New York phrase
on line
Waiting in a queue, especially in New York City usage.
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Meaning
New Yorkers often say they are on line where many other English speakers say in line.
Pronunciation and grammar
Pronunciation: /ɑn ˈlaɪn/
Part of speech: prepositional phrase
How it is used
It is used for queues at shops, venues, food counters, and public services.
Register: Everyday New York English.
Examples in context
- We waited on line for bagels.We waited in line for bagels.
- She is already on line at the box office.She is already waiting in the queue at the box office.
Important context
Online as one word usually refers to the internet; context and spacing distinguish the queue meaning.