I was excited to learn from a Smithsonian article that there is such a thing as the Dictionary of American Regional English. I could get lost in a book like that. I had a lot of fun just with the examples given in the article. Apparently I use the Midwestern term for the layer of dusty bits lurking under the furniture (I call those fuzzy critters “dust bunnies” and not “dust kitties”). But I might have to switch to “house moss” (the Southern term) because I like it better. And isn’t “pinkletink” (Martha’s Vineyard term for a spring peeper) the cutest word ever?
So I thought DARE would be a great book to own and I was going to put it on my wish list. Then I found that there are five volumes that range in price on Amazon.com from about $90.00 to $115.00 each. Wish list indeed!
I have never heard anyone use dust kitties. Ever. Anywhere. Maybe I’ll do another Twitter poll to inquire. (The previous one followed up on our conversation about “cordial.” At least among the people who answered me, either the adjective form was common or they were equal in usage.)
Pinkletink is a cute word, although I don’t remotely hear them saying that. Fascinating!
I like the various names for daddy longlegs, which, in and of itself, refers to three different animals depending on where you’re from.
I bet you could find at least one volume of this in your trolling of used bookstores if you keep your eyes peeled.
It’s a shame about the dust kitties, especially since if you own a cat your dust bunnies are almost certainly part cat.
It’s good to know that people can still be cordial and drink it, too.
I will certainly keep my eyes peeled for a volume of DARE, cuz you just never know.
And I think I will call everything a “pinkletink” from now on. Like this:
“Wow, this is the hottest pinkletink ever!” or “Check out my pinkletink!”
Do you think people will think I’m being fresh?
I’m reminded of “My Ding-a-Ling,” as made famous by Chuck Berry.
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