15 Essential Slang Words from Upstate New York

While New York City slang is well-known, stepping outside the city introduces a whole new vocabulary. Upstate New York features its own unique regional expressions, which can vary widely depending on the specific part of the state you're in. The term 'Upstate' typically refers to areas north of New York City (though this definition can be debated), encompassing a vast region where slang can differ dramatically from one locale to another. Here’s a guide to some key terms to help you explore what New York has to offer beyond the Big Apple.

1. Soda vs. Pop

While 'soda' is commonly used across much of New York, as you approach Rochester and areas further west, you'll notice that pop becomes the preferred term for carbonated beverages. If you're unsure which term to use in a particular area, simply ordering by the brand name can help you sidestep the confusion entirely.

2. Tuque (or Touque / Toque)

This term owes its origins to our northern neighbors, particularly in New York areas bordering Canada. The word tuque (pronounced like “duke”) describes a snug, knitted winter hat, often featuring a pom-pom on top. Derived from the French-Canadian tuque, which traces back to the French toque, it’s thought to be influenced by the Spanish word toca, meaning a tight-fitting headdress. Its widespread use is often attributed to the hats worn by French-Canadian fur traders.

3. The City

No matter where you travel in upstate New York, one slang term remains consistent: Whether you're near Buffalo, Albany, or another major city, when someone mentions 'The City' without specifying, they’re almost always referring to New York City. Given its status as the most populous city in the U.S., it’s no surprise that New York City has earned this shorthand reference.

4. and 5. Coney and Michigan

Food enthusiasts should pay attention to this pair of upstate New York terms. In much of northern New York, a Michigan refers to a classic hot dog topped with meat sauce. However, things can get a bit tricky, as the term Michigan actually originates from a Detroit-style hot dog, which is called a 'Coney' there, inspired by the heavily topped hot dogs from Brooklyn’s Coney Island.

If you order a 'Coney' in upstate New York, you’re more likely to receive a grilled white sausage on a bun—typically served without sauce but piled high with onions or other toppings. These sausages gained popularity on Coney Island before becoming a staple upstate.

6. and 7. Upstate and Downstate

The definition of upstate is a hotly debated topic among New Yorkers. While those in New York City often label anything north of the Bronx as 'upstate,' residents of counties between Albany and the city rarely identify themselves as such. For them, upstate refers to areas north of Albany, particularly the state’s capital and beyond. Conversely, downstate typically denotes regions south of Albany for those hailing from the capital or northern parts of the state.

8. Spiedie

A Central New York culinary delight, spiedies consist of marinated cubes of chicken, pork, lamb, veal, venison, or beef, grilled on skewers over charcoal and served on a bun or eaten straight off the stick. The term is believed to derive from the Italian word spiedino, meaning 'skewer.' In Binghamton and surrounding areas, 'spiedie shacks' are as common as shawarma carts and other street food vendors are in New York City.

9. The North Country

For residents of New York’s Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, the true upstate is further north and is often called 'The North Country.' The term was popularized by author Irving Bacheller in his 1900 novel Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country, which tells the story of an orphan raised in the area. Stretching from just north of Saratoga to the Canadian border, this region boasts dense forests, rustic cabins, scenic trails, and remote campgrounds, offering a stark contrast to the urban and suburban landscapes found elsewhere in the state. The exact boundaries of the North Country vary depending on who you ask, but its natural beauty and serene atmosphere are universally recognized.

10. Blue

To instantly mark yourself as an outsider in most northern New York towns, order a Labatt Blue at a local bar. North of Albany, this well-known Canadian beer is universally referred to as 'Blue,' and the nickname becomes even more prevalent as you approach the Canadian border. Much like iconic celebrities, Labatt’s flagship beer is known by a single name in upstate New York, where it’s as ubiquitous as Budweiser—if not more so.

11., 12., and 13. Bombers, Heroes, and Wedges

What’s commonly called a 'submarine sandwich' or 'sub' elsewhere in the U.S. goes by different names across New York, varying by region. Just north of New York City, it’s known as a 'wedge' or 'torpedo,' while in Buffalo, Rochester, and western New York, it’s often called a 'bomber.' Interestingly, the term 'hero' is used in both NYC and some northern towns. Similar sandwiches have regional names in Philadelphia ('hoagies') and Rhode Island ('grinders,' pronounced 'grindah').

14. The Snow Belt

Travel west of Albany, and you’ll find yourself in an area of New York unofficially dubbed the 'Snow Belt.' A single winter there will make the name self-explanatory. A mix of geographical and climatic conditions means that while the rest of New York deals with snow, residents of this region—stretching from Buffalo to Oswego—often face significantly heavier snowfall.

15. Poutine

Another culinary import from Canada, poutine (pronounced 'poo-teen') is a beloved comfort food that has become a menu staple along New York’s northern border. This dish, featuring french fries and cheese curds smothered in rich brown gravy, originated in Quebec during the 1950s and has since traveled south, with each border town adding its own distinct twist to the classic recipe.