Nikky Mendoza's Blog: 6 Obnoxious Phrases New Yorkers Hear

by Lauren Malamala

Another annoying phrase...whatever. {credit}

When you live in New York City, you'll hear certain questions and comments that become more annoying the longer you call the city home. Of course, these sayings come with the territory, and if you sign up to live in the Big Apple, you have to learn to adjust and roll with the punches this city will inevitably throw your way.

For those who have no idea which sayings I’m referring to, here are six obnoxious phrases New Yorkers hear far too often.

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?” –Sidewalk Surveyors/Promoters
No, I don’t have a moment. Also, notice how I’m wearing sunglasses, my head is turned away from you, and I have headphones on. Why are you talking to me and trying to slow me down when I’m in the middle of a busy Upper East Side sidewalk?

“Our register is broken, we only take cash.” –Bartender
I know sh*t happens, but it’d be nice to know about the “cash only” thing before I wait 15 minutes for a vodka soda.

Cash only? Really!?! {credit}

“We are experiencing delays due to ______” –Subway Announcers
Every time the subway announcer comes on, I brace myself for bad news. It’s always train delays due to “traffic,” a random rerouting (I once ended up in Brooklyn when I was trying to get to Bleecker Street), or the train having some generic technical difficulties. For some reason, this only happens when I’m in a rush to get somewhere – never during a leisurely ride home.

Too long of an answer to “How are you?” –Anyone. It is common knowledge that the appropriate answer to the question “How are you?” is something along the lines of “I’m good, thank you.” But for some reason, some NYC transplants never received the memo.

Ask one of these happy people how their day is going, and you’ll get a long-winded response about everything from their sister-in-law’s pregnancy to their dad’s new home improvement project. Friendly dialogue? Absolutely. Convenient when you’re in the middle of a stressful work day? Not so much.

Good, thanks. {credit}

“The elevator is out of service.” –Doorman/Concierge/Sign on the wall
This is a message of doom for anyone who needs to climb more than four flights. I’ll never forget the night I came home, only to find my superintendent in the lobby saying the elevator wasn’t working. I live on the 15th floor. ‘Nough said.

“Ladies and gentlemen… It’s show time!” –Subway Car Performers
Let me make it clear that I have the utmost respect for these guys for their hustle, creativity, and their ability to create an urban Cirque du Soleil in a cramped subway car. But when you’re tired, it’s rush hour, and you just want to get home, the last thing you need is some guy doing a back flip and having the bottom of his shoe come within an inch of your face.

Out of all the obnoxious things we hear in the city, however, I must say this one is the most hilarious because once locals hear “Ladies and gentlemen…” they immediately look down at their smart phones, books, or newspapers to avoid all eye contact with the performers, and that never ceases to entertain me.