My dad grew up in Washington Heights. I grew up in New York in Manhattan. So we're purebred New Yorkers.

The quote "My dad grew up in Washington Heights. I grew up in New York in Manhattan. So we're purebred New Yorkers" by Ansel Elgort reflects a sense of pride in his New York roots. Elgort emphasizes that both his father and he are deeply connected to the city, with his father coming from a well-known neighborhood in Washington Heights and Elgort himself growing up in Manhattan. By describing themselves as purebred New Yorkers, he highlights the authenticity and long-standing connection his family has to the city's culture and identity.

The phrase "purebred New Yorkers" indicates a deep, unbroken heritage within New York City, suggesting that Elgort’s family has a strong, generational connection to the place. This term is often used to emphasize someone’s roots in a particular location, in this case, a city with a rich and diverse history like New York. For Elgort, this identity likely holds personal significance, symbolizing not just geographic location but also a lifestyle and cultural connection to the city.

Elgort’s mention of Washington Heights and Manhattan also illustrates the diversity of New York itself, with Washington Heights being a predominantly Latino neighborhood in uptown Manhattan. By referencing these specific areas, Elgort hints at his family’s integration into the unique cultural fabric of the city, blending influences and experiences from different parts of New York.

In essence, this quote celebrates family and place while expressing a sense of pride in being a New Yorker. It underscores the importance of cultural heritage and the unique experiences that come from growing up in a city with such a vast and diverse identity. Elgort’s connection to New York is a central part of his sense of self, influencing both his personal and professional life.