Why Do New Yorkers Say "My Heart"?
New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyle, their no-nonsense attitude, and their unique slang. One of the most common and curious phrases you'll hear them use is "my heart." But what does it really mean?
The Literal Meaning
When a New Yorker says "my heart," they're usually referring to their actual heart. For example, if they're walking quickly and someone bumps into them, they might say "Oh my heart!" This is similar to how someone in any other city might say "Oh my goodness!" or "Yikes!"
The Figurative Meaning
However, "my heart" can also be used figuratively to express a range of emotions, from surprise and excitement to frustration and annoyance.
- Surprise and Excitement: If a New Yorker is particularly impressed by something, they might say "My heart!" For example, if they see a particularly delicious-looking pizza, they might exclaim "My heart!"
- Frustration and Annoyance: If a New Yorker is feeling frustrated or annoyed, they might say "My heart!" For example, if they're stuck in traffic, they might mutter "My heart!"
- Love and Affection: While less common, "my heart" can also be used to express love and affection. For example, a New Yorker might say "You're my heart" to their loved one.
Why Do New Yorkers Use This Phrase So Much?
There are a few possible reasons why New Yorkers are so fond of the phrase "my heart":
- It's Short and Sweet: New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyle, and they appreciate language that is concise and to the point. "My heart" is a perfect example of this.
- It's Expressive: Despite its brevity, "my heart" is a very expressive phrase. It can convey a wide range of emotions, from surprise and excitement to frustration and annoyance.
- It's Unique: "My heart" is not a phrase that you're likely to hear in other parts of the country. This makes it a distinctive part of New York City's slang.
FAQs
How to use "my heart" in a sentence?
Here are a few examples:
- "Oh my heart, that pizza looks amazing!"
- "My heart, I'm stuck in traffic again."
- "You're my heart, I love you."
How to pronounce "my heart" in a New York accent?
The "h" in "heart" is often silent in New York City, so it would be pronounced "my art."
How to tell if someone is being sarcastic when they say "my heart"?
The context and the person's tone of voice can help you determine if they're being sarcastic. If they're smiling or laughing, it's more likely that they're being sarcastic.
How to avoid using "my heart" too much?
If you're trying to avoid using "my heart" too much, try to find other ways to express yourself. For example, you could say "Wow!" or "Incredible!" instead of "My heart!"
Is "my heart" considered slang?
Yes, "my heart" is considered slang. It is not a phrase that you would find in a formal dictionary.