Vocab inspired by local geography is alive and well in New York City thanks to that 19th-century gang of rogues known as the Bowery Boys. "Jonesin'" was spun off of Great Jones Street, while Bowery slang popularized "on a bender," "chum," and more. According to the Tenement Museum, some words that didn't catch on include maltooler (pickpocketer), smatter hauling (stealing handkerchiefs), and crushers (cops). Ahem, we'll be reading Gangs of New York if you need us. [Bowery Boogie]
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