My family does not use many personal colloquialisms; however, we do use certain phrases in specific contexts which hold meaning different than that of the phrase in everyday situations. For example, my older brother began responding to the question, "Where's Dad?" with the remark "probably changing a light bulb" when we were younger, especially when the question was asked at the dinner table. My brother came up with this clever response because of my dad’s occupation (he worked for an electric company which used a light bulb as its logo) and his habit of sidetracking with small, unimportant tasks just as we begin to eat dinner (one example of these tedious tasks was literally replacing light bulbs, typically ones that were located in unimportant areas such as closets or attics that were not often used). My brother and mom began using this expression every time my dad was missing during dinner. Although this particular phrase is not incredibly hilarious, it instigated many humorous situations. For example, the last time I was visiting my family I asked my brother, “Where’s Dad?” and he responded “probably changing a light bulb” as a joke because we had not used the phrase in such a long time; however, I then searched the house for my dad only to find him changing a light bulb in his bedroom closet.
My mom recently informed me that my brother and I used to mistakenly say “a wallet ago” instead of “a while ago,” which may have been more accurate on a few occasions.
Some of my other family members have their own little terms and pronunciations for certain words. For example, my three-year old niece loves to refer to Santa Clause as “ho-ho,” so if she and I return from the mall during Christmas-time and she says “Me and Davey saw ho-ho at the mall,” it’s not because my ex-girlfriend was there.
You may also hear my grandmother remark on her trips down “Yose-might (Yosemite) Road,” where she occasionally catches glimpses of some beautiful “High-biscuit” flowers.
While none of these expressions are incredibly unique, they carry some humorous and intimate meaning in my family. I believe we sometimes use or allude to these phrases simply to remind ourselves that we are still family, without placing any real concern on what meaning the phrases once held.
5 comments:
Davey, as usual, your humor creates an interest in the focal point of the story. I genuinely laughed aloud at the ho-ho part. While the post has points of self-deprecation, unnecessarily placed throughout, it is still a strong story. Davey touches upon the genius of family language, especially tiered toward the recognition of its origins. The grandmother is a figure of universal humor, relatable to our youth from a different generation. Thanks for sharing Davey.
I loved your writing, it made me laugh through all of it, especially the way your grandmother pronounces things. The family members you described are presented vividly just through what they say, such as your niece and your younger self and the common slip ups of kids. The fact that your grandmother is still pronouncing things incorrectly just shows how solidified language is in our minds; if we said it a certain way then, we'll forever say it that way. Similarly, the joke about your dad will probably stick around.
This piece was one of my favorites. From your writing one can imagine themselves with your family. The experience with all the family members would be one of laughter, relaxation, and enjoyment. Your writing style takes us there. Language in your family does not seem to be taken too seriously. That allows for great interactions between each member of the family. Additionally, it seems that your family uses language like a ping pong ball; it is bounced back and forth allowing for everyone to enjoy the moment. Thanks for the laughs!
That was a great blog! It was really funny! I loved the part about ho-ho not meaning your ex! It sounds like you have a really good family with a great sense of humor! I really liked reading your blog. It was a smooth, easy read, while still being right on track with the assignment and holding the perfect amount of humor!
I love how family can something completely random and mispronounce a word and for it to be okay. Whereas in the outside world of family if you or anyone else had said some of the things you mentioned, anyone would be like what the heck is he talking about? It weird how things will happen to us when we are younger but we always seem to remember it. My ex boyfriends dad got pissed at him one time, and while kicking his backpack said "rediculous" but i cant even tell you how funny it really was. Now everytime I see his dad I am reminded of this time and I am sure that's how you are with family situations.
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