New York Slang: A Dub Meaning (And How to Use it Correctly)

Written by Gabriel Cruz - Foodie, Animal Lover, Slang & Language Enthusiast

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It’s amazing how different people can sound from each other based on their location alone. Even in the same country, areas will have various dialects depending on how far apart they are from each other.

Within the United States, New York is famous for being a perfect example of the phrase “melting pot.” Because of its abundance of cultures, slang develops that isn’t used anywhere else.

One thing you might hear a New Yorker do is describe something as “a dub.” We’ll be explaining to you the meaning of this New York slang here.

What Does a Dub Mean in New York Slang?

There are two ways to use “dub:” as a noun or as a verb.

When you’re using it as a noun, it refers to something you really don’t want to do. As a verb, it usually means you’re turning someone down or rejecting them.

The word is most commonly used among younger populations in New York, especially in schools and colleges.

How do you use dub in a sentence?

Remember, there are two different ways to use dub. You can either use it to refer to an object, or you can use it to describe an action that you’re taking.

In the noun form, you might say something along the lines of: “This wedding is a dub, so I’m going home as soon as I can.” In other words, you’re saying that it’s something you’d rather not attend or do.

It’s kind of similar as a verb, because it’s describing something negative. You could say something like, “I’m going to dub this guy I don’t like.” It’s another way of saying you’re going to reject someone or something.

Similarly, you could also say, “The guy I like dubbed me.”

Common Questions About Dub

What is a dub New York slang?

“Dub” is a commonly used word among young New Yorkers with mild negativity. It can be used to express criticism, refusal, disagreement, or rejection.

What is the synonym of dub?

As a noun referring to something you'd rather not do, dub's synonyms are: 

  • Blunder
  • Catastrophe 
  • Disaster
  • Dismay
  • Displeasure
  • Fiasco
  • Flop
  • Letdown
  • Washout

As a verb reject something, words similar to dub are:

  • Brush off
  • Cast Out
  • Decline
  • Dismiss
  • Drop
  • Ignore
  • Spurn

What is the opposite of dubbed?

Remember that to dub means to turn something down. Hence, the opposites of dubbed are appreciated, accepted, included, loved, responded, held on, and so on. 

Why is dub bad?

Dub may be considered bad as it is an expression of rejection. And no one wants to be rejected.

What is dubbing a man?

"Dubbing a man" means to refuse a man's confession of love. Using slang is not only a creative feat of society but also as a way to soften emotions when they are too overwhelming. 

What is a dub girl?

A "dub girl" is a New York slang for a girl who is commonly ignored for not having the "cool" features, cannot fit into mainstream youth culture, or with different quirks than the rest. 

Wrap Up

There you have it – a description of what a dub actually means. Whether you choose to use it as a noun or as a verb, both have similar meanings. That makes it a simple slang word to incorporate into your vocabulary if you’d like to give it a try.

At the very least, the next time you’re in New York, you’ll know which events to avoid when you hear the locals describing it as “a dub.”

Looking for more New York slang words? Take a look at our comprehensive guide to New York slang words and meanings here.

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