The Jersey Shore is filled with amazing things: Six Flags Amusement Park, the beautiful beaches and let's not forget pork roll. However, one of the most iconic things about New Jersey is the people. When you meet someone, you can instantly tell if they are from New Jersey. Not because they pronounce it as "joisy," because let's be real, no one really says it like that. You can tell that people are from the Jersey Shore based off of a countless number of other things.
Here's a list of just a few of the ways you can tell when someone is from The Garden State:
1. We refer to places by exits.
To be honest, I never really noticed I did this until someone from out of state asked me for directions. I couldn't even stop myself from saying, "It's exit 105 off the parkway." The look on her face was priceless. It was like she had no idea what I was talking about.
2. We call New Jersey, Jersey.
When you live in Jersey, you drop the "new." No one really says it. When someone asks where you're from, you just say Jersey. Besides, everyone in the state knows where you're talking about when you say Jersey— it's just what you do.
3. We love Pork Roll.
Now, don't start the argument on whether it is called Pork Roll or Taylor Ham. That is a topic for another article. No matter what part of Jersey you are from, everyone loves Pork Roll. I'm pretty sure "Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese on a plain bagel with salt, pepper, and ketchup please," was my first word.
4. We talk kind of funny.
"Can I get a large iced 'cawfee', please." Yes, we know. Some of us, well most of us, talk kind of funny. It's not our fault! We genuinely think we are saying it right. Coffee, dog, and water are just a few prime examples of words that can sound a bit funky.
5. We Do NOT Pump Our Own Gas.
Everyone knows this. We take pride in the fact that we are one of the few states where people don't pump their own gas. It's kind of funny when we go out of state and have no idea what we're doing.
6. We Love Wawa.
Sometimes this topic can get a little sensitive. I go to school in the middle of Pennsylvania where the Sheetz vs. Wawa debate can get heated. However, MOST people from New Jersey will always side with Wawa.
