’m getting ready to... But since things usually go slower in New Orleans, this usually means there are probably at least a few more hours before anything is going to happen.

7) On tomorrow….

In New Orleans, tomorrow is just like another day of the week. Another day to eat some beignets, that is.

8) Brah

The NOLA version of bro.

9) By my house

This is how you say something or someone is at your house.

10) Now you kno….

Another way you introduce telling someone something they should have already known. Like I told you so.

11) I’d like it dressed.

Re: a po-boy. Truly the only way to enjoy a po-boy is when it has its outfit on: lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and if you are lucky, a pickle.

12) Well what had happened was…

Kind of the New Orleans version of, "Once upon a time…". There’s definitely a story here!

How many of these phrases have you heard? Which ones do you say? Which ones did we miss from this list? Let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your comments and feedback!