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New Jersey, home of diners at 2 a.m., aggressive driving that’s actually just efficiency, and enough regional pride to power the entire Eastern Seaboard. New Jerseyans have heard all the jokes (yes, even the ones about the smell), and while they can dish it out, they won’t hesitate to clap back if you cross the line—especially if you diss the bagels. If you’re feeling brave enough to poke the Garden State bear, here are 11 subtle ways to mildly annoy someone from New Jersey.
Ask, “Wait—people actually live in New Jersey?”
Yep. Millions. And they don’t appreciate your tone.
Say it’s basically just a suburb of New York.
Now you’ve insulted two states in one go. Bold move.
Call it “dirty Jersey.”
That’s only allowed if you’re from Jersey—and even then, tread lightly.
Complain that you can’t pump your own gas.
Why would we? It’s cold out and we have self-respect.
Say the pizza’s better in Connecticut.
Congratulations, you’ve triggered full-scale pizza war mode.
Ask if everyone talks like they’re on a reality show.
No, and stop assuming they all live on the boardwalk with a spray tan.
Refer to the Turnpike as “just a road.”
That’s sacred asphalt. Show some respect.
Insist on calling it “Taylor Ham” no matter where you are.
North Jersey? You’re fine. South Jersey? Prepare for battle. Central Jersey? Yes, it exists—and also fights both.
Say Wawa is “just a gas station.”
You clearly don’t understand love.
Act surprised there are beaches.
They’re called the Shore, and they’re glorious—just don’t call it a “beach day.”
Ask what exit they’re from, seriously.
That’s an inside joke, not an icebreaker.
At the end of the day, New Jerseyans are tough, loyal, and way funnier than people give them credit for. They might roast you, honk at you, or correct your pronunciation of “Mozzarella,” but offer ‘em a good slice and a jug of Wawa iced tea, and all is forgiven. Just don’t make them merge lanes politely—they don’t do that here.
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