Shoobies, Bennys and Locals: A Guide to Jersey Shore Slang
Every summer, the Jersey Shore fills up with locals, tourists and everyone in between. And if you spend enough time down the shore, you'll hear a few words that don't make sense anywhere else. Here's your guide to talking like a true shore person.
Shoobie
A South Jersey term for a day-tripper or summer visitor. The story goes that early visitors came down by train carrying their lunch in shoe boxes, and the name stuck. You'll hear it most from Cape May up through Long Beach Island.
Benny
The North Jersey version of a tourist, used in shore towns along the northern coast. A popular (but unofficial) explanation is that it stands for the places many visitors came from: Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark and New York.
Local
Someone who lives at the shore all year, including the quiet off-season months. Locals know the best beach access spots, the shortest lines and exactly when to avoid the Parkway.
Down the shore
Never "to the beach." In New Jersey you go down the shore, no matter which direction you're driving.
The boards
The boardwalk. As in, "Meet us on the boards after dinner."
Taylor ham or pork roll
Same breakfast meat, two names, and a debate that never ends. North Jersey usually says Taylor ham. South Jersey usually says pork roll. Either way, it goes on a roll with egg and cheese.
Jughandle
New Jersey's famous way of turning left: you exit to the right, loop around and cross the road. Confusing to visitors, normal to us.
The Parkway
The Garden State Parkway, the main route down the shore. Locals give directions by exit number, like "I'm off exit 63."
Seagulls
Not slang, but every shore person knows them: fearless, loud and always after your fries. They even inspired our Seagull Crap Hand Soap, the funniest gift for anyone who's lost a snack on the boardwalk.
Bring the shore home
Shoobie, Benny or local, Jersey Love is for everyone who loves the shore. Our beach-inspired sea salt spray, tanning oil and body care are made in New Jersey. Shop the collection.