12 Phrases You’ll Only Understand If You Live in New Jersey

New Jersey is loud, proud, and never apologizing for it. Sandwiched between New York and Philly with more personality than both combined, the Garden State speaks its own fast-talking, no-nonsense language. If you’ve ever argued over the best diner at 2 a.m., refused to call it “Taylor ham”, or threatened someone for not using a jughandle properly, you’re already fluent in Jersey-speak.

1. “What exit?”

Not rude—just how we figure out where you’re from. Your identity is tied to a number on the Parkway or Turnpike.

2. “It’s pork roll, not Taylor ham.”

Unless you’re from North Jersey. Then we fight. Every. Single. Time.

3. “We don’t pump our own gas.”

It’s the law. Also, we’re not getting out of the car in January. You nuts?

4. “Down the shore”

Doesn’t matter where you live—it’s always “down,” and it always involves boardwalk fries and seagull-related trauma.

5. “Jughandle ahead.”

A confusing traffic maneuver known only to New Jerseyans and those brave enough to visit us.

6. “I’ll meet you at Wawa.”

The only neutral ground in North vs. South Jersey debates. Also: the holy land of hoagies and caffeine.

7. “We’re not New York, and we’re definitely not Philly.”

We get the sports channels, but we do NOT claim their driving habits (even though ours are worse).

8. “The mall’s got everything.”

A valid response to any question involving shopping, food, or how you spent your teenage years.

9. “You goin’ to the diner?”

It’s 1 a.m., you’re wearing pajama pants, and yes, you absolutely want mozzarella sticks and disco fries.

10. “Tomatoes and corn—Jersey fresh.”

Yes, we have beaches and highways, but don’t sleep on our produce. Seriously.

11. “Traffic’s backed up by the Driscoll Bridge again.”

Translation: You’re going nowhere. Cancel your plans. Eat snacks in the car.

12. “I swear, if one more Bennie cuts me off…”

Bennies = beach tourists. They don’t know how to drive, walk, or exist politely. We suffer every summer.

If you read this while yelling at someone in traffic and defending your favorite bagel spot, congrats—you’re Jersey through and through. If not, spend a weekend at the Shore, learn to master jughandles, and never touch that gas pump. You’ll be talkin’ Jersey in no time, capisce?

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