It often isn’t until we travel out of state or have an out-of-town visitor come and stay with us that we realize just how puzzling some of the words in our everyday vocabulary can be. With New York being so large in size and full of a variety of regions, sometimes our own residents can’t even understand each other when they take a trip outside of their hometown. If you’ve ever had a conversation with a New Yorker that left you scratching your head over phrases you’d never heard before, then this list of 15 words that only our residents will understand may help clear up some of that confusion for you.
1. High Peaks
If you hear someone in New York say High Peaks, they're referring to our state's 46
tallest mountains that can be found within the Adirondack Park.
2. Thruway
If you're traveling through New York then there's a good chance that at one point or another you'll find yourself traveling along the New York State Thruway. To our residents, we simply refer to this long stretch of highway as the Thruway.
3, Sponge Candy
Known as being the Sponge Candy Capital of the World, the city of Buffalo is one of the main places around the world where you'll be able to find this perfect sweet treat. If you've never had Sponge Candy, these desserts consist of the perfect combination of toffee and chocolate. Yum!
4. SPAC
You don't have to be an Upstate native to know this one! Residents from all over New York will travel to the city of Saratoga so they can enjoy incredible outdoor concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center aka SPAC!
5. Tug Hill
The term Tug Hill refers to a plateau region of New York, highly known by our residents as being a place to receive tons of snow during our colder months.
6. Beef on Weck
Just one of the many delicious dishes to come out of the city of Buffalo, Beef on Weck is one of the most savory New York native dishes that you can try. If you haven't already crossed this dish off of your dining bucket list, then head out west to enjoy roast beef on a kummelweck roll that will blow your mind.
7. The Gunks
It's probably safe to say you're familiar with the term Adirondacks or Catskills, but depending on where your from this term may confuse you. If you ever hear someone say The Gunks, they're talking about the Shawangunk Ridge, a popular rock climbing destination within the Catskills.
8. Texas Hot
No we're not referring to the weather or anything else of that sort. When you hear a New Yorker saying Texas Hot, they're talking about our favorite kind of hot dogs.
9. The Great Escape
A phrase that could mean many things, in New York this refers to the amusement park up in the Lake George area that is a widely popular place to visit during the summer.
10. Spiedie
Possibly the greatest thing to come out of the city of Binghamton, the Spiedie is a sandwich you'll have to try at least once in your lifetime. Made up of marinated meat that's served on a roll, your stomach will thank you for trying this Italian-American dish.
11. Stewart's
A term you'll only hear in the Upstate area, Stewart's Shops are the only convenience stores we have any interest in going to.
12. Wegmans
Sadly, not everyone across America is familiar with Wegmans, to our residents Wegmans stands for the best possible place you could go grocery shopping...ever.
13. The Taconic
The
Taconic State Parkway , a road full of beautiful scenery and also lots of danger. If you hear us yelling about the Taconic, it may most likely be due to the fact that it's quite the frustrating commute for our residents.
14. Piano Man
There are a
ton of celebrities that you may not know about who also call New York their home, but there's one in particular that we'll always hold close to our hearts. The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel.
15. The City
New York is so much more than our big cities, but if you ever do hear us talking about "The City" you can always guarantee that we're referring to the Big Apple.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.