As a Jersey girl who has lived with and met several people from Massachusetts while away at college, several arguments have broken out among us. I have come to the conclusion that our two states are separate entities with different breeds of inhabitants. Here are some of the never-ending quarrels as well as the drastic gaps between our cultures that have hovered over us this year. I am warning you as readers, I am biased toward my home state!
1. Food
Pizza
With cousins in Billerica and Pembroke, Massachusetts, and a brother who goes to Northeastern University, I have had my fair share of pizza in the state of Massachusetts. However, while some slices were better than I expected, no pizza can compare to the mouthwatering pies from New Jersey. Furthermore, the word "plain" will never spill out of Massachusites' mouths... they simply ask for cheese pizza. If this habit isn't bad enough, if you tell your roommates from Massachusetts that you are ordering a pie for the room, they may request apple or cherry because they have never used the word pie to describe pizza... that's when you know...
Bagels
I've heard the rumor that it's something in the water that makes New Jersey and New York bagels so much better than bagels from Massachusetts. Nonetheless, I was astonished to learn that Massachusites have never heard of bagel stores/bakeries. They buy all of their bagels at their local grocery stores, and they believe that Dunkin' Donuts bagels are delicious. Students from outside of the NJ/NY area are the only people who will buy bagels from the cafeteria on a regular basis. New Jerseyans and New Yorkers know better — they only consume cafeteria bagels when they are having bagel withdrawals or when they are in dire need of carbs over the weekend after a long night out.
Chipwiches vs. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take notes, Massachusites. Chipwiches are pictured above. They are not called cookie sandwiches or ice cream sandwiches. An ice cream sandwich is featured below for your viewing pleasure and learning experience.
Taylor Ham/Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches
It should be illegal to not have tasted the delicious slice of salty meat. Although there is controversy in New Jersey as to whether it is called Taylor Ham or Pork Roll, all New Jerseyans agree that people outside of our state are missing out on the delectable breakfast meat.
The Taylor Ham/Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese Sandwich is a tasty breakfast sandwich that is featured either on a toasted roll or a Jersey bagel. These sandwiches put bacon, egg and cheeses to shame.
Chowdah
I will admit the clam chowder in my state cannot compete with the fresh taste of the rich soup from New England. Captain Parker's clam chowder on the Cape is simply out of this world!
Cape Cod Chips
These chips are another food that Massachusetts does right! They are the perfect combination of salty and crunchy. I wish these were more prevalent in New Jersey's delis!
"Lobstah" Rolls
Your taste buds will gleefully dance around your mouth to thank you for consuming one of these tasty sandwiches. They are worth every calorie, and the best (and freshest) lobster rolls are found on the Cape. Cape Cod chips or french fries are normally linked to this sandwich at restaurants. It's the perfect combination!
2. Stores
Gas Stations with chain stores: Wawa/QuickChek vs. Cumberland Farms
As a North Jerseyan, I surprisingly am partial to Wawa. Unfortunately, the nearest Wawa is about an hour away, but QuickChek and Cumberland Farms are less than five minutes from my house. Because Wawa is so far, QuickChek suffices. However, if faced with the option of going to Wawa, QuickChek or Cumberland Farms, "Cumbies," as Massachusites call it, ultimately, a last-resort option.
ShopRite
Before coming to college, I thought ShopRite was a well-known, nationwide store name. I assumed everyone could name the store after listening to the "Can Can Sale" tune from the store's commercials. I actually thought my friends from Massachusetts were joking when they asked me what ShopRite is.
3. Speech
Room vs. Rum
I will admit after living within close proximity of many Massachusites, I have caught myself uttering the word "rum" instead of "room." Helpful hint: When your roommates say to put something back in the rum they are not talking about a bottle of Captain Morgan. They ultimately desire to return the object back to their living vicinity.
Wicked
This word can be used as an adjective to describe nearly anything. It is equivalent to the New Jersey term "so."
Jersey Jim: The show last night was so cool!
Massachusetts Matt: I know! It was wicked awesome!
Rattled
This term is used to describe someone who is angry, perplexed, frustrated or a combination of all three.
Jersey Jessica: Did that water balloon hit you in the face?
Massachusetts Mary: Yeah it did, and I'm so rattled now!
Sauced
Synonyms for this word include roasted and ridiculed.
Jersey John: Did our history professor call you out for failing his test?
Massachusetts Mike: Yeah he sauced me in front of the whole class when he said I'm dumb!
Bubbler
Never in my entire life (until college) have I heard anyone refer to the water fountain as a bubbler. One day, a girl asked me if I knew where the nearest "bubblah" was relative to our location. I panicked and told her I didn't think our school had bubblers. After explaining the awkwardness I had felt to some friends, they informed me that bubbler is the Massachusetts term for a drinking fountain. I guess you learn something new every day!
Aunt vs. Ant
I will confess that I, along with many New Jersey natives, pronounce this word incorrectly. Massachusites make this word sound extremely proper. On the other hand, New Jerseyans often say the word that describes their uncle's wife the same way they would pronounce the little black bugs that live in colonies in their backyards.
Jimmies
No, this is not the name of a man from Boston. This is the word that Massuchusites use to describe chocolate sprinkles. Wicked wee-id right?!
Mischief Night
I was appalled that the night before Halloween is just another boring evening for Massachusites. In New Jersey, Mischief Night is the one holiday where it is socially acceptable for preteens and teens to wreck havoc on their neighborhood by wrapping neighbors' trees in toilet paper, egging houses and vandalizing the local community.
Overall, there are perks and detriments to living in either Massachusetts or New Jersey. Nonetheless, both states should exchange food recipes, and Massachusetts should invest in Taylor Ham. While I love the state I live in, it is always nice to visit our not-so-distant cousin, Massachusetts!
