Southern Vernacular

While dining with a few girlfriends the other night (two from Birmingham and one from Montgomery) we got on the topic of expressions and words that I've learned here in Alabama. Like how the British refer to the restroom as "the loo," Alabamians have their own names for things as well. So since living in Alabama, I now have new words and phrases that have been added to my vocabulary - here are a few:

1. Buggie - instead of grocery cart or shopping cart
   
2. Sack - instead of grocery bag or shopping bag
   
3. Tag - instead of license plate
   
4. Mash - instead of "push" a button
   
5. Fixin' to - instead of "about to"
   
6. Jankin' with - instead of "messing with" or teasing
   
7. Rernt - instead of ruined (found this one quite a stretch)
   
8. Huggie - instead of a beer koozie
   
9. "A coke" - is any soft drink
   
10. "I got a bee in my bonnet" - an expression for getting your mind set on something and having to fulfill the task
    
    Now, don't get me wrong New Orleanians and "Yats" have their own vernacular as well, but these 10 above we new to me.

Countdown to Saints Kickoff...

The Saints equivalent to "Roll Tide" & "War Eagle" when they kick off...

Stand up and get CRUNK!!!

Bless you boys! WHO DAT!

Sleazy Politics

One thing that is definitely the same about New Orleans and Birmingham is the corruption in local politics. William Bell was elected as the Mayor of Birmingham last night in a run-off between him and Patrick Cooper. Can’t trust a local politician as far as you can throw them and the same sleaze-balls keep getting elected – pure corruption!

The Ham goes from Larry Langford who was found guilty on 60 counts of fraud and wanted to bring the Olympics to Birmingham (HA!) to another dirty, local politician. Nothing is going to change if we keep electing the same kind of “leaders.”

And don’t even get me started on Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans, that guy is as loopy as Langford, if not more. Maybe they go on political retreats together to strategize (or scheme).

I just hope my two favorite Southern cities can overcome their crooked leadership and not let it bring them to ruins.