Here are 10 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in New Jersey, reflecting the state’s unique humor, culture, and local lingo:
- “What exit?” — The classic New Jersey way to ask where someone is from, referencing highway exit numbers.
- “It’s Taylor Ham.” / “No, it’s Pork Roll.” — The never-ending food debate dividing North and South Jersey over the name of a popular breakfast meat.
- “We don’t pump our own gas.” — A proud NJ law and saying telling you someone else will do the job for you.
- “Down the Shore.” — New Jerseyans never just go to the beach; they go “down the shore.”
- “Benny” or “Shoobie” — Slang for Jersey Shore tourists, often used humorously by locals.
- “You’d be crazy not to stay.” — A funny way NJ locals hype their state’s appeal, despite its quirks.
- “Join us for the world’s (second) biggest traffic jam.” — A poke at notorious New Jersey traffic.
- “Jersey strong, baby.” — A proud, humorous expression of New Jersey toughness.
- “Eat hole, you [insult].” — A very Jersey-style colorful insult phrase commonly heard in difficult driving or street situations.
- “The Crossroads of the Revolution.” — Used ironically in various funny ways about NJ’s historical importance and personality.
These sayings showcase New Jersey’s witty, proud, and no-nonsense character, often filled with playful jabs at the state’s quirks and reputation.
SOURCES
(https://www.learnaboutstates.com/new-jersey/new-jersey-quotes-gp1/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/newjersey/comments/r2zzc4/favorite_nj_based_regional_slang_term_or_insult/)(https://wobm.com/new-jersey-8-words/)
(https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/new-jersey/nj-words)
(https://wheninyourstate.com/new-jersey/12-phrases-only-a-true-new-jerseyan-says-and-understands/)
