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Whether you do it on purpose or not, eavesdropping can teach you a lot about a city, especially one as chaotic, colorful, and unfiltered as New York. From subway rants to brunch debates and late-night sidewalk confessions, the Big Apple never runs out of conversations.

That’s where @overheardnewyork comes in — the Instagram account curates a library of real-life quotes people send in straight from the city's streets. Each of them is a moment suspended in time, weaving together the soundtrack of a place that millions call home.

#1

Conversation overheard on G train where a man says he smiles at a dog but never at a person in New York City.

overheardnewyork Report

"Disembodied voice"
Community Member
1 year ago

Same thing with staring, just looking at the pup.

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    #2

    Text of a humorous overheard conversation between a short girl and tall boyfriend, highlighting funny New Yorkers moments.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    *Laughing in donkey*

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    #3

    Text exchange between British and Irish UN employees, an example of overheard New Yorkers' surprising conversations.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    But remember some Americans identify as Irish.

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    #4

    Humorous conversation overheard about New Yorkers comparing rats in New York to influencers in LA.

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    panther
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I would rather deal with the rats.

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    #5

    Gate attendant firmly tells passengers no seat changes on full flight, emphasizing the long six-hour journey to Paris.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And if you still want to complain about seats, I also have no shïts to give either.

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    #6

    Text post showing a humorous overheard conversation on an Acela train with New Yorkers and their candid remarks.

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    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Legit.

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    #7

    Text meme with a humorous quote overheard in New York about dressing as a man for Halloween to ask for a raise.

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    panther
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    It would probably work.

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    #8

    Conversation between 11-year-old son and mom about when it's appropriate to curse, highlighting New Yorkers overheard moments.

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    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    😂

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    #9

    Funny overheard New Yorkers quote about voicemails and dating, showcasing New York humor and city life conversations.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    He tried to page you first.

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    #10

    Text message conversation showing funny and confusing overheard New Yorkers discussing the meaning of the word mercurial.

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    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Not her fault she's stuck speaking to somebody with limited linguistic prowess.

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    #11

    Text conversation overheard in New York with a mom and kid about behavior and nannies in a humorous context.

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    TerathNinir
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sick burn in a much higher income bracket than mine.

    #12

    Text conversation overheard in New York Subway with a random person intervening in a couple’s dispute, showcasing NYC interactions.

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    Nuku Nyara
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Random Person is here for the show and tea after party 🤣

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    #13

    Quote about grandparents immigrating from Italy and dreaming of going to Italy without working, overheard in New York.

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    Momo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    omg same!

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    #14

    Text post from Overheard New York with a humorous quote about watching television, relating to New Yorkers overheard.

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    Karri Berkowitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I just want time to watch 5 hours of television.

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    #15

    Text post showing a humorous overheard conversation reflecting surprising New Yorkers moments and reactions.

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I just found the lint and a penny.

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Text conversation with surprising overheard New Yorkers dialogue about mistaken identity and relationship boundaries.

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    Silly Dragon
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Hahahahhahaaa

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    #17

    Text post showing a humorous conversation overheard in New York about a dog named Razzy, short for Lorazepam.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And I am an X-man, short for Xanax man.

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    #18

    Text conversation at an office happy hour overheard in New York discussing age and social etiquette humor.

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    TerathNinir
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    People who are like that in their 30s are not going to survive their 50s.

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    #19

    Text conversation overheard in New York between a woman and a guy about a forgotten wallet and a free drink.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    …and that’s how I met your mother.

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    #20

    Tweet about contrasting feelings toward LA and New York, highlighting overheard New Yorkers and their surprising statements.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    NY embraces you and takes it to a whole new level of prime assholiciousness.

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    #21

    Text conversation overheard in New York between a girl and a cashier about a six pack and pregnancy test.

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    Inigo Montoya
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    If she comes back to return the beer, point her towards the discounted diapers.

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    #22

    Text post of a humorous TSA agent and woman conversation overheard in New York about hoodie removal for a scan.

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    Eternal Progress
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I love malicious compliance

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    #23

    Conversation about not being in their 20s anymore overheard in New York, showcasing typical New Yorker humor.

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    Tim Douglass
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    My brain still says I'm 25, but my body knows the truth - that was over 40 years ago!

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    #24

    Text message conversation about a surprising marriage and divorce, showcasing humorous overheard New Yorkers’ quotes.

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    LauraDragonWench
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Mine, too! Though I don't mind skipping the marriage and divorce part - just gimme the gay bestie. 😂

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    #25

    Babysitter talking to crying child in stroller, a surprising overheard moment capturing New Yorkers' unique conversations.

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    Dog
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Sing to the tune of "On a Bicycle Built for Two"

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    #26

    Text post showing a humorous exchange overheard in New York between an older woman and her husband near Penn Station.

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    Pferdchen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Keep looking up at how tall the buildings are while you're at it.

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    #27

    Text conversation at Dunkin’ JFK with a funny exchange overheard in New Yorkers that surprised many readers.

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    Eternal Progress
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And that's what happens when you have America's work schedule

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    #28

    Conversation between a girl doubting a restaurant and a chef outside mentioning a Michelin star in New Yorkers overheard moments.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Girl: Oh, I haven’t heard of her, is she an influencer or some other star?

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    #29

    Text meme showing a humorous overheard conversation about how New Yorkers cross the street like they want to d*e.

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "I'm walking here.." (ok I'm out) .. 🙃

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    #30

    Funny overheard New Yorkers conversation about finding a soulmate during a flight on Spirit Airlines.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    That's the spirit.

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    #31

    Text exchange showing blunt New Yorkers overheard saying unexpected and humorous phrases in everyday conversation.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Indeed, shut the fück up I shall.

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    #32

    Conversation between two people overheard in New York, highlighting the unique experiences of New Yorkers versus tourists.

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    #33

    Text post about Halloween costume advice, illustrating a funny New Yorkers overheard moment related to surprising others.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And he is in his Tinky-Winky costume.

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    #34

    Humorous overheard conversation in New York where someone responds about income bracket instead of allergies or restrictions.

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    Don't listen to me
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Poor Americans.

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    #35

    Text conversation showing a blunt comment overheard in New York about someone's horrible energy and avoiding infection.

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    Gracie Jay
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    At least they can be honest with each other:)

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    #36

    Text conversation in an Apple Store with a humorous exchange about phone service providers overheard in New York.

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    Salvador Ciappara
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I love honesty....lol

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    #37

    Text conversation with surprising quote overheard in New York, highlighting funny moments people overheard New Yorkers.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That was the Last of Us.

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    #38

    Conversation showing a New Yorker talking about an earthquake and a girl from LA responding sarcastically.

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    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago (edited)

    Around here it's like NBD. Loma Prieta - THAT was an earthquake! Oct. 17, 1989 - we could *watch* the ground rolling towards us. 6.9 on the Richter scale. The people at the Giants World Series game got a ride! 😁

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    #39

    Text conversation overheard in New York about living in Bushwick or Williamsburg with a stranger suggesting Cleveland.

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    LOL

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    #40

    Text conversation about dating and divorce, capturing surprising things overheard from New Yorkers in public.

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    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    But they'll all be divorced for a reason.

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    #41

    Alt text: Text post sharing a humorous overheard New Yorker comment about regretting marrying for love and envying friends who married for money.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Hey, it could be worse. They could be in Monaco.

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    #42

    Woman crying on sidewalk with friend, overheard in New York, discussing birthday and life struggles.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Pep talk to die for.

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    #43

    Text-based image with a funny quote about adulthood from overheard New Yorkers about waking up early instead of partying late.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Partying? Is that when the kids go out and my wife and I blanket up, roll into a warm cannoli and watch a movie we fall asleep in the middle of?

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    #44

    Text showing a humorous overheard conversation reflecting New Yorkers' unique travel preferences and attitudes.

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    Binny Tutera
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I get it.

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    #45

    Conversation between an 8-year-old girl and mom overheard in New York, surprising people with unexpected humor.

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    Max Fox
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That's my sort of kid!

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    #46

    Text post showing a humorous overheard New Yorker conversation about age and Father's Day dining awkwardness.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    He's not named Leonardo is he?

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    #47

    Child asks grandpa why some people are rich in a humorous overheard New Yorkers conversation.

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    Kat Alison
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Grandpa is lying. Most rich people don’t work hard.

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    #48

    Text conversation about being nervous visiting a rural hometown with no Whole Foods, highlighting New Yorkers overheard moments.

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Rural living is being able to distinguish the difference between a dairy farm, a sheep farm, and a hog farm by sniffing the air.

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    #49

    Text post about a boring life and awkward Tuesday meetings, featuring overheard New Yorkers' conversations.

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    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    So, it's boredom that begets office drama.

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    #50

    Quote about dating struggles in New York, highlighting overheard conversations capturing unique New Yorkers moments.

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    #51

    Text conversation with humorous overheard New Yorkers about biking and strong legs, highlighting funny New York moments.

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    Boris Mohar
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    If you are breathing, you are emitting CO2

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    #52

    Conversation overheard in New York where someone says they are too tired to keep plans for tomorrow.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Thinking ahead.

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    #53

    Text post about overhearing New Yorkers, quoting thoughts on feeling better than others after living in New York.

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    geezeronthehill
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "The City". There are no other cities. Sorry, London.

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    #54

    Text image showing a humorous conversation overheard in New York with disbelief and sarcasm.

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    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Bam boom burn

    #55

    Text conversation overheard in New York humorously highlighting what people consider a sign of success.

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I wish I did!

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    #56

    Two strangers in Harvard sweatshirts overheard in New York, mistaken Zara clothing for a Harvard sweatshirt.

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    #57

    Millennial and Gen Z coworker conversation humor overheard in New York about age and appearance.

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    #58

    Text message overheard in New York about a roommate ignoring a boiling pot and risking an apartment fire.

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    #59

    Tweet about people overhearing New Yorkers with a humorous comment on NYC and Hoboken locations.

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    Highfalutin Heron
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I feel that. We did "Chicago to NYC" when it was really Kenosha, WI to suburban NJ. And Kenosha was denser than where we moved to in NJ.

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    #60

    Conversation at JFK customs line with a tax-paying man and another telling him to relax, overheard in New York.

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    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The people who don't have to wait don't pay any taxes. ( Bezos, Musk, Rupert Murdoch, etc. )

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    #61

    Text post quote saying someone’s best quality is being jealous because it shows good taste, overheard New Yorkers humor.

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    #62

    Text conversation with a humorous New Yorker exchanging witty comments about taking breaks from alcohol.

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    #63

    Text showing overheard New Yorkers discussing high city expenses and preferring New York over cheaper property deals.

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    Kat Alison
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Same.

    #64

    Text post showing a humorous overheard quote from New Yorkers about air conditioning worth the cost.

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    #65

    Text image showing a humorous New York overheard quote about having Tuesday Terrors instead of Sunday Scaries.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago (edited)

    Just wait, the Wednesday Wìllies are coming.

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    #66

    Text post with humorous quote overheard in New York, illustrating surprising New Yorkers overheard moments.

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    #67

    Text-based conversation overheard in New York with a humorous exchange about blacking out and not remembering.

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    #68

    Comparison of demure vs brat New Yorker types, highlighting drinks, habits, and lifestyle in overheard New Yorkers conversations.

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    Chippy Chap
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Brat wishes it had Samantha Jones on it's side. Out of those 4, the brat is Carrie Bradshaw.

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    #69

    Text post showing a humorous overheard conversation in New York about a wife walking out during Brat summer.

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    #70

    Funny overheard New Yorkers quote: Father tells family the bankruptcy attorney said no more Aesop soap.

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    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Is that soap that's fable-ulous?