Upstaters

People from a town or city in New York State anywhere north of New York City.

- "Have you met that kid from Albany. He's got a weird accent."
- "Not as weird as that girl from Poughkeepsie"
- "Man, what the hell's wrong with upstaters?"

by sru-bound April 2, 2009

upstate

The areas north of NYC in New York State, with maybe the exception of Westchester County (depending on the context) due to the fact that it has a lot more in common with the areas to its south than to its north. Rockland County more often than not is considered to be Upstate NY (sorry.)

In rural New York State people will either use the NYC area or the Albany area as the marker for upstate. Some people from Orange County for example, say they live upstate and some vehemently oppose that designation, as Orange County is well south of Albany.

The word "upstate" has a particularly negative connotation and should be avoided. Few people like to be considered to be from "upstate", as it implies the antithesis of all that New York is about. "Upstate" is the N-word of geography and should be avoided at all costs.

Note: There is also a rare usage of "upstate" referring to everything outside of New York City, including Long Island and Westchester, just meaning New York State.

In Brooklyn, anything north of the Bronx is upstate.
In the Bronx, anything north of Yonkers is upstate.
In Yonkers, anything north of White Plain is upstate.
In White Plains, anything north of Peekskill is upstate.
In Peekskill, anything north of Poughkeepsie is upstate.
In Poughkeepsie, anything north of Albany is upstate.

by Watashi July 1, 2004

Upstate

Upstate is a term used by people who live in New York City or the surrounding metro area. Long Islanders and some city people consider the Northern suburbs (Westchester, Rockland) to be upstate because they are north of where they are and think thaty for some reasons the cultural and economic ties spread east. Northern suburbs consider anywhere above them to be upstate (mostyl Poughkeepsie and up). Whats funny is that people from "upstate" cities such as Albany, Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester or Buffalo have no concept of what "upstate is. Albany is the Capital District. Binghamton is the Southern Tier. Syraucse is Central New York. Rochester is near the Finger Lakes and Buffalo is in Western New York. In the end Upstate doesn't really exist and is generally a term used to imply that you live south of the area being discussed.

Everything north of Westchester is upstate (Rockland is west of Westchester bordering New Jersey and the the northern tip of Westchester is above Rockland. So Rockland is not upstate.)

by Jim October 27, 2004

ustabeabletacould

When you once were able to do something, but now you are not able to do it.

I ustabeabletacould do the splits, but now I can't.

by Mia61316 January 12, 2008

Socially Unstable

When you want to be alone and exclude yourself from any and all social interaction because of mood, emotional reasons, or to have time to think.

“Hey Greg want to hang out with the gang?”
“Sorry Josh, I’m socially unstable right now, maybe tomorrow”

by Gringle April 19, 2020

you're an upstanding gentleman

A way of saying "thank you" with extreme sincerity. Usually used when one is immensely appreciative but cannot provide a suitable reward.

You just saved my car from being compressed. You're an upstanding gentleman.

by An Upstanding gentleman May 5, 2010

big man upstairs

A nickname for God, specifically in the Christian faith.

I pray to the big man upstairs every morning.

by BrotherEd July 23, 2016