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an incorporated administrative district established by state charter
people living in a large densely populated municipality
Manhattan, the central borough of New York City
What does "the City" mean in geographic slang?
The structure is a simple definite noun phrase that elevates a single municipality above all others, implying it is the most important or definitive city. It is used to refer to Manhattan, the central borough of New York City, especially by people living in the surrounding New York metropolitan area. People typically say "I'm going into the City" when traveling from Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or New Jersey into Manhattan. The term originated in early 20th century New York regional speech, distinguishing Manhattan from the other boroughs and suburbs, and remains common in local conversation.
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