Street
banquette
What does banquette mean?
The sidewalk. Pronounced 'BANK-it' by old-school New Orleanians, this is one of those Yat words that flags you as either local or read-up.
"Watch the banquette by the corner — roots have it all buckled up."
Origin
From French 'banquette' (little bench) — early NOLA sidewalks were raised wooden planks above the muddy street, resembling long benches. The word stuck even after concrete took over.
Frequently asked questions
What does "banquette" mean in New Orleans?
It's Yat (New Orleans dialect) for sidewalk.
How do you use "banquette" in a sentence?
"Stay on the banquette, baby, the cars come quick round here."
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