Here are 26 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from New Jersey

Step into the Garden State, where the humor is as diverse as the neighborhoods that color New Jersey’s landscape. From the iconic boardwalks to the lively diner culture, New Jersey has cultivated a linguistic tapestry that’s a source of pride for its residents. Join us on a journey through 26 slang terms, each a reflection of the state’s vibrant character and the unique language that binds its people together.

Jersey Jokester

A playful term for someone with a good sense of humor from New Jersey.

Hot Dog with all the Fixins’

Refers to a hot dog with all the traditional toppings such as mustard, sauerkraut, onions, and relish.

Shore Slang

Unique language or expressions associated with the Jersey Shore, a popular coastal region.

Down the Shore

When New Jersey residents refer to going “down the shore,” they are talking about heading to the beach. The Jersey Shore is renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant boardwalks. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.

Turnpike Titter

A laugh related to the New Jersey Turnpike, a major highway known for its distinct culture.

Jughandle

A jughandle is a unique traffic feature commonly found in New Jersey. Instead of making a left turn directly across traffic, drivers use a jughandle to make a right turn and then loop around to the left. This design helps improve traffic flow and safety on busy roads.

Garden State Guffaw

Laughter inspired by New Jersey’s nickname, the “Garden State.”

Hoagie

Sandwich

Boardwalk Banter

Humorous exchanges related to the iconic boardwalks found along the New Jersey coastline.

Pine Barrens Puns

Jokes and humor associated with the Pine Barrens, a unique natural region in the state.

Shoobie

Seaside tourist. Shoobies are day-trippers (usually from Philly) who take the train to the shore, traditionally bringing lunch in a shoe box.

Bruce Juice

Bruce Juice refers to the music of New Jersey’s very own Bruce Springsteen. As a legendary rock musician, Springsteen has a devoted following in the state. Calling his music “Bruce Juice” is a playful way for fans to express their love and admiration for his songs.

Meadowlands Merriment

Amusement related to the Meadowlands, an area known for sports and entertainment venues.

Diner Dialogue

Unique language specific to the vibrant diner culture in New Jersey.

Mutz

Slang for Mozzarella cheese.

Exit Laughter

Humor related to the numbered exits on the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike.

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.

WaWa Run

Referring to a visit to Wawa, a popular convenience store chain in the region.

Jersey Devil Jest

Jokes inspired by the legendary creature, the Jersey Devil, a part of local folklore.

Bagel Banter

Humorous exchanges related to New Jersey’s reputation for having some of the best bagels.

Pork Roll Punchline

Jokes associated with pork roll, a regional delicacy in New Jersey.

The Jersey Devil

A legendary creature said to inhabit the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey.

The Sopranos Snicker

A laugh inspired by references or jokes related to the popular TV series “The Sopranos,” set in New Jersey.

Disco Fries

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

Taylor Ham Humor

Jokes connected to the debate over whether it’s called Taylor Ham or pork roll in the state.

Raritan Riff

Amusement related to the Raritan River or Raritan Bay, geographical features in New Jersey.