What's a benny?
Loosely, a benny is a person from north of the Raritan river, or mile 129 on the
Parkway, especially a New Yorker, who travels to the Jersey Shore in
the summer for the purposes of recreation, vacation, or fornication.
To clarify, a benny is not simply a person from Newark. We welcome visitors, whether they be from north Jersey, Canada, or the other side of the world, so long as they are respectful of the local population and the place we call home. The term benny is reserved for those who visit and then find it acceptable to spit in the face of their local hosts. They are disrespectful towards the shore itself as well as those who live here. These rude, self-centered, loud, arrogant, and obnoxious summer tourists are bennys.
As for the origin of the pseudonym, there are over a dozen different definitions ranging from the currency tourists used to the types of shoes they wore, and so it is impossible to say how the name actually began. That said, the most accepted definition is that of the acronym (thus our use of 'bennys' instead of 'bennies', though both are acceptable). Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, and New York. When the name first came into use, just following the second World War, these were the primary departure points of tourists to the Jersey Shore.
For more information, check out Benny at Wikipedia.
To clarify, a benny is not simply a person from Newark. We welcome visitors, whether they be from north Jersey, Canada, or the other side of the world, so long as they are respectful of the local population and the place we call home. The term benny is reserved for those who visit and then find it acceptable to spit in the face of their local hosts. They are disrespectful towards the shore itself as well as those who live here. These rude, self-centered, loud, arrogant, and obnoxious summer tourists are bennys.
As for the origin of the pseudonym, there are over a dozen different definitions ranging from the currency tourists used to the types of shoes they wore, and so it is impossible to say how the name actually began. That said, the most accepted definition is that of the acronym (thus our use of 'bennys' instead of 'bennies', though both are acceptable). Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, and New York. When the name first came into use, just following the second World War, these were the primary departure points of tourists to the Jersey Shore.
For more information, check out Benny at Wikipedia.
What's a shoobie?
The term shoobie, like the term benny, is used throughout the southern portion of the Jersey Shore, generally beginning around Long Beach Island, to describe discourteous tourists and visitors to the area. It is commonly used in the same fashion as benny is throughout the northern Jersey Shore.
Also like the term benny, there is no single explanation as to how shoobie entered into the popular language. However, most definitions reference odd usage of shoe boxes by visitors to the coast as a prevailing factor in the evolution of the term.
For more information, check out Shoobie at Wikipedia.
Also like the term benny, there is no single explanation as to how shoobie entered into the popular language. However, most definitions reference odd usage of shoe boxes by visitors to the coast as a prevailing factor in the evolution of the term.
For more information, check out Shoobie at Wikipedia.
What's a local?
The term "local" can be used to describe everything from places and material goods to people.
A place, such as a restaurant or hangout, might be referred to as "local" as a way of remarking upon the atmosphere of the location as being familiar to or a part of the local culture. Common examples include non-chain eateries or locales not well known outside of the immediate area.
Likewise, a thing, such as a band or food item, may be called "local" to denote it's inherent connection to the culture of the area. A common example might be porkroll, egg, and cheese sandwiches; a staple of the Jersey Shore.
Lastly, people may be called "local". While there is no defined standard for what it is to be a local, permanent year-round residence somewhere in the shore area is a common benchmark for local-status according to most.
While this definition is a common reference point, it also excludes numerous groups often accepted as local, including "displaced" locals such as college students. Additionally, this definition is faced with the dilemna of also defining fixed borders for the Jersey Shore itself, as the parameters of the shore are largely subjective. In response, BGH has adopted a definition of what it is to be a local which places less emphasis on arbitrary geological boundries and more emphasis on the individual themselves.
We do not define a local based on their location, hobbies, or how long they have resided at a particular address. Instead, we believe that it's all about where the heart is and what the Jersey Shore means to the individual.
Essentially, we believe that being a local, while marginally related to location, is just as much a state of mind as anything else.
A place, such as a restaurant or hangout, might be referred to as "local" as a way of remarking upon the atmosphere of the location as being familiar to or a part of the local culture. Common examples include non-chain eateries or locales not well known outside of the immediate area.
Likewise, a thing, such as a band or food item, may be called "local" to denote it's inherent connection to the culture of the area. A common example might be porkroll, egg, and cheese sandwiches; a staple of the Jersey Shore.
Lastly, people may be called "local". While there is no defined standard for what it is to be a local, permanent year-round residence somewhere in the shore area is a common benchmark for local-status according to most.
While this definition is a common reference point, it also excludes numerous groups often accepted as local, including "displaced" locals such as college students. Additionally, this definition is faced with the dilemna of also defining fixed borders for the Jersey Shore itself, as the parameters of the shore are largely subjective. In response, BGH has adopted a definition of what it is to be a local which places less emphasis on arbitrary geological boundries and more emphasis on the individual themselves.
We do not define a local based on their location, hobbies, or how long they have resided at a particular address. Instead, we believe that it's all about where the heart is and what the Jersey Shore means to the individual.
Essentially, we believe that being a local, while marginally related to location, is just as much a state of mind as anything else.
What's BGH about?
Benny Go Home is an organization run by and for the locals of the Jersey Shore fighting to unite the population in a concerted effort to protect the cultural and environmental
heritage which makes the Jersey Shore what it is.
Our goal is to unify the Jersey Shore as one voice against the forces which
seek to
eradicate, conciously or otherwise, the unique environment, history, and culture of our collective home. We aspire to help every local remember that
the right to respect, both for themselves and their home, is something to which we are all
entitled.
Besides fighting the general disrespect of individuals, BennyGoHome also works to thwart the advance of beach privatization, eminent domain abuse, and other institutions which serve to undermine and exploit the local population, environment, or history of the Jersey Shore.
These issues are often the symptoms of the tremendous corruption and profiteering which exists through the behaviors and actions of numerous government offices as well as large commercial enterprises. In essence, these groups, which operate under a top-down approach in dealing with the community, believe that the town, city, or neighborhood is defined by it's profitability rather than it's citizenry.
BennyGoHome refutes this elitist definition and argues that it is the people and the culture which define a region - not the profitability of it's commercial enterprises or the handful of local officials who hold power. BennyGoHome works to draw attention to the misbehaviors of local governments and exploitative businesses, while spreading awareness of the public right to have a voice in their home. Change will not come from above, and it is up to a united populous to stand up to the forces of injustice, greed, and disrespect.
We offer shirts and stickers not only to fund the movement but to spread the word of this common cause and give other locals a way of expressing themselves regarding the issues we seek to resolve. Our goal is to bring every town of the shore under the same flag and, through this movement, be able to show all those with doubt that the locals of the Jersey Shore are a force with which to be reckoned.
Besides fighting the general disrespect of individuals, BennyGoHome also works to thwart the advance of beach privatization, eminent domain abuse, and other institutions which serve to undermine and exploit the local population, environment, or history of the Jersey Shore.
These issues are often the symptoms of the tremendous corruption and profiteering which exists through the behaviors and actions of numerous government offices as well as large commercial enterprises. In essence, these groups, which operate under a top-down approach in dealing with the community, believe that the town, city, or neighborhood is defined by it's profitability rather than it's citizenry.
BennyGoHome refutes this elitist definition and argues that it is the people and the culture which define a region - not the profitability of it's commercial enterprises or the handful of local officials who hold power. BennyGoHome works to draw attention to the misbehaviors of local governments and exploitative businesses, while spreading awareness of the public right to have a voice in their home. Change will not come from above, and it is up to a united populous to stand up to the forces of injustice, greed, and disrespect.
We offer shirts and stickers not only to fund the movement but to spread the word of this common cause and give other locals a way of expressing themselves regarding the issues we seek to resolve. Our goal is to bring every town of the shore under the same flag and, through this movement, be able to show all those with doubt that the locals of the Jersey Shore are a force with which to be reckoned.
Where can I pick up some merch?
There are two primary ways to obtain BGH merchandise legally (the illegal ways are presumably limited only by your own imagination):
The first is by ordering from the True Jersey online store and the second is by physically going to one of the shops that peddle our wares.
There are currently two shops which carry the BGH lineup:
True Jersey Supply Company
809 Main Street
Belmar, NJ 07719
True Jersey is home to all sorts of items having to do with the great state of Jersey, including clothing, stickers, and accessories. It's located at the heart of the Jersey Shore, right on Main Street in the city of Belmar. It's run by a coalition of locals largely made up of BGH members and founders. They pretty much carry everything available on the site (presuming it's not sold out) so save a buck and help support their business at the same time. And don't forget to check out truejersey.com!
Smithville Village
Green 6110 East Moss Mill Road
Shop #92
Smithville, NJ 082010
Underground is an awesome punk rock and vintage clothing shop in historic Smithville within the south Jersey Shore. They've got a ton of Jersey and general punk rock paraphernalia on top of a decent selection of our own designs and stickers.
The first is by ordering from the True Jersey online store and the second is by physically going to one of the shops that peddle our wares.
There are currently two shops which carry the BGH lineup:
809 Main Street
Belmar, NJ 07719
True Jersey is home to all sorts of items having to do with the great state of Jersey, including clothing, stickers, and accessories. It's located at the heart of the Jersey Shore, right on Main Street in the city of Belmar. It's run by a coalition of locals largely made up of BGH members and founders. They pretty much carry everything available on the site (presuming it's not sold out) so save a buck and help support their business at the same time. And don't forget to check out truejersey.com!
Green 6110 East Moss Mill Road
Shop #92
Smithville, NJ 082010
Underground is an awesome punk rock and vintage clothing shop in historic Smithville within the south Jersey Shore. They've got a ton of Jersey and general punk rock paraphernalia on top of a decent selection of our own designs and stickers.
What local organizations does BGH support?
BGH is all about community involvement and we are incredibly proud to help sponsor and fund numerous Jersey Shore organizations and events. We are eager to hear from any and all non-profit organizations, sports organizations, and event handlers who are interested in working with the BGH movement. Below are a few of the organizations we donate to:
Citizens Right to Access Beaches
Jersey Shore Roller Girls
Surfrider Foundation
Save Barnegat Bay
Lacey Rail Trail
Please write us with the details of your group and we will respond to you as soon as possible with information on how we can help out.
Citizens Right to Access Beaches
Jersey Shore Roller Girls
Surfrider Foundation
Save Barnegat Bay
Lacey Rail Trail
Please write us with the details of your group and we will respond to you as soon as possible with information on how we can help out.
How do I subscribe to the newsletter?
BGH now proudly offers a monthly (or close to monthly) newsletter which contains all the information related to the movement, new products, important issues throughout the Jersey Shore, and anything else we or our supporters believe to be of relevance.
How can I submit some pictures, videos, or whatever?
Help us to improve upon this site through the addition of new content. From photos, to blogging, to music, there are plenty of ways to help support BGH that don't cost a dime.
To submit photos (JPEG preferably) to the gallery page, just send them as an attachment to . Make sure it's a decent quality photo and if there's anything else you would like to add by way of description, we always enjoy reading the back story.
Lastly, we are happy to listen to any other ideas you may have. Local unity is all about communication and ensuring that we do everything we can to work together with others to further the message of the movement. If you have an idea for an event, a show of force, or anything else, from local festivities or more political issues, please write us and help us win the fight for the Jersey Shore.
To submit photos (JPEG preferably) to the gallery page, just send them as an attachment to . Make sure it's a decent quality photo and if there's anything else you would like to add by way of description, we always enjoy reading the back story.
Lastly, we are happy to listen to any other ideas you may have. Local unity is all about communication and ensuring that we do everything we can to work together with others to further the message of the movement. If you have an idea for an event, a show of force, or anything else, from local festivities or more political issues, please write us and help us win the fight for the Jersey Shore.
How can I reach you guys?
Click here to go to the contact page or write us at
!