A simple guide to the local language:

1) “Off shore”- One of the communities just off “the island”, like Cape May Court House or Rio Grande.  If you live “on the island”, it is a big event to “go off shore” for gas and groceries as needed.  Residents of Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and the Wildwoods use the 2 phrases all the time. And each island is “the” island to those residents!

In addition to going off shore, the other destinations could be  “the mall” (it used to be the Shore Mall off exit 36, but now describes the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing); or Philadelphia (anywhere remotely near the Walt Whitman Bridge).

2) Friends who live north of Atlantic City, live in “North Jersey” (which they obviously dispute- but you can’t convince us otherwise!).  New York City is like another country.  Our forefathers emigrated to “the shore” from Philadelphia, so our allegiance goes back for generations. Go Eagles!

3) How do you identify a local?  They know the tide schedule, and check the flags for wind direction to plan their activities accordingly. They walk or ride their bike whenever possible.  They cringe when they see a “newbie” trying to put an umbrella in the sand- and eventually walk over to help.  They secure their deck furniture and trash cans when “weather” is predicted.  And they are smiling as they walk along the beach- of course!