18 Words You’ll Only Understand If You’re From New Jersey

In New Jersey, we do things our own way. There are certain New Jersey words and phrases you'll only hear in the Garden State, and there are other words and phrases that mean something entirely different in our state. The following 18 New Jersey words may confuse outsiders, but most New Jerseyans will know just what they mean.

1. Down The Shore

To the beach. Used in most (but not all) parts of the state.

2. Benny

A not so nice word for Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark and New York-area residents who "infiltrate" the Jersey Shore during the summer. Used mostly in more northern beach towns.

3. Shoobie

Same as benny, but generally used further south. The origin supposedly comes from day-trippers who took the train to the shore, bringing lunch in a shoe box.

4. WaWa

The greatest convenience store ever. Though it got its start in Pennsylvania, the chain soon spread to New Jersey. An instant favorite in South Jersey, most North Jersey WaWas were shut down by the mid-1990s. They're once again making their way back north.

5. Pork Roll

The best regional breakfast meat ever. (Used in South Jersey.) Served on a hard roll with egg and cheese.

6. Taylor Ham

See above. Used in North Jersey. I still can't believe that this delicious meat isn't served in every state.

7. Disco Fries

French fries topped with cheese and gravy. A diner staple.

8. The City

Usually New York City, sometimes Philadelphia.

9. Sub

Not a substitute or a submarine, but a sandwich. More commonly used in North and Central Jersey.

10. Hoagie

Same as above, but more commonly used in South Jersey. Sometimes known as a hero or grinder.

11. Devil

Not THAT Devil, but perhaps his son... Depends on the urban legends you've heard.

12. Piney

Not always the nicest word, this is a term sometimes used to refer to residents of South/Southwest New Jersey's Pine Barrens. This shot was snapped from a fire tower on Apple Pie Hill, the highest point in the Pine Barrens.

13. Tomato Pie

A Trenton-area favorite. It differs from pizza as the focus is on the sauce.

14. Ripper

A deep-fried hot dog. Originated from Rutt's Hut in Clifton. More commonly used in North Jersey.

15. The Boss

Out-of-staters might also call Bruce Springsteen "The Boss," but he may not be the first thing that comes to mind when hearing those words.

16. Exit

The number you give someone when they ask where you live. Usually used on the eastern side of the state.

17. AC

Not just an abbreviation for air conditioner... Atlantic City, where we spend countless summer weekends and 21st birthdays. A popular bus trip destination.

18. Jughandle

It has nothing to do with a jug. A traffic circle/way to make left turns.

What other New Jersey slang words have you heard before? Share with us and add to our unofficial New Jersey slang dictionary by dropping a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Looking for a deeper dive into New Jersey culture? Check out these 11 iconic foods in New Jersey that you must try on your next visit to the Garden State.