Very few people in NJ actually use any of these terms.
Most people would just say “I’m from Jersey” or “s/he’s from Jersey” or something like that. In some contexts you might say “he’s a Jersey guy” “she’s a Jersey girl”, but these sometimes carry the connotation of being “white trash” (i.e. blue collar, gaudy style etc.).
It depends on where you’re from in New Jersey. There’s a distinct difference between North Jersey and South Jersey. South Jersey, I can see “Pineys.” North Jersey . . . “Smoggies”?
Dammit, NJ has 3 parts, I can link to the NJ Government COVID- Tracker site if you don’t believe me. Central Jersey. Its in my location. Please check the Hospital Census Tab: New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub
It could be that I’ve heard or read the terms, but just never noticed. I guess hearing Murphy say it spurred something in my head. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania and Texas as well, so have some experience in what outsiders call us (when being polite). One thing is for sure, I’ll definitely notice these terms in the future. I’ll report back at some point. Of course, I’ve worked in NYC for over 20 years, so know that they are definitely not commonly used locally.
The demonym for a person for Michigan used to be Michigander. Until people started asking if a man from Michigan was a Michigander, was a woman from Michigan a Michigoose?
I lived in NJ for 8 years and would pick New Jerseyan over New Jerseyite. Husband’s a native Pennslyvanian and he says both sound weird, maybe New Jerseyan is a little less weird.
“From Jersey” is a typical description. Most people in that part of the U.S. don’t care about the island.
I don’t buy it. Edison is clearly in the orbit of New York City, and Toms River/Atlantic City are in the realm of Philly. For evidence: North Jersey is served by NYC broadcasting, and South Jersey is served by Philadelphia broadcast telecommunications.
Anything in between simply doesn’t exist, and debate about it is as murky as the Mutara nebula.
Tripler
It’s well known both populations are migratory during the summer season.