Local Slang - Rochester Wiki

Rochester has a colorful mix of local slang that is unique to the area.

315 (three-one-five): Used to refer to someone from the 315 area code, which is Wayne County. Typically a derogatory term used to indicate that someone is a hick or backward in some way. Often used ironically. Also said as "Three-one-fiver."
Bo-bo (boh-boh): 1. A cheap, off-brand pair of sneakers from a discount store. 2. A mentally handicapped or disabled person. 3. A silly, awkward or naive individual.
Boce (boh-SEE): A mentally handicapped person. Originates from a misconception that BOCES students are all handicapped.
Chimpy: A portmanteau of "cheap" and "chintzy." Unrelated to chimps.
Danny Wegman: Slang term for embarking upon a cocaine binge, ideally while on a boat. As in, "I'm totally going to be all Danny Wegman tonight!"
Inspired by rumors that the owner of Wegmans may have used cocaine while on a yacht.
Eggs: Used in opposition to "dibs", indicating a claim to avoid or not do a particular activity. Can also be an expression of general distaste. Example: "Eggs on doing the dishes!" Primarily used by Pittsford natives.
Garbage Plate: 1. A local concoction of various burger/hotdog joint staples, topped with a hearty meat sauce. Originated and trademarked at Nick Tahou's and now widely imitated locally.
2. Used to refer to something that's unsightly, but maintains inherent value. As in, "Her workshop is a complete garbage plate. Lots of useful items, but everything is so messy!"
Genny: A nickname for local beer brewed by the Genesee Brewing Company.
Ghetto Wegs: Refers to the Wegmans located on Mt. Hope Ave before it was torn down. Used primarily by University of Rochester students, whose campus is nearby.
Greecer: Resident of Greece. A play on the slang word "greaser," which is currently used as a derogatory term to describe Italians, and archaically, gangs of young working class kids in the 50's who would grease their hair into pompadours. The suburb of Greece has a large Italian population.
Jewtown: Used to refer to Brighton, which has a significant population of Jewish residents and a noticeable Orthodox Jewish population, some of whom may be observed strolling to and from the synagogue near Cobbs Hill Park on Friday evenings. Offensive to some, but often used affectionately by those who are Jewish themselves or have Jewish friends.
Lesbo Land: Term used to refer to the South Wedge, possibly due to a larger than average demographic of lesbian homeowners. Usually used ironically or affectionately.
Little Italy: A reference to the Town of Greece. See Greecer"
MacGregor's: Indicates professionally reckless behavior or perceived managerial abuse of staff. Originates from the purportedly high turnover rate of the wait staff at the former MacGregor's restaurant location on Gregory St, as well as the perception that the owners closed the location because they were unwilling to work with the city to address noise complaints from residential neighbors. Used like, "I hope the new owners of Tap & Mallet don't turn MacGregor's on us!"
Mercy Moo: An overweight female student attending Our Lady of Mercy high school.
Plate: A garbage plate made anywhere that isn't Nick Tahou's. Around Rochester, you will commonly see '(insert word here) Plate' on menus indicating that the item is a knockoff garbage plate.
Pittsford: A local euphemism for "snob." Usually used to describe a woman living in Pittsford or someone who aspires to,
as in, "She thinks she's all Pittsford, but her Vera Bradley is a dime store knock off!"
The Quarter Mile: The long sidewalk on the Rochester Institute of Technology Henrietta campus connecting the residential area and the academic/athletic area.
Tidbits: 1. Frugal, often to the point of inviting derision. 2. Shy or demure. 3. Withholding information. As in, "He's totally tidbits. He sat in the Wegmans parking lot for twenty minutes hoarding his Genny and ignoring the rest of us!"
Vera Bradley: 1. A quilted handbag popular among Rochesterians, purchased from Park Leigh or other boutique shops. 2. A derogatory term used to indicate that someone is a pretentious housewife or aspires to be one.
Wedge-mans: An often purposeful mispronunciation of Wegmans.
Wegs: (wehgs): A slang term for a Wegmans grocery store.
West Side: Greece, Gates, Chili, Spencerport, Churchville and the north-west area of the City of Rochester are considered West Side. This expression sometimes indicates only the north-west area of the city and not the surrounding suburbs. Example: "I don't go to the West Side."
White Hot: A white colored pork hotdog native to the area. See also: Hots.
Wushi (WOO-shee): Wegmans sushi. Usually pre-packaged take home sushi, but can be prepared to order by their sushi chefs.

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