If You Can Pronounce These 9 Words, You've Lived In New Jersey For Far Too Long
Rebecca
Author
There are some words and phrases that if you hear them, you immediately look up: That’s a New Jerseyan right there! Whether they were raised in the state or simply spent some time living there – if they know these specific Jersey words, well, they’re one of us. How much of this New Jersey slang do you understand?
1. Pork Roll
2. Benny
3. Down the Shore
4. What exit?
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5. Disco Fries
6. Piney
7. Jersey Devil
8. Djeetyet?
9. Jug Handles
What other New Jersey slang and phrases do you know? Just when you start to grasp the meanings behind a few New Jersey words, we throw another curve ball at you – there is a difference between North and South Jersey. One of the best ways to get to know New Jersey is by going on a road trip. Pack up an RV from RVShare and start exploring some of these interesting locations in New Jersey.
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New Jersey Slang and Stereotypes
What are some things people from New Jersey say?
Those of us die-hard New Jerseyans have a unique way of taking that is pretty recognizable. If you want to fit it, you'd better understand a few of these things people from New Jersey say:
- Shoobie: Those who come from the city to enjoy the Jersey Shore. The term originated when day-trippers would take the train and bring a lunch in a shoe box.
- WaWa: WaWa is a convenience store that started in Pennsylvania but moved its way into New Jersey.
- The City: A slang term for New York City or sometimes Philadelphia.
- Piney: A term referring to residents of New Jersey's Pine Barrens. It isn't usually used with the best of intentions.
- Ripper: This term refers to a deep-fried hot dog that originated at the Rutt's Hut restaurant in Clifton.
- AC: Not air conditioning as one might suspect, but a term used for Atlantic City.
Read more about these New Jersey slang terms, and pick up a few more in this article about things New Jerseyans say.
What are some New Jersey stereotypes?
Every place you visit has its own unique stereotypes or things people from out of state believe. Some are based in fact, others not so much. Here are a few New Jersey stereotypes that just aren't true:
- The show "Jersey Shore" is an accurate representation of the Jersey Shore: Sure there are some pretty great beach parties on the Jersey Shore, but it is actually a very family-friendly place to spend a warm sunny day.
- We say "Joisey": Sure, we can have a distinct accent, but we really don't sound like that, do we?
- New Jersey beaches are dirty: About 30 years ago off-shore dumping caused many beaches to become dirty and filled with trash. After major clean-up efforts and more strict regulations, New Jersey beaches are now some of the best beaches in the nation.
Read more about these stereotypes and discover a few more in our featured article about New Jersey stereotypes.