bennies (or: jersey shore culture, part 1)
Now, here on the Jersey Shore, we don't speak particularly distinctly. We have, more or less, a standard northern dialect. But two phrases that seem unique and pervasive to this locality are "down the shore" (which I don't use, but means "down to the beach") and "bennies."
"Bennies?"
Bennies are the out-of-towners who come to the Jersey shore only for the summer. They're usually from New York (but certainly not always. there are a lot of Floridians here right now- but I assume most of them are snowbirds.)
There has always been a certain amount of prejudice against bennies. Yes, they support the economy, but they're annoying.
The "local" newspaper (by "local," I mean it's the 66th-best-selling newspaper in the United States) has been trying to open people's eyes to this unfounded prejudice by running a weekly "Benny or Local?" feature. Here, try it for yourself. (Click the image to enlarge, then check your answers.)
Click here for answers!
Really, they're just like the rest of us.
(Want more info on bennies? Click here for the Wikipedia article on the term.)
6 comments:
Very interesting post, Josy.
We have the #60th ranked newspaper for the entire state - so your paper isn't faring too badly.
Hug a Benny :)
Splendid idea. Florida has "snow bunnies" and you have these. I think the newspaper probably increased their circulation.
Nikon- But how will I know if I'm hugging a Benny or Local?!
Lincoln- I don't know. The paper only started running this feature a year or two ago, and I can assure you that the term has been around much longer than that.
Aaww. Do the bennies know that's what they're called? Do tell me - in what way are they annoying? Come visit Norwich. We love visitors! :)
By the way, since I'm visiting New York this August, I'm quite tempted to swing by New Jersey!
Joy
Norwich Daily Photo
Joy- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_%28slang%29#Stereotypical_Behavior
I've never asked a benny if he knew he was a benny, so I don't know if they know. I would think so; nobody exactly keeps their name-calling under wraps (see the van window above). :)
Feel free to drop by the Jersey Shore! Bennies are generally classified by an air of disrespect, so as long as you're polite, we'll love you.
(Except, of course, on the road, because Jersey drivers are a little insane like that.)
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