Brick
New York slang for bitterly cold weather, as in it is brick outside in January.
Example
A January walk across an avenue where the river wind funnels between buildings is what locals mean when they say it is brick out.
Related terms
NYC slang
Deadass
New York slang meaning seriously or genuinely, used to emphasize that a statement is completely true.
Parks
Bryant Park
The Midtown lawn behind the New York Public Library, hosting free summer movies and a winter village with free-entry...
Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
America's largest art museum, spanning 5,000 years on Fifth Avenue, from Egyptian temples to the rooftop bar.
NYC slang
Bodega
A corner convenience store found on nearly every NYC block, selling snacks, coffee, sandwiches and household basics...
Pages that mention this term
Frequently asked questions
How cold does New York actually get for a visitor?
January and February regularly sit below freezing with wind chill much worse. Layers, a real hat and waterproof shoes are not optional.
Is visiting in winter still worth it?
Yes. Museums are calmer, hotel rates drop after the holidays and the city looks great in snow. Plan indoor anchors each day.
How do I plan a day when it is brick outside?
Anchor each half day indoors. A museum in the morning, a long lunch at a deli and a theater or concert at night keeps the cold to short walks between stops.
