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When you live in a city like New York, privacy is a scarce thing. Not only is the city busy squared, it actually has ears everywhere. That means a conversation meant for one addressee actually gets delivered to multiple addressees, even the ones who were not waiting for a message in the first place.

This is how New Yorkers become serial eavesdroppers, whether accidentally or purposefully. Mixed with a drop of guilt and secondhand embarrassment, the strangers’ conversations offer entertainment like no other and it’s obvious from the immense popularity of the Overheard NY Instagram page.

With 1.6M followers eager to scout the snippets of things people overheard in the streets of the Big Apple, you get a feeling this is a way to shed light on the locals and their lives. Scroll down, upvote your favorite overheard conversations, and be sure to check out our previous features on Overheard NY here and here.

More info: Overheard Newsletter

RELATED:
    #2

    Midtown

    overheardnewyork Report

    PalmKitty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If he burned her any harder she’d be medium rare

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    Overheard NY is the internet’s beloved Instagram project dedicated to millennial culture and its whimsical whereabouts. Over the years it’s gotten so successful that it now features three Instagram accounts including @OverheardLA, @OverheardSanFrancisco and @OverheardNewyork

    According to the project’s description, “Overheard is the insta-voice of our biggest cities; a unique media brand that satirizes millennial culture with engaging, localized content.” Its cult following can be traced to the project’s hip online store that sells anything from signature hoodies, office-friendly mugs and stickers to put on an apple you carry to work in a juice bar.

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    #4

    Waitrose. Victoria

    overheardnewyork Report

    Delta Dawn
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got carded once buying WD40 in Oklahoma City. Who is drinking/snorting/huffing WD40 in Oklahoma City??? You’re ruining the hardware store for all of us.

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    #6

    6th Avenue. Midtown. 🚴‍♀️🦵
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#throwback #legday #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    In a previous interview, Bored Panda spoke with the Overheard representatives who told us that the project has certainly grown over the last few years. Now, Overheard New York boasts a whopping 1.6M followers.

    The creators told us that while their home will always be Instagram, they have begun to expand to other verticals “such as text via the community app Clubhouse, where we host a biweekly comedy show and are exploring some really exciting product ventures.”

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    #7

    Jfk

    overheardnewyork Report

    Keerthi Vardhan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ..and how would anyone know that.. we're all suspects with a hoodie hiding goods inside.

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    #8

    Carroll Gardens. 🤵‍♀️🐀
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#ratatouille #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Nor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes rat suit person, I'm there with you

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    #9

    Kazu Nori. Midtown East

    overheardnewyork Report

    loty moty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha. Lost my wallet on a street in the Bronx. Someone mailed it back to me minus all the cash.

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    In order to understand the success of Overheard, we have to address the fact that at its heart, Overheard is all about connecting people through a shared location or experience. The creators explained that “whether that is living in NYC (@overheardnewyork), dating on Bumble (@overheardbumble), or talking about celebrities (@overheardcelebs), it’s our goal to make people laugh and provide moments of joy and self-reflection.”

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    #10

    Nonymous Hotel (To Protect The Bartender). Soho

    overheardnewyork Report

    Мара Гончарова
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    25$ for a drink? What do they make drinks from, virgin unicorn's tears?

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    #11

    Bryant Park. 😑👩‍⚕️
overheard By @athousandfacets 📥
#throwback #prognosisnegative #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    We can trace back the origins of the project way back to 2015 when its founder Jesse Margolis created Overheard LA and San Francisco on a whim after listening to one such conversation in LA at a health food store. Fast forward to today and it’s run by a team of seven creators. 

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    #13

    Laguardia To Nashville

    overheardnewyork Report

    NsG
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know, if you don't want them to come you could just... not invite them.

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    #14

    Crown Heights

    overheardnewyork Report

    Roxy Eastland
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a myth perpetuated by plot devices in films and TV that it isn't possible to sell houses that have had murders, suicides, hauntings, etc. In real life people are so desperate to buy them and make the most of it that often houses that were the site of horrific crimes are torn down.

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    #15

    Bleecker Street. 🤬😌
overheard By @alexpnyc 📥
#editorial #throwback #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    ohjojo (you/your's)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because being in this moment is better than being in that moment.

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    “We are fortunate to work with great brands like Bumble, Le Labo, Netflix, etc. Currently, we see ourselves as social-first local media, and plan to expand into podcasts, local events, products, and more video content,” the representatives told us earlier.

    Part of what makes Overheard NY so appealing is that it essentially celebrates common things people find relatable. Such shared experiences can be anything from finance, dating, work, food, spirituality, local knowledge, and so on.

    #16

    D’agostino. Ues

    overheardnewyork Report

    AspieGirl88
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ugh. Poor girl can’t even do her shopping without having some random guy hitting on her! That’s so out of order. 😑🤦‍♀️

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    #17

    Dumbo

    overheardnewyork Report

    AspieGirl88
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess it’s not worth going there then? 🤷‍♀️😂

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    #18

    Lexington And 24th

    overheardnewyork Report

    #19

    Bodega. Ues

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    AspieGirl88
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go to the guy on 72nd then! What’s the big issue? It’s literally $4 difference, either way! 🤣

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    #20

    Bushwick & Eldert

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    ThatG
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm almost willing to bet that it was actually the Puerto Rican flag...

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    #21

    Bar Name Withheld To Protect The Bartender. East Village

    overheardnewyork Report

    Humanoid Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just read that drinks cost $25, no way I'd be tipping either.

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    #22

    Only In New York Do You Hear This Rich Content

    overheardnewyork Report

    PickleRick
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Money can't buy happiness? Then I'll pay to lease it.

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    #23

    Verified CVS. Les.

    overheardnewyork Report

    crazy_cat_notAlady
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when pigeons have more rights than women in some states and countries.

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    #24

    Two Friends

    overheardnewyork Report

    WordWeaver
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try being a REAL FRIEND to her. See her a PERSON with thoughts, feelings, wants, fears and history. Then your relationship might have a basis for longevity.

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    #26

    Overheard

    overheardnewyork Report

    flutterbyy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I'm a work in progress" guy meets "I can change him" girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after.

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    #28

    Carroll Gardens. 😮‍💨🤌
overheard By @emmebeezle 📥
#8bawl #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    #29

    Penn Station. 🤌🗽
overheard By @tessangelikaa 📥
#atmosphericpressure #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Bored_Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are they bragging about living in a city that allegedly smells like urine?

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    #31

    Girl To Friend. Les

    overheardnewyork Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just my opinion but people who think like that are not worth dating in the first place.

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    #32

    13th And 3rd

    overheardnewyork Report

    Roxy Eastland
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the therapist actually did say that they are terrible therapist. However it is possible that by asking the right questions they helped their client work out for themselves what they wanted, which turned out to be an end to their current relationship, and it the inevitability of it felt like being 'told' to do it.

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    #34

    Party. Williamsburg

    overheardnewyork Report

    Roxy Eastland
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude, she's trying to tell you she's not interested without embarrassing you or risking being verbally (or more) attacked. Take the hint. Why do these men want to try and force uninterested women into dating them?

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    #35

    **as Long As It Makes Your Heart Race Who Cares How You Got There. Check Out @bumblebrewnyc Café And Restaurant On Kenmare. Everyone Is Welcome And No, You Don’t Have To Be On A Date.
friends. 😍😳
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#stimulation #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Mayra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They both have a bad crash when the buzz wears off

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    #37

    Laguardia

    overheardnewyork Report

    PalmKitty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *proceeds to take out 10 dogs named bagel*

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    #39

    41st Street

    overheardnewyork Report

    loty moty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha. They should officially change company name now.

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    #40

    Pera. Thompson Hotel

    overheardnewyork Report

    The Silly Stellar Jay
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The roach fight is so real! Although, I don't care where you live, 400 bucks for moisturizer is a scam.

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    #42

    Fordham University

    overheardnewyork Report

    BAN CAPITAL LETTERS
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    dang the second person should be having the standup show haha

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    #44

    Wicked Willie’s

    overheardnewyork Report

    Artsy Bookworm
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Single but drooling over every other person that walks across ...

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    #45

    Siblings On Scooters. Ages Are Estimates. Joe Coffee. Uws. 👩‍🎨🥐
overheard By @therealkazoo420 📥
#girlsruleboysdrool #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Jul Chv
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tiny mini hipsters... not so cute. ^^

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    #46

    Zara. 5th Ave

    overheardnewyork Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's all part of the package you signed up for dude.

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    #47

    ** The Winner Of Our Latest Poll, Thank You To Everyone Who Voted. 🤝❤️
upper East Side. 🐥🐦🐤
overheard By @e_hecht77 📥
#childpsychology #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    flutterbyy
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, you're just delusional and imagining things, that never happened.

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    #48

    The Beautiful Thing About NY Is That No Matter How Famous You Get, A Cockroach On Your Ceiling Will Always Humble You

    overheardnewyork Report

    #49

    Friends. West Village. 😮‍💨💸
overheard By @svacavelli 📥
#nightcapped #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    #50

    Domino Park. 🤫🤌
overheard By @briahardinboyer 📥
#manhattanburg #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Roxy Eastland
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL, for those of us that don't live in New York that is utterly meaningless

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    #52

    Sophie’s Bar. East Village. 🗣👃
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#adulting #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And complain about the lawless drug cartels elsewhere.

    #53

    6th Ave. West Village

    overheardnewyork Report

    #55

    Heyday. Ues. 👩‍🦱🏞
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#redscare #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    #58

    Cornerstone Tavern. Midtown East

    overheardnewyork Report

    Archer Harris
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha… *cries silently* I wish this was a thing.

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    #61

    **hashtag Contest: Comment Your Funniest/Punniest Hasthtag For This Post, We’ll Venmo $100 To The Top 3. 🖊💶
gate 27. Laguardia. 😒👅
overheard By @karallambert 📥
#airdropped #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    WordWeaver
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take responsibility man. It's in your own hands!

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    #62

    Ralphs Coffee. 72nd & Madison

    overheardnewyork Report

    Archer Harris
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason I am super approachable especially with weird people…

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #66

    Tribeca

    overheardnewyork Report

    loty moty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup. $100k a year in NYC is slightly bellow poverty level.

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    #67

    Washington Square Park Small Dog Run

    overheardnewyork Report

    Aisling Raye
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a woman with a cat named Pax (Paxil) I fully support this person's choice for their pet's name.

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    #68

    Laguardia

    overheardnewyork Report

    James016
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone farted. I bet money on it

    #71

    **some Restaurant Behavior To Remind You What It's Like To Leave Your House. Discover Restaurants To Love On @resy.
#resypartner #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Humanoid Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatch out, she'll ask for a free meal in exchange for 'exposure'.

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    #72

    Jane Street. West Village. 🤒👙
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#thedouble #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Falcon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never understand this... You lie and then take pictures of yourself that proves you lied... 🙃

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #75

    ** Throwback In Honor Of Kim & Pete
woman. The Marlton Hotel. 👴🎩
overheard By @laurakatclark 📥
#freehugs #throwback #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Electra Complex
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess if you can survive Staten Island you earn a lot of wisdom

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    #77

    The Penrose. Upper East Side

    overheardnewyork Report

    setsuriseikou
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See? That's what simply being polite can get you!

    #78

    Central Park. 😢🪑
overheard By @ashleymatarazzo 📥
#localhistory #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #83

    2 Train

    overheardnewyork Report

    Мара Гончарова
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why wouldn't these 10 people team up and just throw the hexer away at Nevins?..

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    #85

    R Train. Penn Station

    overheardnewyork Report

    #87

    *love Is More Fun When It Doesn’t Play By The Rules

    overheardnewyork Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes because who doesn't like to hear you were thinking of someone else? Maybe there is a more direct option?

    #89

    L.e.a.f. Flower Show

    overheardnewyork Report

    Leonie Löwenherz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For anyone else wondering: peonies are a kind of rose flowers.

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    #90

    Gramercy Park

    overheardnewyork Report

    loty moty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh so true. Being called an American became synonymous with being called a republican. Probably the worst insult in NYC.

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    #91

    Les

    overheardnewyork Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #94

    Friends. Mccarren Park. 🧑‍🎤🫐🍈
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#truecrime #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Umm maybe stop talking about it then- and buy non-organic if you can't pay the correct price ffs!

    #95

    Hanoi House. East Village. 🍻🥃🥃
overheard By @lottice_the_goddess 📥
#doubletap #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Jaden Alexander
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what you would call The Pre-funk.

    #97

    Washington Square Park

    overheardnewyork Report

    #98

    East Village. 🚴‍♂️⚡️
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#peletonteacher #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    #102

    Downtown C Platform

    overheardnewyork Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #104

    Hudson Bagels. 48th And 9th

    overheardnewyork Report

    #105

    28th & Madison

    overheardnewyork Report

    #107

    Da Andrea. West Village

    overheardnewyork Report

    #108

    .

    overheardnewyork Report

    #109

    Uws

    overheardnewyork Report

    loty moty
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's like 40 minutes away and you have to take J train. They'll never see that friend again.

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    #111

    Soho

    overheardnewyork Report

    #112

    East Village. 🚘👨‍🦰
overheard By @caroljneyoung 📥
#endgame #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #113

    Friends

    overheardnewyork Report

    #114

    Summer Flings In Adulthood Are Sad

    overheardnewyork Report

    #115

    Outside Of The Penrose

    overheardnewyork Report

    #116

    Spring Lounge

    overheardnewyork Report

    Vic
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    well, Ramen does raise the bar pretty high..

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    #117

    Sea Wolf. Bushwick. 🤵‍♀️🧛🏻‍♂️🧑‍🎨👨‍🎤
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#madhatters #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Electra Complex
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite game around Halloween season is "are you in costume or do you just dress like that?"

    #118

    Grand Central

    overheardnewyork Report

    WordWeaver
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "He travels for work" can be code for "has another relationship/family."

    #119

    Near Grand Central. 🌹🤌
overheard By Anonymous 📥
#strangerdanger #overheardnewyork

    overheardnewyork Report

    Delta Dawn
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it weird that this one makes me want to move to NY?

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    #121

    Ama Raw Bar. West Village

    overheardnewyork Report