What do YOU call New Jersey?

I was born and raised in New Jersey and I have always referred to the state as New Jersey.

My dear husband, born and raised in the Bronx (accent and all) refers to my birth state as New Jersey not "joisey". My children also refer to the state by its proper name.

I must say, New Jersey gets a bad rap -- there is more to the state than the Turnpike. I am also thin skinned when my New York friends slip and say something derogatory about New Jersey.

I never considered myself to have an "accent". I leave that to my SIL who has lived in the UK for many years -- a Brit with a Bronx accent, now that's an ear full

I am from Texas and I just call it Jersey. I'm not sure why I call it that, I just do. If this is inappropriate, please let me know and I'll make a point of saying New Jersey from now on. It is indeed a very nice state, no matter what you call it

Don't the same people who say "joisey" also say "New Yahwk"?

There was something about your post that bothered me and I finally put my finger on it. Cmt wrote:

"Though "joisey" is not the way educated Manhattanites would pronounce "Jersey," it was a common pronunciation in Brooklyn, and perhaps also in some other boroughs of NYC as well"

I'm not clear on what your point is. Don't assume that articulation and regional accents are directly related to educational achievement/attainment or lack thereof. I view it as slang.

Hi P_M

I say Jersey - but not "joisey" - simply because it's faster - just one less word. I also say DC - not Washington - for the same reason.

I suspect if New Hampshire were near NYC it would be called "Hampshire" for the same reason. I don;t thing there is any disrespect intended.

My main "point," to the extent that I had any point at all, was that NYers now seem to say "joisey" as a way to gently make fun of people from NJ, but originally, it was a way of mimicking the way some NYers spoke, which sounded funny to non-NYers.

Used as a joke, maybe "joisey" is slang. But if that's really the way someone pronounces Jersey, without trying to be funny, I think it's a mispronunciation of American English (that is, unless you simply don't believe there is any such thing as standard/correct speech and substandard/poor speech, but instead believe that all accents, all grammar, all vocabulary is "correct" in its own way). The pronunciations I described that I heard in Brooklyn when I was growing up, e.g., "the erl man came oily in the mawning," were not just slang. They really were bad speech, and I was aware of that even as a little child of four. It was something that was worth trying NOT to say, or worth UNlearning. Since I moved around a little as a child, from Brooklyn to PA to Brooklyn to NJ, I learned to hear my own accent when it was different from the local one, so I managed to drop the more extreme Brooklynism wqhen I moved to PA and the extreme PAisms when I moved back to Brooklyn, even though my accent remained regional, in a general northeastern/mid-Atlantic way.

I know there are plenty of educated people who speak with EXTREME local accents, but I do think that's not considered standard, and many people, through schooling or professional training or business experience, make an effort to unlearn some of the more extreme local pronunciation they picked up as children. A slight to moderate New York City or Boston or West Virginia or Alabama or rural Indiana accent isn't substandard speech, or at least I hope it isn't considered substandard. I like regional accents and enjoy regional differences in words, but I do think there is such a thing as speech that is more extreme than just a regional variation. People who do not live their entire lives in the city or locality where they were born have an easier opportunity to recognize some of the really extreme local speech patterns, as do people who have more schooling. It's true that some people who move far away from their home towns and who get Ph.D.s may still have extreme accents, but they had plenty of opportunities to lose them, and I think usually do. Or at least that's my observation, but not really a "point."

I don't think there's any disrespect at all intended when people say "Jersey" either. When I first moved to NJ when I was nine, it seemed that just about everyone in Brooklyn referred to NJ as Jersey, and NYC friends usually do as well. But I've never hear a native-born NJ resident refer to the home state that way. I was wondering, though, about this stale joke of referring to the state as "joisey," because I saw that so much (in print) on another travel board and didn't know what to make of it. I didn't think it was insulting, just kind of silly and "old" as jokes go.

"Unlearn". No. Code-switch, yes.

I'm too tired to debate the issue.

Not a "debate".... I don't know what "cose-switch" mean. I do remember when I was 4 1/2 and moved to PA from Brooklyn, I could hear something funny about my accent and I lost the more extreme aspects of it, like saying Longgallin for Long Island or chimminy for chimney. Then when I moved back to Brooklyn at 7 1/2 I could hear that I said "myin" for "mine" and the other kids didn't, so I lost that. then I picked up certain very NJ very ethnic pronunciations in college, which I could hear when I went to grad school in a different part of the country and I tone them down. So whatever it was, I did it, and it was at least partly a deliberate and cosncious effort. I can turn on and imitate various accents just for fun, but they're not my accent. However, I know that I have a kind of generic NE/Mid-Atlantic/NJ-PA accent and would never be mistaken for a Bostonian or a Chicagoan or a Georgian.

"I think it's a mispronunciation of American English (that is, unless you simply don't believe there is any such thing as standard/correct speech and substandard/poor speech, but instead believe that all accents, all grammar, all vocabulary is "correct" in its own way)"

"Bad speech" or dialect versus standard English? Hmmm...It seems that I've been down this road once before.

Now I myself was somewhat offended by a comment from a former acquaintance when he called it "Jew Nersey." Makes you laugh and cry all at the same time.

Actually, I think the popularity of calling it "joisey" came from a Joe Piscapo skit on Saturday Night Live where he used to say "are you from joisey? I'm from joisey"

Chuckling at this post....

As a native Californian, I often find the subject dialogue of easterners (as in this post) as entertaining as their accents, IF they have one. I can't explain why….

I recall with some humor, an incident in a NJ coffee shop. We had asked our waitress for more coffee. Without stepping away from our table, she shouted loud enough to be heard clear in the back, "Hey Diana! Bring some more coiffee ovah heah!"

She then turned her attention back to us and asked with a sneer why we were giggling! I think she knew why, but still enjoyed drumming an answer out of us anyway.

I'm sure "Joisey" has been around for some time. The first time I heard it was from watching the Three Stooges on television, and of course we understood that was meant to be comical!

Speaking of accents, once while in Boston I asked a shop owner if I had a "Californian" accent, and he said, "Of course!" He didn’t elaborate, perhaps seeing me smile at his accent. I enjoy regional accents and think they add a measure of spice…and sometimes comedy. I bet I’m not alone however, in only catching half of what is said in British movies! (crossing eyes..)

Reminds me of the scene in “Joe Dirt” when the southern neighbor was telling Joe, “Home is what you make it.” “What?” asked Joe, “You like homeless people naked?!”

Just a Californian, who sometimes draws my words out long and pauses ...and other times speaks faster then I can catch my breath!

I've lived in various parts of NJ since I was five years old. Despite my Fodors moniker, when asked where I'm from, I reply, New Jersey. Both my eldest son and my eldest daughter (both grown) significant others are from Seattle and both were really surprised the first time they visited us. They had no idea that New Jersey was so lovely. And no, we don't speak like the stereotype.

Not born in New Jersey, but raised there and still reside, and have mostly called it New Jersey, occasionally Jersey, and never "joisey." No one I know from the state has ever pronounced it joisey. My parents are from Brooklyn and have never called it "joisey." I do however, pronounce water as "wudder", rhymes with butter.

We say joisey but that is because that is what my Uncle calls it that had lived there for 50 years with his accent With family it's "joisey", with strangers it's "jersey"

My grandfather, born and raised in the Bronx, said "Joisey", "erl", and my favorite, "terlet." We got a big kick out of it as kids. My parents were also born/raised in the Bronx but their accents are much less extreme. Oh, though my dad doesn't pronounce the Ts in "bottle"!

I was also born in the Bronx, then moved an hour north to a town where everyone was from some outer borough of NYC, and my accent (if I even have one?)is even less noticeable than my parents'. Regional accents are definitely changing with time, whether due to the advent of television years ago, or immigration or relocation or whatever. You just don't often hear young people saying "joisey" anymore unless they're kidding around.

And I say "Jersey" (like I say "DC").

Okay -I had to think about it but this is what I do. If I'm talking seriously I say New Jersey. If the conversation is light hearted or comical I might say Joisey and I beleive it is a comical version of the way you would expect someone from New Jersey to pronounce it. I know people don't actually speak that way from New Jersey . However we have been led to believe that they do mostly through comic relief. That is why I might say it joisey if the conversation were comical. It's not meant to be offensive to people from New Jersey. Just comical to the group I am speaking with at the time. Although - here in upstate NY we know people from New Jersey are well educated and hard working people. We also know it is more than a turn pike. It is a very beautiful state! In upstate NY people deal with a lot of the same misconceptions. So many people think New York is one big city and we all have NY accents. People make fun of our accents too and I believe it is in a comic relief sort of way. I'm from Syracuse and I've been told I have a Syracuse accent when I travel. So it all depends on who you talk to and what they have been exposed to.

So an unscientific poll of posters reveals that people from New Jersey, do not call their home state Jersey or joisey, but some New York residents do. I think as with all matters regarding names, people and places should be referred to by the name --or nicknames--they, not others, use.

I was born in Phila. and moved to South Jersey soon after. When asked where I'm from, I always say South Jersey, never joisey. Some people think it's a different state from North Jersey where they tend to have a New York accent. In college (Trenton), my kind (from SJ) where called southern belles because of our 'accent'. Just ask us how to say water!
LAU

Now I live in "Chicargo" but I'm from NJ which we jokingly call "Joisey" which we thought was mocking the "New Yawrk" accent. When I open my mouth people in Chicago think I'm from New York, whereas people from New York know I'm from Chicago.

New Joisey, where Jimmy Hoffa is buried under the cement.

Just kidding!

It's "unner" da cement; doncha know nuttin'?

Mobility and mass communications are rapidly blurring the accents of many native Jersey speakers. Interestingly, the "Joisey" pronunciation most likely has its roots in Irish Gaelic and was most often found in people who made their living on the docks of New York harbor, whether it was Manhattan, Brooklyn or Joisey City.

to answer the original post q. i call new jersey home!!

few people in new jersey have the exaggerated accent. it is just a joke and no biggie,

dare i say what is worse, someone saying joisey or asking what exit?????

I was born and raised in New Jersey and have always called it New Jersey.

I do think the state gets a bad rap. After all, Tony Soprano chose it as a place both to live and to work!

I lived in Queens until I was 8 and then moved to NJ; family is still there. Anyway, I go back and forth between calling it Jersey and New Jersey. Never have I called it Joisey. I do have an accent in which I say dawg, cawfee, tawk, etc. I've worked very hard over the years to mask that, but when I go back there, and am around certain relatives, I tend to slip.

Interestingly, not a single poster raised the issue we Philly residents get all the time. Whenever people go across the Delaware River, they say they are in "South Jersey." Not "southern New Jersey," just "South Jersey." It's almost as if they want to make it clear they're nowhere near the Newark area. I had never heard the term before I got here five years ago, but very quickly noticed it as standard description.

Also, when you go in the direction of Cape May, you say you are going "down the shore." Not "down TO the shore," just "down the shore." The first time I noticed it I thought it was a slip up. Then I noticed it happening all the time.

vcl: up in da U.P. here, they would say "under da cement, eh?"

Paul Rabe:

Not all of North Jersey is near Newark. That's not why they say South Jersey. You're either from South Jersey, Central Jersey, or North Jersey.

pointless -- who cares?

I was born and raised in New Jersey, then moved all around the country before I finally settled in the mountains of North Carolina and now call that area home.

I've never taken offense at any joke aimed at New Jersey, even when I lived there. I grew up in a town where almost everybody made fun of the state from time to time.

When asked where I was from, I always responded "South Jersey" or "Jersey".

As for accents, when I was 17 years old I was hitchhiking near Asheville, North Carolina. An elderly farmer picked me up in his sputtering pickup truck and gave me a ride. After just a few minutes of conversation, he said, "I bet I know where you're from."

I told him to guess. He smiled and said, "Somewhere in South Jersey right across the river from Philadelphia. Near Cherry Hill and Moorestown."

I was flabbergasted, and asked how he knew. He told me that when he was in his late teens he took part in a cattle drive that ended on the banks of the Rancocas River, where the livestock was then loaded onto barges to be taken to Philadelphia. Incredibly, the end of the cattle drive took him right to the town where I grew up!

He ended up staying with a family in town for several months before he returned home, and he had picked up on the "unique" way I pronounced several different words.

But he said the dead giveaway of where I was from was when I referred to water as "wooder".

Stevebarr, I grew up in the same area of Jersey (which is how I sometimes refer to it) and I had to tell you that your response gave me a big laugh. I don't even like to say the word "water" because I am so conscious of mispronouncing it as "wooder" that I over-compensate and it ends up sounding even worse! I have heard a lot of jokes about New Jersey. I moved away and ended up in another state that has been joked about ever since the "chad" incident....can you guess? Ha ha....just my luck.

wow- the orignal post is almost 2 years old! How did you every find this thread to bring it up again?? Just wondering?

Notice that "Stevesmoker" found this old thread, lol! Anyhow, I call Jersey "home"!

DebitNM: I don't know. I was checking the responses to my question about Seattle and this came up next to it. It looked interesting, since I'm from NJ, so I read some of it. I kind of flipped to the last response and that's when I read Stevebarr. By the way, I miss NJ sometimes, just not in the winter, when it is unbelievably beautiful in Florida!

We live near Philadelphia. We call it 'downtheshor'

Jersey, fuggedaboutit!

You mispronounced that....in Jersey, it's "fuggedaboudit!"

Jersey? Which exit?

Exit 14A. New Joisey the "Garden State"

Home

d'Gahdn'stet

The dirty Jerz...

What an interesting thread - being born and raised in Jersey (which is how I call it) and working all over the country, it's interesting to hear what our rep is - which isnt always about the industrial wasteland/worst crime filled cities that typically fill the media.
When I went to school at Rutgers you had this alignment/pride for what part of Jersey you resided - North, Central, or South Jersey - and then have discussions over what the differences were with the accents, people, etc - it did make time pass by, but really the only (what I believe to be) true difference was that Central/North Jerseyians have more hectic lifestyles assoicated with NYC vs the South Jersey folks who tend to live a more easy-going lifestyle. Does it matter at the end of the day? Not really - but it makes for starting up conversations with
There's also some interesting quirks about Jersey - in discussions with others from outside Jersey, the most common remarks I get are (in this order):
- where's your accent?
- what exit off the turnpike/parkway are you from?
- how far from the city (NYC) are you?
- did you go to Rutgers? I hear that's such a great school (remember, this coming from ppl outside the state, not inside!)
Anyway, to sum it all up, Jersey does have a better rep from ppl outside the state than ppl who are born and raised inside the state - plus, there arent many other places I know where great cities, good beaches, good hiking, good skiing, great shopping, and good schools are all within a few hours reach

New Jersey

I call it "where I grew up" or just Jersey. (and no, I didn't go to Rutgers, wayyyy to close to home - I grew up 15 mins down the road) - and yes, when asked where in NJ - I say the exit # of the turnpike - (my husband on the other hand also grew up in NJ but near the Parkway & is absolutely clueless when it comes to the Turnpike!)

LOL, I call it Jersey. I have only been there once and I live in CA, for what that's worth.

I call NJ a place that is probably pretty good once you leave the G.D. Turnpike!

Nothing is worse than those armpit rest stop/gas station/fast-food strip-mall places on the NJ turnpike.

Last time I drove the NJ Turnpike I just got on near the Big Apple and never stopped until Delaware. That was the way to go!

I just loved reading this thread and I have to admit I do get very annoyed when I tell people I am from New Jersey and they say, "Oh, you mean Joisey". I always respond and repeat it again and say, "No, I said New Jersey, not Joisey". In my 35 years of living in NJ, I don't know anyone from NJ that pronouces it like Joisey except the people who try to make a joke about it.

"The light at the end of the tunnel." That realization is depressing.

I live in NJ and have lived her for a good 20 years or so. The rule of thumb is that people from NJ refer to the state as "New Jersey", folks from outside the state refer to it as "Jersey", "Joisey".

NJ to NJ - say what county you're from

There used to be an SNL skit (back with Joe Piscopo):
"You're from Joysey"
"I'm from Joysey"
"What exit?"

I think that's where it started

http://www.joepiscopo.com/whatexit.pdf

STW, your 8:54 pm post is dead on!

Cmt, I say "New Jersey," with the correct enunciation, although there is a slight southern drawl involved.

Born and raised in Staten Island in sight of Bayonne Bridge. Always called it "Jersey" and called SI "Stat Nyland" so there you go.

I have lived in "Jersey" for 41 years. That's what I call it. I dont get how people can get insulted over that. Lighten up!!

My husband is from NJ and I can't repeat what he calls it, the initials are NFJ.

What do I call it? Where my husband used to work! (while we lived in CA)

I think one or two kids said "Joisey", Freshman year in college 1979! It's a Saturday night live reference that dates you if you use it. I lived in NJ until I was 25 (with 1-2 years outside of the country) from then on I live in NYC (3 years in HI). I have never heard anyone else say joisey. So I am not sure what you are talking about when you say regional expression, its not. I suspect its just older people on this board cracking a funny or attempting?

I call it have New Jersey.

Very entertaining thread and so happy it popped back after a 2-year holiday! Reminded me of a very nice South Carolina couple we met on our honeymoon...

S.C.: So where're y'all from?
Me: New Jersey.
S.C.: Oh! New JOISEY!
Me: Y'all????

Born and bred a Jersey girl, I've always called it New Jersey EXCEPT if I'm in the city (that's NYC) and a New Yorker asks where I'm from...then I reply, "over in Jersey."

I distinguish myself as being from North Jersey for whatever reason.

My brother says "wudder" but I don't.

My family rents a house "downtheshore" every summer.

My FIL, who grew up in Newark and Clifton, drops the t's in "bottle" and similar words.

Oh, and I call northeastern Pennsylvania "Pennsy" but I don't know why...

Thanks for the laughs!

Christina
Exit 153

Honestly, I don't ever recall anyone calling NJ, "Joisey". Having been born, raised and still living in NJ, I am from New Jersey not Jersey.

I remember during my first trip to London, I was in line waiting to get into the Tower of London, when the woman behind me said "I can tell where you're from by your accent. You're from Philly". I said "No, actually I'm from New Jersey about 45 mins way and across the Delaware". She replied "close enough".

"Jersey" also. I've spent quite a bit of time there on business & lots of natives refer to it that way as well.

I posted on here under living in Philly, because we might be moving there. And people have replied to the post saying how New Jersey (Joisey) has nice beaches. And that is exactly what they did they put (joisey) in () I know each region has their accent but are the accents really that deep in NYC or NJ?? I am from Chicaaaaago and people know it when I say Chicaaaaaago!!

One more thing, I use to work with a guy from Boston and he had a very very thick accent!

No one in Jersey calls New York York.

Here are more New Yorkisms

People in Brooklyn and Queens say they are going into the City when they mean Manhattan.

People in Manhattan call they people who come into the City for drinking and clubbing the BBQ crowd (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens. Staten Island doesn't count)

Depending upon where you live you visit Lung or Lawn Island or just plain Island.

If you live in NYC upstate starts just north of Yonkers.

And we haven't even discussed uptown, downtown.

Anyone who makes fun of the name of the state are probably the same ones coming to clog the beaches during the summer. You can have your joisey shore while I go hike and climb in the Jersey mountains.

Anyone who makes fun of the name of the state are probably the same ones coming to clog the beaches during the summer. You can have your joisey shore while I go hike and climb in the Jersey mountains.

I did not know that the cure for sophistry is hiking.

really dumb thread

Eh, I think it's a fun thread.

I moved out of NJ last year, but love and miss it and visit frequently.

When I tell people I'm from Jersey (which is what I usually say), and they say "Oh, Joisey?" I always respond, "No one from Jersey ever says Joisey."

When I run into the occasional person from Jersey out here in AZ (which is where I live now), I'll say that I am from South Jersey.

What I really enjoy is people from outside of New Jersey questioning my sports allegiances. They seem to think I am an idiot for rooting for Philly pro sports teams. Little do they know that Philly was a 20 minute drive from my house. The Meadowlands? A good two hours. My point is, I really don't need people telling me where I live and what teams are in that general vicinity, lol.

BTW, I never lived close enough to an exit to claim it.

I have lived in New Jersey my whole life and nobody in New Jersey ever says Joisey. Only people from like upstate New York say that.

I just moved down south to Tampa, Florida. And when i talk to people dey end up asking me if im from New York because of the way i talk, nd then i say no "Im from NEW JERSEY" or just "Jersey", and then they will say, "Oh! Your from new Joisey"

That crap is really annoying.

I am from Boston, living in Delaware temporarily for a few years, so I drive through the state a lot.

I grew up calling it New Jersey and still call it New Jersey. The only exception is when I talk about the beach communities and use "Jersey Shore" or just "The Shore". I was always Jersey Shore for me, until I moved to Delaware. Here, everyone either visits The Shore or The Beach. The Shore being the Jersey Shore and The Beach being Delaware's beaches.

I don't find people saying "joisey" insulting, nor do I think it should be taken that way. I just find it annoying. For me, it relates to my Boston accent. I always have people notice my accent or learn where I am from, and break into the old "Pahk the Cah in Havahd Yahd" routine. I am not insulted by it, just annoyed, because it sounds so fake and awful from a non-native speaker. The same goes for movies. Occasionally there is a film where actors who have never been to Boston put on their accent for the role. It makes my ears bleed. Again, not an insult, just frustrating because it is painful to listen to.

So, I don't do the "joisey" thing and never will. I know how I feel when people do the "Hahvahd" thing and I just always imagined the those in New Jersey must feel the same way about "Joisey".

Shandy... it is so much fun though.
Seriously, it so hard not to poke fun.
I'm a native Texan and say fixin' and y'all a lot. Can't help it.
People laugh and mock me, too and it does not bother me at all.
In fact, I use my accent to my advantage.

I have lived in NJ my entire life - first the Shore, then Central NJ, then North Jersey and now Western NJ. I have never encountered anyone who lives here that says "Joisey." Everyone says "New Jersey." I really only hear "joisey" on TV, radio, or maybe from visitors who are trying to make a joke.

I dont really think its that offensive but when you have heard the same joke a million times its not that funny...its hard to fake a laugh and say "oh, ha ha, how clever" so I find I just roll my eyes. its tiring, not annoying.

By the way, I live about 800 feet from the PA border and I only refer to it as "Pennsyltucky." hah!

I have lived in New Jersey my whole life (47 years) and have Never called it Joisey. I call it either New Jersey or just Jersey depending on my mood or maybe who I am speaking with. I do find it insulting when people from out of state use the "joisey" reference. I also call going to Manhattan as going to "the city" and I am from the central NJ shore area. I am right on the dividing line of the NY Giants/ Philadelphia Eagles border and find that rather amusing.My husband and I also call Pennsylvania---Pennsyltucky LOL!

I was born in "Nork", New Jersey. While I am very well educated, I still do have a classic, though not heavy, Jersey accent.

Like others have said, we do not say Joisey, and like a true Jerseyan, if you said Joisey to my face, I'd tell you that you are a duesh-bag.

Someone above says we always say the full name of our state. That is completely INCORRECT. If not including a city location beforehand, most born here will say Jersey, or more accurately Jurzee.

Jersey has 3 of the five wealiest counties in the state. If you especially live west of 287 and north of 78, you are hanging with the really big bucks, I mean I am tawkin "Trump, Onassis, Johnson & Johnson type of money.

Jersey is a great state, somewhat expensive but hey, we got the shore. LBI rocks! The boardwalk (pronounced broadwawk)was cool when I was a kid, nowadays, not so much.

Mike - this thread is 6 years old.

waterlogged

Waterlogged is correct! I'm growing mushrooms all over the place.

See, this is what is wrong with American schools:


Even the (self-proclaimed, let us observe)"very well educated" think it noteworthy that their state has "3 of the five wealthiest counties in the state".

The fact that he can't figure out that it has the other two as well, is the funny part!

(of course any of us could say that about our state or his)

Born and raised...it's New Jersey....I HATE when I go out of town and people say "so you're from Joisey" My reply is "Joisy?!?! Where's that!?"