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
Flickr/Simon
To the beach. Used in most (but not all) parts of the state.
2. Benny
Flickr/A. Duarte
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
Flickr/Jazz Guy
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
Wikipedia/LancerEvolution
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
Wikipedia/Austinmurphy
The best regional breakfast meat ever. (Used in South Jersey.) Served on a hard roll with egg and cheese.
6. Taylor Ham
Flickr/Lenka Reznicek
See above. Used in North Jersey. I still can't believe that this delicious meat isn't served in every state.
7. Disco Fries
Flickr/wEnDy
French fries topped with cheese and gravy. A diner staple.
8. The City
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Usually New York City, sometimes Philadelphia.
9. Sub
Flickr/Stampiphany
Not a substitute or a submarine, but a sandwich. More commonly used in North and Central Jersey.

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10. Hoagie
Flickr/Jeffrey W.
Same as above, but more commonly used in South Jersey. Sometimes known as a hero or grinder.
11. Devil
Flickr/Carl Carpenter
Not THAT Devil, but perhaps his son... Depends on the urban legends you've heard.
12. Piney
Wikipedia/Famartin
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
Flickr/Jackie
A Trenton-area favorite. It differs from pizza as the focus is on the sauce.
14. Ripper
Flickr/Ken Lund
A deep-fried hot dog. Originated from Rutt's Hut in Clifton. More commonly used in North Jersey.
15. The Boss
Flickr/Brennan Schnell
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
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The number you give someone when they ask where you live. Usually used on the eastern side of the state.
17. AC
Flickr/Victoria Belanger
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
Flickr/Ozzie Delaney
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.

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Luke | June 28, 2023

What are the best day trips in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers some amazing day trip opportunities, including:

  • The Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia is a fantastic experience with educational tours of captive wolves, foxes, and bobcats.
  • Art and nature lovers can visit the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, and seaside lovers can head to Cape May for a variety of activities.
  • Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers outdoor and cultural activities, while thrill-seekers can try ziplining at Mountain Creek in Vernon Township.
  • Other interesting destinations include Wildwood's beachfront amusement park, the historic Red Mill in Clinton, Morristown for history buffs, shopping in Haddonfield, Tuckerton Seaport for maritime tradition, Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg for mining history, and Wharton State Forest for nature enthusiasts.

 

What are the best things about living in New Jersey?

Here are the best things about living in New Jersey:

New Jersey boasts diverse geography, high-quality education with the nation's highest high school graduation rate, and some of the cleanest beaches in the country. The state also offers 24/7 diners serving iconic local dishes and has some of the biggest pizzas. It's home to renowned destinations like Atlantic City, known for casinos and upscale dining, and Asbury Park, a world-class hub for live music. New Jersey contains endless entertainment options, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant cities. The state's beautiful fall foliage is a sight to behold, and it also has great sports teams. Plus, New Jersey has low gas prices, and residents never pump their own gas. The state is overall wealthy and safe, with three of the wealthiest counties in the U.S.

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