I try to use the language I grew up with when I write my books. Much of it is distinctive to the mountains I love. Recently I found this poster that includes several of my favorites, which got me to thinking about word origins.
I will point out that the poster lists “ya’ll” at the top, which is NOT Appalachian. It’s southern. In the mountains they say, “you’uns.” Several of the others, however, are right on. Including “piddle,” a favorite word of mine that I’m pretty sure I got from my mother. I refer to things (of little consequence) as piddling all the time. And one of my favorite things to do when I have a day off is just piddle around.
Then there’s persnickety, which I hadn’t thought of as being particular to a region, but apparently it is. Turns out it’s a variant of an old Scots word–pernickety. It means overly fussy.
Cattywampus is Scottish, too, perhaps derived from cata (diagonally) and wampish (to flop to and fro). I like that because cattywampus isn’t as simple as catty-cornered (diagonally opposite), it’s more about something that’s wildly askew. Like a child with a shirt on wrong-side out and one arm out the neck hole–now that’s cattywampus.
Learning about words like this can lend real flavor to writing (not to mention talking). Of course, you’d best use the words right or a persnickety reader might have a conniption over it.
Meet Sarah
Isn’t your brother referred to as “Howdy” ?
Yes, indeed!
Love your last line!
Having fun with words!
Yes, you got piddle from me, but I had 2 meanings… the one you quote and an oath of frustration!
What is tump (never heard that one)?
You can plant the tree on that little tump over there.
I read that when I googled it and the second definition was “to tip over”
My dad used “piddle” a lot. his people were from Souther Carolina, mostly, and also Tennessee.
Or, you know, SOUTH Carolina. My fingers have a mind of their own. 🙂
Married a South Carolina boy–they’re good ‘uns!
Great story. I read that Appalachian dialect is one of the oldest surviving American languages. As such it should be preserved.
I’ve read that, too, and absolutely agree! It should be preserved. Goodness knows my extended family is doing their best to keep it alive ; )
Grandma always says “you fers”. love it!
I bet that’s short for “you fellers,” something MY grandma said a lot.