Black Texas Transplant’s Take on NYC Is So Spot On He’s Gone Viral

For decades, the Big Apple has been the undeniable epicenter of cool, shaping global trends fashion, birthing hip-hop legends, and serving as the iconic backdrop for countless TV shows. It’s the dream destination for millions, a place where aspirations supposedly come to life. But let’s be real, this concrete jungle ain’t for everyone.

Enter TikTok Creator, Augustine (@curatedbyaugustine), a TikTok sensation who recently traded the Lone Star State for the bright lights of NYC. This brave soul has been meticulously documenting the culture shock and hilarious surprises that greet fresh transplants. We’ve rounded up some of her most laugh-out-loud observations for your viewing pleasure.

New York Mannerisms:

According to Augustine, New Yorkers move their hands a lot when talking to emphasize a point they’re trying to make. There is no specific name for these gestures, but they are a perfect way to really show that you’re being serious.

The comments under the video were filled with New Yorkers who couldn’t help but laugh and agree that yes, New Yorkers are very expressive.

“We talk with our hands, heart and soul,” wrote one user.

“You crack me up about us. Thanks for the insight, cause this is all normal to us. Never looked at through someone elses eyes,” added another.

Laundry In New York:

One culture shock for Augustine is the fact that most apartments in New York don’t have a washer and dryer in the unit. This fact does not sit right with the creator, as he states, “Personally, I feel we should protest. New Yorkers deserve compensation for having to go to the laundromat.”

In the comments, New Yorkers gave Augustine tips on how to work around this laundromat issue.

“Greatest hack/investment is getting a portable washing machine and dryer you can hook up to your kitchen sink,” wrote one user.

“Never do laundry on a Sunday, unless it’s EARLY. Do it during the week during school hours, so it’s empty. It’s such a part of life, it’s not even an inconvenience. Laundromats damn near every other block like bodegas,” added another.

Everything Moves Fast in NYC:

One warning that Augustine has for anyone considering moving to New York is: Do not come if you can’t move fast. New York is a city that runs on speed, and it can get frustrating when out-of-towners slow it down.

In the comments, folks that left New York added that sometimes they miss how fast everything moves in the city.

“I’m living in Florida now. The slowness drives me crazy,” one user added in the comments.

“You making me wanna go back,” added another.

New Yorkers And Celebrities:

For most people, meaning any one not living in NYC area, seeing a celebrity might be the highlight of their day, but it’s nothing new for New Yorkers. In NYC, celebrities rush through the city like any other New Yorker. As Augustine says, “If you wanna be cool in New York, you have to actually be a cool person.”

Folks in the comments stated the reason nobody in New York cares about celebrities is because everyone in New York is “lit.” Celebrities are no special.

“In New York, we all celebrities, we all lit, and most importantly, we all broke,” added one user.

“Money can’t unlame you is an NY motto,” added another.

“I’ve seen so many celebs walking down the street on any given day. They’re not special,” wrote another.

If You Don’t Like NYC, Leave:

Augustine also reflects on how he feels about transplants in NYC as a transplant himself. Sometimes, folks from outside of New York move to the city and do nothing but complain about the city, which, of course, gets a lot of eye rolls from New Yorkers and Augustine himself.

“No one wants to hear a person complain about a place they moved to by choice. You’re an adult. You can leave.”

The video got a lot of love from New Yorkers and transplants who felt their frustration about complainers was heard.

“Yes!! And if you’re moving here and don’t give to the city, you’re only taking in my opinion. It can come in such small ways and make such a difference,” commented one user.

“Well said. They don’t know the difference between transplant and gentrifier,” added another.

“Been a transplant for nine years. I’ve always said to people who complain about it: What you give is what you get! Longest place I’ve ever lived, and you can pry it from my cold, dead hands.”

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