New Jersey is known across the country for its unique culture and the attitude of its residents. The slang associated with the state may seem foreign to outsiders, but true Jerseyians know this is just who we are. Whether your friends need this glossary to follow along or you’re trying to sound like a local, we’ve got it covered. Read on for some of the most popular North Jersey slang terms along with their definitions.
Mutz
This nickname is derived from the longer name, mozzarella. North Jersey has dozens of incredible Italian restaurants and delis and is home to thousands of proud, Italian-American residents — so getting fresh mozzarella is a staple. Naturally, locals shortened the name to make ordering it even easier.
Taylor Ham
While the rest of the world calls it pork roll, North Jerseyians know the only brand worth getting is Taylor Ham. This salty, processed meat is available mostly in the tri-state area. Even though the Taylor Ham packaging labels the product as pork roll, many North Jersey locals are more familiar with the brand name. This meat is typically served on a breakfast sandwich along with egg and cheese on a bagel or roll.
Read More: New Jersey is the 2nd Best State to Live in, According to this Study
MAC Machine
Many North Jersey locals still refer to the brand name, MAC, when talking about an ATM. MAC was the brand of a large majority of ATMs in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia as well as a highly popular pre-payment app on smartphones. Even though they are less commonly used today, if you need cash, head to the MAC machine.
The City
North Jerseyians can only be talking about New York City when making this reference. Due to the proximity (and the need to shorten every common phrase) New York City, NY is known simply as The City.
Plain Pie
If North Jerseyians know about one thing, it’s pizza. A plain pie is what the rest of the country refers to as ‘cheese pizza.’ Pizza is made with cheese already and everything else is a topping — case closed.
Down the Shore
The Jersey Shore is iconic and locals love to hit the beach all summer. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, North Jerseyians are headed ‘Down the Shore.’ Usually, these trips take place over the weekend, but for those working from home, trips to the shore can happen at any time.
20 Regular Cash
This term is relevant throughout the entire state. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to pump your own gas, making ’20 Regular Cash’ a common phrase. Translation? “I would like you to put $20 worth of regular gas into my car, please and I will pay with cash.” The amount of gas received for $20 may vary.
SPK
Three words that no deli employee wants to get wrong — salt, pepper, ketchup. The abbreviation is typically used when ordering a breakfast sandwich with egg, like a pork roll or bacon egg and cheese, to make sure every bite is flavorful.
What Exit?
The Garden State Parkway is one of New Jersey’s most traveled highways. Because the exits are numbered by mile markers and runs north to south, asking “What exit?” is a quick way to understand where the destination is located.
See More: These North Jersey Diners Are What Makes New Jersey, New Jersey
Youse
There are many slang terms that have been adopted, across the country, to refer to a large group of people. North Jersey’s term for this is “youse”. This term is usually used in a casual setting and can refer to a group of people nearby. It’s often combined with ‘guys,’ making the full phrase, “Youse guys”.
Jug-Handle
This term is likely the most confusing to outsiders. A jug-handle does not refer to a container to hold water, but rather a traffic pattern for left turns on busy highways. Other states allow drivers to turn left onto certain highways from a lane between opposing sides. Not New Jersey. Drivers must make a u-turn through a series of lights and/or stop signs to enter the opposite side of the highway.
MLK Day Events + Volunteer Opportunities in Hudson County and Beyond for 2025
MLK Jr. Day, the holiday where American citizens reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings and contributions to the civil rights movement, is typically observed on the third Monday of January. For 2025, MLK Day falls on January 20th. A large component of this holiday also encompasses The Day of Service, which encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. From marches to coat drives, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved and honor MLK in New Jersey. Read on for a brief history of MLK, his local ties to Hudson County, and events happening in Northern New Jersey + beyond for 2025.
The History
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. His leadership was fundamental to ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the country. MLK rose to national prominence as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted nonviolent tactics. Undoubtedly the most popular and influential movement was the massive March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. King gave his infamous "I Have a Dream" speech. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964 and Dr. King was then awarded the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after. He is considered one of the greatest orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Did You Know?
- King's birth name was Michael, not Martin.
- King entered college at the age of 15.
- King received his doctorate in Systematic Theology.
- King’s "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
- King was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Cesar Chavez are the only other Americans with birthdays observed as a National Holiday.
- MLK was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- There are over 730 streets in the United States named after Martin Luther King, Jr.
- He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal + the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MLK’s Ties to Hudson County
According to CityofJerseyCity.org, Dr. King spoke at least twice in Jersey City in the 1960s. On September 21st, 1965, he received an honorary Doctor of Law from St. Peter’s College. Upon his reception, he gave a speech called “The American Dream” to over 500 people during the annual Michaelmas Convocation — a heavily photographed event and even televised, as Dr. King spoke out against segregation and for equality. Unfortunately, the MLK Jr. Papers Project at Stanford reported it doesn’t have a transcription of the speech, but there are many historical references to its occurrence, including a photo. From first and second-hand accounts, it was noted that he said, “The time is always now,” and postured that legislation is an important part of the civil rights battle. He was also quoted saying that “although legislation could not change a person’s ideas, it could regulate his behavior and restrain the heartlessness.” Citing his own non-violent forms of resistance, he condemned the violence and said it created more problems than it solved, foreseeing a world in which “there will be a symphony of brotherhood.” A world, “where all of god’s children, white and black, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, will be free at last.”
The second time Dr. King came to Hudson County was Wednesday, March 27th, 1968 which was less than seven days before his assassination. At this visit, he spoke in front of over 2,000 people at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. In another noteworthy instance in D.C., King was photographed with Jersey City police officer Charles Jackson during a speech. Officer Jackson was hired as a security coordinator to assist with the event in our nation’s capital. Today, there stands a large bust of Dr. King on MLK Boulevard in Jersey City.
MLK Day Events in Northern New Jersey + New York
MLK Day of Service: Kit Assembly | Multiple Locations
January 15th | Various Times
At this Jersey Cares event, locals can volunteer to make a variety of kits to support children in need, as well as local nonprofits and schools all over the state. The kits include Grief Sensory Kits, Sensory Kits, Adopt A Dog Kits, Veteran Support Dog Kits, Children's Literacy Kits, and Adult Literacy Kits. These events will take place in Parsippany, Princeton, and Woodbridge on January 15th. Times for these events vary. See more information here.
38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church | 119 Elm Street, Montclair
January 18th | 9AM-12PM
The community breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church, hosted by Montclair's Eta Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has returned for its 38th year. The hosts of this event have announced that Reverend Ronald Slaughter, a leader, preacher, and social justice advocate, will be this year's guest speaker. Guests can look forward to a morning filled with reflecting on Dr. King's visions, tributes, and messages of peace, love, and equality. Learn more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King March of Resistance | 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark
January 18th | 12PM
The Martin Luther King Jr. March of Resistance is sponsored by People's Organization for Progress, a Newark-based social justice organization. This march, which has been endorsed by over 250 organizations, has occurred annually for over 35 years. Participants will meet at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard prior to the march. Learn more about this event here.
Portrait Painting Family Workshop: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Jersey City Free Public Library: Cunningham Branch | 275 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
January 18th | 1PM-2:30PM
Hudson County residents are invited to paint a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this family-friendly event. This community gathering will take place at the Cunningham Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library. All kinds of painting supplies will be provided to guests. While registration is currently full, locals can sign up for the waitlist here.
MLK Day Celebration Unity Run + Walk at Nishuane Park | High Street, Montclair
January 19th | 9AM-12PM
Fleet Feet Montclair, Black Men Run Northern New Jersey Chapter, and Brooks will host a 5k Unity Run + Walk in honor of MLK Jr. + Coretta Scott King. This run + walk will begin at Nishuane Park, near the Kings Monument. In addition, hosts will collect toiletries for Toni’s Kitchen at this event. Locals can drop off their donations at the park between 8AM and 9AM. Donations will also be accepted at Fleet Feet Montclair from January 17th through January 19th. Click here for more details about this event.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children's Museum | 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
January 19th + January 20th | 10AM-5PM
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Brooklyn Children's Museum will provide its guests with interactive shadow puppetry performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects on January 19th + January 20th. The museum will also partner with Repair the World Brooklyn, a Jewish nonprofit organization, on the second day of this event for a volunteer service project committed to bettering the Brooklyn community. See more details here.
Care of the Park in Branch Brook Park | 115 Clifton Avenue, Newark
January 20th | 10AM-2PM
Essex County locals who want to get involved on MLK Jr. Day can attend this Jersey Cares event to beautify Branch Brook Park in Newark. Attendees will help remove the invasive Phragmitie plant from different areas of the park. This project runs from January 15th to February 27th, so those who cannot attend on January 20th can also volunteer on any of the other dates. Register for this park clean-up event here.
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together at The Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
January 20th | 12PM-5PM
The Newark Museum of Art will host an MLK Jr. event on January 20th. The theme of this gathering is Stronger Together, which reflects the museum's "shared commitment to working hand in hand across communities through service, where love triumphs over hate, peace over conflict, and unity over division," according to its website. This event is free but tickets are required. Learn more about this event here and get tickets here.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance, Volunteer Fair, and Luminary Lighting at Columbia High School | 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
January 20th | 2PM
This annual event, hosted by Community Coalition on Race, an organization based in South Orange + Maplewood, includes an MLK observance, volunteer fair, and luminary lighting. This year’s theme is “Upholding Dr. King’s Legacy in Challenging Times.” Guests can look forward to interfaith readings, music, dances, and two keynote speakers: Dr. Saladin Ambar, senior scholar at Eagleton’s Center on the American Governor and political science professor at Rutgers, and Ibi Zoboi, New York Times bestselling author and editor of Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America. See more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund Breakfast at Montclair High School | 141 Park Street, Montclair
January 20th | 7:30AM-9:30AM
Every year, the Annual Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by The Township of Montclair and the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, raises money for seniors at Montclair High School headed for college. January 20th will be the event's 36th year running. This event will take place at the Atrium in the George Inness Annex of Montclair High School, where the guest speaker is Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville. See more about this breakfast here.
Jersey Cares Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — "I Have A Dream" Walk at Millburn High School Track | 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
January 20th | 10AM-12PM
Join Jersey Cares for its annual "I Have A Dream" Walk on January 15th in Millburn. Guests have the choice to either walk two miles or run a 5K. 50% of all funds raised at this event will go towards the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Registration for this event is free. See More information here.
MLK Jr. Day Happy Hour at The Shannon Rose | 8 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey
January 20th | 11AM
The Shannon Rose in Clifton and Ramsey will host an MLK Jr. Day happy hour on January 20th. Customers can look forward to various menu specials and $2 off beer, liquor, wine, and mocktails. This happy hour will start at 11AM.
MLK Illuminary Lighting + Canned Food Drive at Meadowland Park | 5 Mead Street, South Orange
January 20th | 2PM-5PM
Locals can see the largest display of MLK Jr. Day luminaries in the South Orange + Maplewood area at Meadowland Park on MLK Jr. Day. In collaboration with the Community Coalition on Race, the park will be filled with light from the luminaries and special lighting + video installations at 5PM. This event will also consist of a canned food drive at 2PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring all sorts of non-perishable canned items. Learn more about this event here.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Annual Memorial at the Culinary Conference Center | 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City
January 28th | 10:30AM-12PM
Hudson County locals are invited to join Hudson County Community College on January 28th to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of civil rights icon Malcolm X, will speak at this annual event. The memorial will also feature the opening reception of the HCCC's Civil Rights exhibition in the Benjamin J. Dineen + Dennis C. Hull Gallery at the Gabert Library, which is located on the Sixth Floor of the college. Register for this event here.
30th Annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest 2025 at City Hall Council Chambers | 280 Grove Street, 2nd Floor, Jersey City
February 3rd-February 5th | 3:30PM-7:30PM + 3:30PM-6PM
The annual MLK oratory contest, organized by Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, has returned for 2025. To celebrate Black History Month, elementary and middle school students will perform one of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s writings or speeches in front of a panel of judges. Grades three to five will perform on February 3rd from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Grades six to eight will perform on February 4th from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. The final competition will take place on February 5th from 3:30PM to 6PM. See more information here.
Volunteer Opportunities
MLK Day of Service Weekend Snack Pack at Community Baptist Church of Englewood | 224 1st Street, Englewood
January 18th | 12PM-3PM
This MLK Day of Service event, hosted by the Center for Food Action, invites volunteers to help create 2,000 snack packs for children in need. According to its website, this will "[help] fill the gap for children at risk of hunger by providing healthy, kid-friendly, and easy-to-prepare foods." Get tickets for this event here.
Coat Sorting with Jersey Cares | Multiple Locations
January 19th | 12PM-4PM
Volunteers will have the opportunity to sort through coat donations in person at Jersey Cares' container sites the day before MLK Day. While some sites are closed for registration as of this writing, there are multiple locations available, including the Branchburg, Cherry Hill, Garfield, Livingston, and Morristown sites. Registration is free and the project is suitable for people aged 14 and older. Register for this event here.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Food Drive at Chatham United Methodist Church | 464 Main Street, Chatham
January 20th | 9:30AM-12PM
The Chatham United Methodist Church will host a food drive in observance of MLK Day 2025 on January 20th. Suggested donations include pasta, rice, canned fruits + vegetables, peanut butter, and other non-perishable canned or boxed items. From 11:30AM to 12PM, attendees can partake in a prayer service while reflecting on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
See More: Remembering MLK + His Visit to Montclair High School
Martin Luther King Day of Service at JCC of Central New Jersey | 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
January 20th | 10AM-5PM
Those interested in getting involved on this historic day can volunteer and donate through Scotch Plains + Fanwood's MLK Day of Service Event. This event at JCC of Central New Jersey will start at 10AM. From 11AM to 5PM, families can partake in online + in-person volunteer opportunities.
