A shoobie (or shoebie) is a derogatory term used in New Jersey to describe a person usually from the Philadelphia area or NYC, who visits the seashore for a brief period of time, primarily to use the beach during the summer months. Shoobies are typically seen in South Jersey, between the areas of Long Beach Island and Cape May. The term "shoobie" originates in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, and it allegedly derives from the habit among tourists of bringing everything they needed a shoe box. Items can include, a towel, sun tan lotion, and food. It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Barnegat Lighthouse on the north tip of Long Beach Island Position of Long Beach Island (pink) relative to Ocean County Long Beach Island is a barrier island and summer colony along the Atlantic Ocean coast of Ocean County, New Jersey in the United States. ... Cape May City highlighted in Cape May County. ...

A similar term is "Benny," which usually applies to visitors from New York who travel to the Jersey Shore. "Benny" is more frequently used in Monmouth County and Ocean County. Benny is a derogatory term used by residents of Jersey Shore towns for tourists that visit each summer. ... NY redirects here. ... The Jersey Shore is a term used in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States to refer to the Atlantic Ocean-facing coast of New Jersey, together with the adjacent resort and residential communities. ... Monmouth County is a county located in the state of New Jersey. ... Ocean County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. ...

Shoobies are essentially a mixed blessing for local beach residents. They bring in enormous revenue during the summer months, but at the same time they add numerous obstacles and annoyances to day-to-day life. In that sense, shoobies are not unlike the tourists that descend on any resort area.

Characteristics

Typical "shoobie" behavior is said to include:

Please note that these characteristics are not definable and/or definite, but viewpoints as expressed by yearlong residents of beach communities. None should be accepted as true, yet, should be used as a reference point.

• Driving carelessly or recklessly, with little regard for local traffic regulations.
• Having their children stand in parking spaces while turning their car around.
• Boorish, loud conduct in public areas.
• Standing out in the middle of the street and blocking traffic.
• Not looking before crossing the street
• Carrying bags full of beach/pool accessories.
• Going through the exact change lane at the toll bridges -- without actually possessing exact change.
• Wearing no shirt or shoes in the supermarket.
• Quickly acquiring a full-body sunburn.
• At times, public urination or vomiting.
• Littering on the beach, including cigarette butts.
• Arguing with beach taggers.
• Sitting at the beach and talking on the cell phone, usually about real estate and property values.
• Generally crowding the stores and restaurants, making life difficult for year-round residents.
• Not knowing what the word "shoobie" means.
• Wearing socks with sandals.
• Wearing shoes on the beach.
• Arguing that "they do live here."
• Driving a car with an out-of-state license plate.
• Wearing a t-shirt with the name of the same beach that you are visiting.
• Bumper stickers with shore destinations.
• Arguing with hostesses.

External links

• Shoobie.org - Visitor Information Resource
• Matthew in the Morning's Shoobie Guide
• Surfline.com - "What is a Shoobie?"
• "Locals to hard-partying renters: Show some respect", The Press of Atlantic City, May 12, 2006
• American Dialect Society mailing list