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In Rockland almost everyone says "the city" to mean Manhattan, and only Manhattan. If you are referring to the Bronx, or Queens, etc, you would say "the Bronx", "Queens" or whatever. People who I have known who lived in an outer borough also used the phrase "the city" in the same manner, meaning that a friend could be at his house in Queens and would say "lets go to the city tonight".
As others have said, I think this, in part, lingers from earlier times when Manhattan was separately incorporated from the other 4 boroughs. Also, I think a big part of it has to due with the fact that Manhattan is an island, and as such, is well defined in terms of being there or not - it helps it be separate, and maintain that "city" uniqueness.
Same if you live in Jersey. The city is Manhattan.
People who grew up in NYC outside of Manhattan, refer to Manhattan as "the city". The majority of those who grew up in Manhattan refer to it as Manhattan or the particular neighborhood that they grew up in. Where are you from? The UWS, UES, Harlem, Wash Heights, etc.
The 5 boroughs as a whole are referred to as "New York City" by native NY'ers. As in, I grew up in NYC but I visit the city frequently.
people who just say Manhattan are most likely not from NYC and the other boroughs
Not true, people who say "Manhattan" are more likely to be from NYC than outside of it.
Now I am aware that a lot of people in NYC call it the city, but it is common for people to refer to it as Manhattan. My mother and aunt were born and raised in Brooklyn, he latter still lives there, and they say "Manhattan", as did my late grandfather if I'm not mistaken.
I'm from Long Island but I would usually say "I'm going to Manhattan" rather than "I'm going to the city". I think Manhattan has a nice ring to it, and calling it "the city" is kinda bland in my opinion.
There is something really arrogant about saying "the city." It kind of obviates all other cities.
Wanna hear silly:
I have a friend in Rego Park who works in Manhattan and she always says "I need to go into New York" when she means taking the subway from Queens to Manhattan. I say "You are already IN New York," but it doesn't register.
Go figger?.
There is something really arrogant about saying "the city." It kind of obviates all other cities.
Yeah pretty much, it's also bland in my opinion
Quote:
Originally Posted by seansean
I always said "the city" growing up, but I say "manhattan" as an adult. No idea why I do that.
Maybe it some point you decided that "Manhattan" sounds better
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kefir King
Wanna here silly:
I have a friend in Rego Park who works in Manhattan and she always says "I need to go into New York" when she means taking the subway from Queens to Manhattan. I say "You are already IN New York," but it doesn't register.
Go figger?.
Way back in the day it was common for people to refer to it as New York, as it's New York, New York
Myself and everyone I know from Staten Island calls Manhattan "the city".
You work "in the city"
Take the ferry " to the city"
"Lets go to the city and hang out".....
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