You're living the South Jersey life - but, are you doing it as a local or as a Shoobie?

People will tell you that "Shoobie" is not a derogatory term and has no negative connotation.

Those people, of course, are lying.

LOL.

Welcome to South Jersey, if you're not one of our own, we might not like you very much.

Come on, I'm kidding.

Or am I?

Memorial Day Weekend Marks Start Of Beach Season On East Coast
Getty Images
loading...

What's a Shoobie?

The term Shoobie basically describes someone who vacations here or visits here, and is not a local.

The term goes back a long, long time ago when visitors to South Jersey beaches used to come on the train from Philadelphia, and they'd bring their lunch in shoeboxes. (Apparently there were no McDonald's, White House Subs, or Chitpotles...)

CHECK OUT: Difference Between Shoobies and Bennies

97.3 ESPN logo
Get our free mobile app
Miss America Nina Davuluri Take A Dip In The Atlantic Ocean After Being Crowned Miss America 2014
Getty Images
loading...

What is a South Jersey local?

Here in South Jersey, you're either a local or you're not.

So, what are you?

Does a local have to be someone who was born here and grew up here - or, is there a time-living-here requirement?

We asked folks in South Jersey for the definition of a local, and they did not disappoint!

  • "As long as your primary residence is actual South Jersey, not Cherry Hill, or Toms River, then you are a local. Vacationing here a few times a year doesn't make you a local." - William
  • "If you live here full-time you're a local. Having a second home here doesn't make you a local." - Angel
  • "Must be born and raised in South Jersey to be a local." - Carl
  • "You have to know where the Hub Cap Tree is located." - Gwen
  • "If you hate it here in the summer, you’re a local! (Or you're an angry chick who hates the traffic, and paying to park everywhere you go!)" - Jennifer
  • "You have to be born here otherwise you're a transplant." - Dawn
  • "Time doesn't matter as much as county...the lower the county, the higher the cred!" - Amy

Here's a diagram that was shared on social media. This is great!

Author unknown
Author unknown
loading...

What do you think makes someone a South Jersey local?

17 Restaurants in South Jersey that Shoobies Love the Most

Let's take a quick look at a handful of restaurants down the shore that will almost always have a car with Pennsylvania license plates in front of during the summer.

Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman

How to spot a Benny or Shoobie at the NJ Shore

A fun take on knowing who is who at the New Jersey Shore.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

More From 97.3 ESPN