Jersey Girls (stereotype)

"Jersey Girl" is a derisive term referring to the stereotype of a young woman, typically between the ages of 17 and 25, who carries an elitist attitude or who regards her home town or family background as superior to others. Girls from New Jersey are often considered Jersey Girls, but girls who are not from New Jersey may also be considered Jersey Girls if they have this elitist, self-superior attitude.

Characteristics

Furthermore, Jersey Girls are typically from lower middle class families. It is common for Jersey Girls to wear Ugg boots or spandex pants, often in combination with a North Face fleece jacket. Use of excessively large handbags, BlackBerry smart phones and luxury goods is also common, to the extent that they easily lend themselves to the related, but not synonymous, term yuppie. While apparel is a substantial evidence of a Jersey Girl, a general preoccupation of her home town is the best indicator.

Jersey Girls will often refer to their father's career in conversation, particularly when meeting someone for the first time. Many Jersey Girls do live in New Jersey, but this is not necessary criteria. Jersey Girls based in New Jersey will, however, typically have one or more parents who work in New York City and live in northern New Jersey, but almost always outside of Newark.

An example of a Jersey Girl not based in New Jersey are girls from upstate New York, who often regard rural New York life as superior.

Unlike many psychological conditions, Jersey Girls are aware that they are Jersey Girls, and will enthusiastically use the term to describe themselves, without any derogatory notion. However, in many parts of the country, particularly in New England, the term is demeaning. An excessive amount of make up and low self esteem are tell tale signs of the Jersey girl.