New Jersey Slang Words And Phrases – 20 Best Ones!

Many New Jersey slang words and phrases have been adopted from other parts of the United States, while others are unique to New Jersey.

New Jersey has a way of speaking that is distinct and recognizable, especially to New Jersey natives. Here are some New Jersey words and phrases you should know:

New Jersey Slang Words And Phrases

Traveling to another country and not understanding the language can be a big hurdle, especially if you don’t understand the local slang and phrases.

If so, it would be hard to interact with the locals. So, learning some local phrases and slang is better to help you interact with the natives.

It would be best if you learned some New Jersey slang words and phrases to travel to New Jersey.

New Jersey has a rich culture, and the locals have their unique way of speaking. The natives use slang words like “youse,” which means “you all”, or “wicked,” which means very.

New Jersey slang can also refer to certain foods, like Taylor ham and pork rolls. New Jerseyans tend to drop the letter “g” from words as well, such as “walkin” instead of walking or “drinkin” instead of drinking.

New Jersey slang can also include many local references, such as using the abbreviation “Joisey” for New Jersey or mentioning famous places like the Jersey Shore or Atlantic City.

New Jersey slangs are a part of New Jersey culture and can be understood by locals, so brushing up on these words and phrases will help you feel like a true New Jerseyan.

So, remember to check out the New Jersey slang words and phrases when you’re trying to get a better understanding of New Jersey culture. You won’t regret it.

Some Famous Slangs And Phrases From New Jersey

New Jersey’s slang words and phrases have been around since the 1800s.

Many phrases are derived from New Jersey’s rich history of immigration, with slang originating from different European countries and New Jersey’s heavy Italian-American population.

New Jersey also had a vibrant jazz culture in the 1950s that spawned many unique phrases and expressions.

Television shows like The Sopranos and movies like New Jack City have also influenced New Jersey slang.

New Jersey slang has become increasingly popular in recent years, both inside the state and outside of it.

So, look at some of the most common New Jersey slang words and phrases you should know!

1. Cake Boss:

Cake boss is a New Jersey slang for a person who is good at baking, usually referring to the famous New Jersey bakery owner Buddy Valastro.

This word originated from the popular television show “Cake Boss“.

2. Snooki:

This New Jersey slang means someone petite and full of energy. It was originally used to refer to Nicole Polizzi, who was featured in the New Jersey-based reality show “Jersey Shore”.

Snooki originated from the New Jersey shore town Seaside Heights.

3. Doozy:

New Jersey slang for something that is so great it can’t be topped. This word originated from New Jerseyans wanting to express how awesome something is.

It is mostly used in a positive context and is usually followed by words such as “awesome”, “incredible”, and “amazing”.

4. Gravy:

This New Jersey slang is for money or money-making opportunities. This word is often used when New Jerseyans are talking about making extra cash or having luck with finances.

It is usually used in a positive and enthusiastic context, as New Jerseyans are known for their money-making skills.

5. G’wan:

G’wan is a New Jersey slang for “go on” or “get going”. This phrase is often used to encourage someone to get something done quickly or stop talking, usually in a good-natured and friendly manner.

New Jerseyans are known for their feisty and no-nonsense attitude, so this phrase is used often!

6. C’mere:

This is a New Jersey slang for “come here”. This phrase tends to be used informally and casually and can be directed at a friend or stranger.

New Jerseyans are known for their hospitality and willingness to help, so this phrase reflects that spirit!

7. Yo:

Yo is the New Jersey slang for “hello” or “hey”. This phrase can be used casually and formally, depending on the context of the conversation.

New Jerseyans are known for being laid-back and friendly, so this phrase reflects that same attitude!

8. Yo Cuz:

New Jersey slang for “hello friend”. This phrase is usually used to greet someone in a friendly and familiar way.

New Jerseyans are known for their close-knit communities.

So this phrase reflects the sense of camaraderie and inclusiveness that New Jerseyans have for each other.

9. What’s Popping:

This is a New Jersey slang for “what’s going on?” or “what are you up to?” This phrase is typically used as a friendly inquiry into someone else’s day or plans.

New Jerseyans are known for their easygoing attitude, and this phrase is a reflection of that “go-with-the-flow” mindset.

10. Jerz:

Jerz is a New Jersey slang for New Jersey itself. This is a shortened form of New Jersey.

It is often used when referring to something New Jerseyans identify with or enjoy about the state, such as its beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife.

11. Whaddya At?:

New Jersey slang for “what are you doing?” or “what are your plans?” This phrase is typically used as an informal inquiry into someone else’s day.

New Jerseyans have a laid-back attitude, and this phrase reflects their casual approach to social interaction. It originated in New Jersey and is still popular in the state today.

12. Gravy:

Gravy is a New Jersey slang for something extra, usually money. This phrase originated from New Jersey’s Italian-American community, with “gravy” referring to a sauce or topping that improves a dish.

Similarly, New Jerseyans use “gravy” to refer to money or anything else that improves life.

13. Down The Shore:

Down the shore is a New Jersey slang for a day trip or vacation to the beach area of New Jersey, which stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south.

The phrase encompasses New Jersey’s beaches, boardwalks, and coastal attractions.

14. Schmear:

A New Jersey term to describe a large amount of something, usually food. It originates from New York and New Jersey Jewish culture and is often used when describing the large amounts of cream cheese served at New York-style delis in New Jersey.

It can also be applied to anything that needs to be put on top of something else in a generous amount, such as butter or jelly.

15. Cake Eater:

A New Jersey term for someone who is considered to be overly wealthy, privileged, and well-off.

It’s usually used humorously and can refer to anyone from New Jersey born with an expensive lifestyle.

16. Hoagie:

Another New Jersey slang word that is considered to be synonymous with the Italian sandwich.

In New Jersey, it refers specifically to a large sub-style sandwich filled with cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It’s often served on an Italian roll or baguette.

17. Dancing With Mrs. Jones:

This New Jersey slang refers to driving recklessly and dangerously, typically in residential areas.

It is derived from a song by Billy Paul, which New Jersey’s Bruce Springsteen covered.

18. Fuhgeddaboudit:

New Jersey slang for “forget about it” is often used to dismiss something or express disbelief.

It’s one of New Jersey’s most widely used phrases. This originated from New York City and made its way to New Jersey.

19. Garden State:

Garden state is New Jersey’s nickname referring to the large number of gardens, parks, and farms in the state.

This term originated in the 1930s due to New Jersey’s agricultural roots.

20. Rassle:

A New Jersey term is used to refer to a fight or an argument. It can also be used to refer to an intense competition or game.

This term originated in New Jersey’s blue-collar neighborhoods.

Why Are There So Many New Jersey Slang Words And Phrases?

New Jersey slang has been around since the 19th century, comprised of words and expressions from different cultures.

New Jersey’s cultural melting pot, combined with its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia

That has resulted in an extensive collection of slang terms that have become widely used throughout the state.

New Jersey slang has become increasingly popular in recent years, both inside the state and outside of it.

Final Thoughts:

New Jerseyans love to talk a certain way, and it’s worth learning some of their lingoes if you’re from New Jersey or just visiting the area.

New Jersey has a long history of immigration and its own distinct culture, which can be seen in the language spoken by New Jersey natives.

From words like “dawg” to phrases like “Joisey,” New Jersey slangs are full of fun and interesting expressions that you should know if you’re planning to visit or live there.

Knowing New Jersey slang will help you understand New Jersey culture and make communicating with New Jerseyans much easier.

Keep an ear out for these New Jersey slang words and phrases; before you know it, you’ll be talking like a true New Jerseyan.

Whether you’re from New Jersey or not, it’s worth learning some of these words and phrases to sound like a true New Jerseyan.