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When I first moved to Fl and I would introduce myself to a new co-worker the immediate response was "oh jersey, I could tell" said with distain. That was back in'81, I don't notice the locals being so down on us Yankees much anymore.
I'm an ex-NJ girl and I can always spot someone from N.J.
I live in Vermont near Stowe, a very large tourist area that attracts a lot of visitors from the tri-state area. Here's what gives N.J. people away:
1) They usually talk louder and faster than Vermonters, even if they don't have distinct N.J. accents.
2) They have a distinct way of dressing. Men like to wear leather jackets, jeans and white sneakers. I've even seen people dressed like this at the local ski resort, which makes them really stick out. The women tend to be more fashionable than Vermonters. They favor black clothing, preferably tight and like to wear high-heels and jewelry. And they almost always wear makeup and color their hair.
3) They smell good. Unlike most Vermonters they like to wear cologne, aftershave, perfume and other scented body products.
4) They are always in a rush. They don't stop at crosswalks, which can be disastrous as most Vermonters will just walk across without looking because they assume drivers will stop for them. They also get annoyed if they have to wait more than a few minutes at a restaurant. They can't seem to understand the reason why people many like to live and vacation here is because of the slower pace of life and laid-back lifestyle.
Of course these are broad generalizations. I'm sure there are N.J. tourists that I haven't been able to pick out of a crowd because they don't fit the typical stereotypes.
Has this type of conversation, or variation thereof, ever occurred? Earlier today, I was at the gym, and we had someone from Houston present. (someone must always be present due to liability insurance provisions) I was talking to her about Houston versus where she is now (New Mexico) and the comparisons and contrasts. Cost of living came up in the discussion, and at some point I mentioned to her that I was from New Jersey. And she said very matter of fact: "Yes, I can tell!" And I asked her how? By my accent? (I don't think I have an NJ accent at all by the way) She elaborated: "Yes, but also by the way you talk and act. You talk a lot more than other people here, a lot faster, and have a lot more observations." I asked her if that was a compliment or an insult. Again, very matter of fact: "It's neither. You are just very different." So I got into personal experience with her, and she went on to say that there were many relocatees that work in Houston (she works normally at Johnson Space Center) and the people from New Jersey in her observations were more like myself, more talkative, faster talking, opinionated, etc. Which is funny, because since I've moved here, friends and family from back home have told me how much they think I've slowed down. But I digress. I was wondering if any of the forum regulars here who no longer live in NJ have ever been told what I was told a little earlier today!
MIKE, I have had the same experience and I relocated to Pa. Some even ask if I am from Newark, how right on that is. So, next time you reply, "Why yes I am , thank you for the compliment". We are a friendly warm group. Yeah New Jersey.
Carol.
Has this type of conversation, or variation thereof, ever occurred? Earlier today, I was at the gym, and we had someone from Houston present. (someone must always be present due to liability insurance provisions) I was talking to her about Houston versus where she is now (New Mexico) and the comparisons and contrasts. Cost of living came up in the discussion, and at some point I mentioned to her that I was from New Jersey. And she said very matter of fact: "Yes, I can tell!" And I asked her how? By my accent? (I don't think I have an NJ accent at all by the way) She elaborated: "Yes, but also by the way you talk and act. You talk a lot more than other people here, a lot faster, and have a lot more observations." I asked her if that was a compliment or an insult. Again, very matter of fact: "It's neither. You are just very different." So I got into personal experience with her, and she went on to say that there were many relocatees that work in Houston (she works normally at Johnson Space Center) and the people from New Jersey in her observations were more like myself, more talkative, faster talking, opinionated, etc. Which is funny, because since I've moved here, friends and family from back home have told me how much they think I've slowed down. But I digress. I was wondering if any of the forum regulars here who no longer live in NJ have ever been told what I was told a little earlier today!
After living in Pennsylvania for 38 years, people still tell me I have a NJ accent. Glad I haven't lost it.
Very interesting! I do notice NJ people, and love the observational direct nature.
It seems very particularly to NJ and NYC area of NY.
I WONDER..what varies from people in say CT, RI...as you'd think they'd have a similar nature to NJ due to proximity/culture, etc. But it seems a bit different, right?
Southern New England is similar in some aspects but not all.
The difference between Boston and New York?
That is a way to look at it.
The native Bostonians are very direct people but still different than New Yorkers.
NYC is much larger than Boston and just feels so different.
I don't have much accent but in the south it stands out anyway.
In the Carolinas people have commented on black clothing but I wear all colors in truth. That is not really specific to just NJ though. Maybe just the urban north in general.
It seems to startle some below the mason-dixon.
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I'm an ex-NJ girl and I can always spot someone from N.J.
My Accent
