Absolutely! New Jersey has a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and a language all its own.
1. “Benny Go Home!”
Translation: A playful (sometimes not-so-playful) jab at tourists from North Jersey or New York who flock to the Jersey Shore in the summer.
Usage: “Ugh, the beach is packed with Bennies this weekend.”
2. “Down the Shore”
Translation: The classic Jersey way to say you’re going to the beach. No one says “to the beach” here!
Usage: “We’re heading down the shore this weekend!”
3. “What Exit?”
Translation: Because the Garden State Parkway and the Turnpike define New Jersey geography, locals ask what exit you live off of instead of your town.
Usage: “You’re from Jersey? What exit?”
4. “Jughandle”
Translation: A uniquely Jersey traffic maneuver—an odd road loop that lets you make a left turn by first turning right.
Usage: “You missed the jughandle, now we gotta go all the way around!”
5. “Taylor Ham or Pork Roll?”
Translation: The never-ending debate over what to call New Jersey’s favorite breakfast meat. North Jersey says “Taylor Ham,” South Jersey says “Pork Roll.”
Usage: “It’s Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese, not pork roll!”
Sources:
1. https://1057thehawk.com/unique-nj-phrases/
2. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/new-jersey/words-phrases-nj