Having a book discussion here at the 'brary today. It is part of our Lunch 'n Learn series, as well as part of our Gadsden Reads. Boss Lady and I are leading a discussion called Ava’s Grandson: The Works of Rick Bragg. Since I had tried to write down all of the Southernisms Rick used in all three books, I thought it would be fun to have a Southern vernacular vocabulary discussion to break the ice at the beginning of the talk. I am proud to say that I have, at one time or another (and with complete sincerety), used all of these words and phrases.
Vocabulary Words:
Kilt
Throwed
Purty
Hongry
Disremember
Ort
Tater
Skeeters
Likker
D’rectly
Holt
Fat pine
Loafered
Ha’nts
Woolyboogers
Sammich
Commodity
Puny
Phrases:
Done eat…
Got run off…
Blind as a concrete block…
These got to do me…
Prayed into heaven…
A little piece off (just a little piece down the road)…
Be back d’rectly…
It is nice to see these words and phrases printed in New York Times best selling books. It lends them a legitimacy that they are not often afforded...
2 comments:
Our faves:
"Fixin' to"
"Carry"
The first time a friend told me about all the people she had to carry places, I wondered if everyone in her family was unable to walk.
The wonder of language, so varied, colorful, and revealing. Language places us in time and location.
Oh, if I had a dime for every "fixin' to" and "carry!"
I have thought of so many more since posting this. Will have to just start a google doc...
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