There are a lot of unique words that we only use in New Jersey, or that mean something totally different in our state. For an unofficial dictionary, click here. There are also quite a few words that you won't hear in the state; here are a couple that may confound us:
1. Pop
It's called soda here.
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2. Hot Dish
Sorry, Midwest, it's casserole.
3. Crick
It's creek, people!
4. Bubbler
Though some states say bubbler, most say water fountain.
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5. Rotary
Are we talking about phones here? It's a roundabout or circle.
6. Beach
For most (though not all) of us, it's the shore. In North Jersey, it's always down the shore. Lavallette is pictured.
7. Sir-up
Syrup is sear-up in New Jersey. According to a recent linguistics study, most of the United States pronounces the sweet substance, sir-up.
8. Cheese Curds
Cheese curds are cool, but New Jersey is all about our mozzarella (mozz) sticks.
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9. Buggy
Like horse and buggy? Are we in Lancaster? It's a shopping cart here.
10. Brew Thru
I've never seen a drive thru liquor store in New Jersey, but they're all over much of the country.
11. Ice Box
It's refrigerator, or fridge, here.
12. Tennis Shoes
Maybe if you're playing tennis. Otherwise, it's sneakers.
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What other words do you hear all the time out-of-state, but almost never within New Jersey's borders?
New Jersey is a pretty unique state and there are certain things you can only find here - Ellis Island, for example. If you're a true New Jerseyan, you know that 90% of the historic island is owned by our state. You may not know however that the following 10 interesting things and places to visit in New Jersey.
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1. A monument to a Martian landing site
Based on the 1938 radio broadcast detailing an alien landing in Grover's Mill, New Jersey. The Halloween broadcast was fictional, based on H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds.". Many took it as fact, inciting panic.
2. A beach community consisting entirely of tents
Located in Ocean Grove, this summer resort is more laid back than luxurious. Though most tents do have cooking and lavatory facilities, they don't have much else. Still, they rent for $4,000-$5,000 per season.
3. The mysterious tripod rock
This highly unusual glacial erratic on Pyramid Mountain lines up perfectly with the setting point of the sun on the summer solstice.
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4. A fully intact WWII bunker on the beach
Located in Cape May, right near the visible wreckage of a sunken ship.
5. The fourth largest clock in the world
It may not be the largest, but it sure looks lovely lit up at night. The Colgate Clock is located on the Jersey City waterfront.
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6. The world's largest model railroad
You can enjoy this massive marvel at Northlandz in Flemington. It is also home to the world's only toothpick farm.
7. Luna Parc, a psychedelic wonderland in the woods
This whimsical private home in Sussex County is occasionally available for public tours. It is the home and studio space of artist Ricky Boscarino.
8. Lucy, the world's largest elephant
Located in Margate, this massive mammoth was once part of a hotel. Built in 1881, she still serves as one of the most popular roadside attractions in New Jersey.
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9. A tribute to a lost loved one in the form of an over-sized gorilla
Mighty Joe in Shamong currently serves as a memorial to Joseph "Mighty Joe" Valenzano. It's also one of the most unique New Jersey attractions.
10. A vintage pinball museum on the beach
There are at least three other vintage pinball museums in the world, but I can vouch for this one. It is tons of fun and right on the beach! It's one of the most fun things to do in New Jersey.
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How many of these one-of-a-kind places to visit in New Jersey were you aware of? Are there any other unique things you can only find in New Jersey? I'm sure there are! Please share your favorites in the comments below.
Would you like to show off your state pride? Take a look at the amazing selection of New Jersey apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to talk like a New Jersey local? Take a look at this video from @onlyinyourstate:
Some People Don’t Know That New Jersey Was The First To Do These 10 Things
New Jersey has been a pioneer in various fields, achieving numerous American firsts from the first balloon flight to the first professional basketball game.
New Jersey has always been an innovator, with its residents making major advancements in everything from medicine to music. Home to Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park lab and the nation’s first beach resorts, we’ve paved the way for technology and…tanning. There’s nothing wrong with a little seaside relaxation, or tossing around the pigskin. As you learned from our interesting facts about New Jersey article, our state was the first to host a college football game. Here are ten other New Jersey firsts you can boast about.
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1. On January 9, 1793, the first balloon flight in America was made by Jean-Pierre Blanchard.
He landed his balloon in Deptford, New Jersey, carrying a letter from George Washington and landed a spot on our list of things New Jersey did first.
2. The first condensed soup in America was cooked and canned by Campbell's in Camden County in 1897, resulting in one of the most iconic of all New Jersey inventions.
The company is still headquartered there.
3. The first professional basketball game was played in Trenton in 1896.
The Trenton YMCA defeated the Brooklyn YMCA 15-1. Admission was charged, and players were paid, making it the first professional game in the sport.
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4. The first ferry service in the United States was based out of Hoboken.
The service began in 1811, traveling between Hoboken and Manhattan.
5. The first saltwater taffy was produced here.
The sweet stuff was first made and marketed in Atlantic City during the 1870s and remains one of the sweetest things New Jersey did first!
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6. The first copper mine in America was opened here.
The mine was built by Dutch settlers in the Kittatinny Mountains circa 1640.
7. The nation's first brewery was opened here in 1642.
It's very fitting that the brewery was in Hoboken, New Jersey's hip bar capitol.
8. The first solid body electric guitar was made here.
It was invented by Mahwah resident Les Paul in 1940.
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9. The first light bulb was made by Thomas A. Edison in Menlo Park in 1879.
The first town to be lighted by electricity was Roselle in 1883.
10. The first submarine was built in 1878 by John Holland of Passaic County.
Though it was not as advanced as the sub seen above, it did the job. The original submarine can still be seen in a Paterson museum, as it ranks pretty high up there in significance as far as New Jersey firsts go.
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Were you surprised to learn about any of these New Jersey firsts? Which did you already know? Are you aware of any fascinating inventions from New Jersey? New Jersey has so many other firsts we’d love to share with you. If you like and share the post, there just might be a part two, highlighting all the things New Jersey did first!