I’m a word snob; I admit it. But, I have to be. I’m a writer, it comes with the territory. If’n I didn’t talk good nobody’d buy my books. But here in the south, folks, even well educated folks, look at you funny if you speak proper English.
Here, people like to run words together. I find it amusing to listen to the locals talk. I know what they’re saying, but it’s ain’t said right. Here, they use words like “witchore,” and “atchu.” I’ve started a mental dictionary because I hear repeated piggybacked words all run together a lot. Here’s a partial list:
Witchore – “What kind of dressing you want witchore salad?”
Tars – “Yesterday I had two flat tars on my car.”
Atchu – “I’m looking atchu.”
Deygohn – “Are the Rickrodes still in California?” “No. Deygohn.”
Andem – “Who’s coming for dinner?” “Patricia andem.”
Ohl – “You put a little ohl on that and it’ll slide easier.”
Gwan – “Gwan down the Frontage road to Wal-Mart.”
Sumpin – “You want sumpin to drink?”
I’m trying my darndest not to laugh at these colloquialisms but sometimes a smile still creeps onto my face. So far I haven’t had to explain myself, but I’m sure one of these days, someone will ask me what I find amusing.
What about you dear readers, what expressions make you smile? What wrong words drive you crazy? The one I find the most annoying is using “axe” for “ask.” Drives. Me. Nuts. Don’t axe me why.
Word of the Day: Bonbonniere
Fun Fact About Me: I secretly enjoy silently making fun of the way people talk. Hey, I’m a self-admitted word snob.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, August 2015. Photos courtesy Google Images