There are quite a few stereotypes about New Jersey; only some are true. For example, we really are pizza snobs, and rightly so. When your pizza is as good as ours, nothing else compares. There are a fair share of untrue New Jersey stereotypes, too, however. And we agree, it’s time to put them to rest.

1. "Jersey Shore" is an accurate representation of the Jersey Shore.
Flickr/Nick Harris
The MTV show portrayed New Jersey beaches as a haven for loud drunk kids, but it is so much more than that. Sure, there are parties. But there is also peace and quiet and family fun to be had.
2. We say "Joisey."
Flickr/Bobby Hidy
No we don't. You say Joisey, we say Jersey.
3. We're all in "The Mob".
Flickr/Eneas De Troya
Perhaps one of the most ludicrous New Jersey stereotypes. Sure, there may be some historical connections between New Jersey and the Mafia (Atlantic City, for example) but we are NOT all in the mob.
4. The whole state smells like garbage.
Flickr/Bart Everson
The scent around refineries and marshes is often less than pleasant but most of the state smells great, or like nothing at all.
5. Everyone in New Jersey lives off of the Parkway.
Flickr Doug Kerr
The Garden State Parkway does run nearly the entire length of the state, but only on the eastern side. Western Jersey has residents, too, and some pretty great places to live.

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6. The entire state is just one big suburb of NYC or Philly.
Flickr/Josh Liba
While it is great to be sandwiched between two amazing cities, we do have our own unique culture. These stereotypes in New Jersey can be easily debunked with a quick small town road trip.
7. New Jersey beaches are dirty.
Flickr/Tom Simpson
Maybe 30 years ago when off-shore dumping was a thing but not anymore. New Jersey actually has more "Superstar Beaches" than any other state, and we're downright proud of them.
8. We're terrible drivers.
Flickr/Stewart Baird
We have our fair share of accidents, but we also have our fair share of cars. The state is densely packed and roads are more congested but we don't have more accidents per capita than other states.
9. We only eat at diners.
Flickr/Ismo
Sure, we love our diners. That doesn't me we don't have other incredible dining options. Jersey has some amazing seafood and plenty of five star restaurants to enjoy.
10. We're just a big mess of highways.
Flickr/John McStravick
While we do have a vast system of highways, we also have beautiful beaches, picturesque parks and fruitful farmland.

Do you worry about what people think of our state? Fuggedaboutit. We know better. New Jersey has plenty to be proud of and nothing to hide, except maybe Jimmy Hoffa. What other stereotypes have you heard about New Jersey? Which are true and which are baloney?

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Stereotypes About New Jersey

Megan Todaro | December 19, 2022

What are the funniest stereotypes about New Jersey?

It’s easy to find stereotypes about New Jersey funny, especially if you don’t take things too personally. Some of the funniest New Jersey stereotypes often have to do with people having no idea what goes on in the Garden State. A few of the funniest stereotypes in New Jersey that we happen to find true include:

  • You'll never enjoy pizza anywhere else
  • You have no idea how to pump gas
  • You've got a Springsteen story
  • If it's more than 20 minutes away, you're going to complain
  • You've picked a side in the pork roll / Taylor Ham debate
  • You're fiercely loyal to your local hoagie or sub shop
  • You expect a convenience store on every corner

As always, these NJ stereotypes are meant to be light-hearted. After all, most states have their own set of stereotypes, too!

What are the best ways to have the most New Jersey day?

Visiting New Jersey for the first time and looking to have the MOST New Jersey day ever? We’ve got an entire itinerary for you to enjoy. While some of these steps include hilarious New Jersey stereotypes, it wouldn’t be an article about NJ without them, right? Start by having a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a hard roll, maybe at a diner. Before you go out, make sure to use a lot of hair spray. The radio should be blasting Springsteen, Sinatra, Houston, or Bon Jovi. Of course, pizza is on the menu for lunch. Head down to the Jersey Shore, then even further to Atlantic City. And, of course, get stuck in massive amounts of traffic on the turnpike on the way home.

What are the most unique slang words in New Jersey?

The most unique slang words in New Jersey can usually only be understood by NJ natives. However, we’re opening this list of New Jersey slang words to everyone to bust some of those stereotypes in New Jersey. Some of our favorite slang words used in Jersey include:

  • Down The Shore
  • Benny
  • Shoobie
  • WaWa
  • Pork Roll
  • Taylor Ham
  • Disco Fries
  • The City
  • Sub
  • Hoagie
  • Piney
  • Tomato Pie
  • Ripper
  • The Boss

If you can understand at least 50 percent of those references, then you may have already spent your fair share of time in New Jersey.

 

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