9 Weird Things About Jersey From An Outsider's Perspective

Coming to school in Jersey from out of state, although not far, has still been very interesting. I've always loved to observe people and their habits, and I can't but notice the little things Jersey natives do and say that are just flat out odd to me. Here's a short list of what I have so far come up with!

1. The Central Jersey Argument

Why can't you just get on the same page? Also, who cares?

I've learned that if you want to hear everyone start simultaneously yelling to just whisper "central Jersey".

2. Taylor Ham/Pork Roll

I have never even heard of these terms before coming to college in Jersey and I'm still unclear of what it even is.

And the whole thing about what region calls it which name. And may i reiterate: I have never so much as heard of this food before I came here!

3. The seriousness about nothing but pizza and bagels

I didn't even know that there was an argument to be made here. I didn't know there was even anything different from one bagel to the next.

If only you were as serious about driving as you were with your pizza and bagels.

4. Some of you have accents and some don't

Even if the two of you are from just one town over. How does this happen?!

Literally. I have two friends that are about 20 minutes apart and one has an accent and one does not. It just perplexes me to no end.

5. Abundance of Acme/Shoprites

Where is the nearest Weis...?

I'm not sure I've ever even seen a shoprite where I'm from to be completely honest.

6. Where are your Zours?!?!?!

Maybe I'm spoiled to live right near the Just Born factory but how can an entire state lack the best candy?

There was one time I found them at Rite-Aid and just about cried tears of joy. Please promise me to try Zours at least once in your life.

7. The need to argue about literally anything

It's both funny and scary in that you think they're joking so you laugh until you see they're serious.

And when you point it out they argue that they don't argue.

8. How geography-savvy everyone is

Everyone knows exactly how many inches north/south/east/west everything is from any given point.

I can't tell if this intimidates me or if it's just kind of odd. I mean, good for you guys knowing exactly where everything is but like do you know where my house is just by looking at me...?

9. Black Stoplights?

Are they to look nice or are they practical? The only practicality I can imagine is that maybe the lights themselves are easier to see in the dark with a black frame.

Even then, why aren't they black everywhere? I have so many questions.