What About Snooki? 3 Shocking Facts About Snooki of "Jersey Shore"

To be alive in modern times is to know Snooki, whether you like it or not. Snooki, also known as Nicole Polizzi, is the standout star of the hit reality series "Jersey Shore." She has been photographed, interviewed, mocked and portrayed on media outlets ranging from the New York Times to "Saturday Night Live."

When reality shows strike, the people on the shows are often not all that they seem in the media. Sometimes it takes a close look at the details of the real person to get an idea of who they are outside of their portrayal on reality TV. Though Snooki's role on "Jersey Shore" and in the press can often be less than flattering, there are some surprising facts about Snooki that may help you reconsider a negative opinion on the brashly ubiquitous reality television star.

Snooki battled an eating disorder.

Though she may seem, tough, Snooki is as fragile as anyone else who worries about their weight, and has battle stories to prove it. She has been fighting weight issues and eating disorders since high school, where she achieved a dangerous 80 pound weight by starving herself. She has also been seen in the press for her use of somewhat weird and gimmicky diet methods to lose the extra weight she gained partying on "Jersey Shore."

Pick on someone your own size.

Though Snooki has stood up to great deal of adversity, both in person and in the press, she is exceptionally short in physical stature for a television star. At a tiny 4'9", Snooki likely faces daily challenges due to her height but has managed to pull through without losing her feisty nature. The fact that Snooki stands at about the height of your average 11 year old girl makes that scene where a guy punched Snooki in the face all the more disturbing.

Snooki is not even close to full-blooded Italian.

Though many people might expect that those from the east with, you know, the hair, and the accent and the partying, well, many people assume that they are Italian. That's racist, man. But a common misconception. And Snooki, though she may be a small part Sicilian, is mainly Chilean.

Snooki is just one of many members of the cast of "Jersey Shore" with minimal to no Italian blood running through their veins. Another cast member, J-WOWW, also known as Jennifer Farley, is of Spanish and Irish, not Italian descent. Likewise, visitors to that area of the country will notice many people, of countless nationalities, colors and creeds, sporting the "Jersey Shore" uniform and partying down.