Bridge and Tunnel
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Bridge and tunnel (often abbreviated to B&T) is a derogatory term used by residents of Manhattan to refer to the large amount of people who commute into the city from the nearby area, both for work and for the New York nightlife.
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Etymology
Though the name originates from the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (which only service the three boroughs surrounding Manhattan), the term has come to encompass all people who originate from Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and even Long Island and New Jersey.
Usage
As the residents of the outer boroughs of Manhattan are generally less affluent than the actual residents of Manhattan, the term "bridge and tunnel" has picked up several connotations in the New York nightlife scene. As many of the neighborhoods in the boroughs and Long Island are racially undiverse, this also sometimes can imply certain ethnic assumptions. Popular clubs will have bouncers and door staff that specifically screen for a "good crowd".
- An undesireable 'ratio' of Manhattan residents to borough residents:
- "That place used to be cool, but now it's all B&T"
- A woman who is gaudy or unfashionable
- A man who has a strong borough accent
Popular culture
- In Swingers Vince Vaughn's character mocks his friend for not being able to get "that Bridge and Tunnel girl".
- Less Than Jake, a modern ska band, wrote a song called bridge and tunnel authority, which appeared on their album "B is for B-sides."
- The Honorary Title, a New York City indie rock band, released a song called "Bridge and Tunnel" as a single from their 2004 album "Anything Else But The Truth."
Comparisons
The preference of local crowd over tourists by upscale establishments is common in many vacation destinations including Honolulu and Las Vegas. Tourists tend to be more louder and more obnoxious, as compared to local patrons.
Effects
Many clubs in Manhattan are quite popular among local residents on regular weeknights. This is mostly to avoid the crowds associated with the huge influx of bridge and tunnel commuters on weekends.
Bridge and Tunnel was also the name of a one-woman off-broadway show, in which all of the parts were performed by stage actress Sarah Jones, who explored the diverse immigrant makeup of the outer boroughs by playing a variety of different characters, each of a different race.