How Capicola Became Gabagool: The Italian New Jersey Accent, Explained

Mulberry Street, where New York's "Little Italy" is centered, c. 1909.
 (Photo: Library of Congress)

When New Jersey Italian-Americans talk about food they often use a unique accent. "Mozzarella” becomes “mutzadell.” “Ricotta” becomes “ree-goat.” “Prosciutto” becomes “pruh-zhoot.”
And capicola becomes gabagool:



Read more about how this regional accent developed:  Atlas Obscura