Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Geolexicology Presentation at Watauga Library August 12

Story by Celeste Von Mangan

If you’ve ever heard phrases and words like “walking on a slant,” “cut off the light,” “right smart,” “blinked milk” or “give four taters,” did you know what they meant? Expressions such as these are examples of local figures of speech, and Dr. Peggy Hartley, professor emerita of the ASU Department of Foreign Language and Literatures, will conduct a discussion on geolexicology—the study of the history, meaning and geographical area where words and phrases are used—at the Watauga County Public Library on Tuesday, August 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the community meeting room. The public is invited to gather and to bring their words and questions.

“I just want to serve as facilitator to start a conversation about words and expressions,” she said, “to compare what we say in this area as compared to other areas. I heard some people talking the other day and they were not from this area and they did not understand what some of the words and phrases were around here. I do not want to focus on pronunciation; that’s a whole different ballgame.”

Hartley has heard a lot of words and phrases in her lifetime, having taught Spanish and fine language education—teacher training—at ASU for 32 years. Before Appalachian, Hartley taught for another 10 years elsewhere.

“I’m just fascinated about words,” she said. “For example, what do you carry your belongings in? Someone might say purse or handbag, another person might say clutch. People who are from the area and those who are not from the area will get a chance to ask questions and to maybe compare words.”

Hartley is hoping that those participating in the geolexicology discussion will engage in lively conversation—a good possibility because the speech used in the southern Appalachian Mountains is colorful. In the High Country, a day is not just hot, but “hotter than the hinges of hell.” When it’s cold, it’s just as likely to be “blue cold.”

“I think it will be fun,” Hartley said. “It should be interesting and I think people will have a good time—and they can bring their questions and doubts.”
Both residenters and furriners are invited to this free presentation. So why not buck it to the library next Tuesday, but don’t just whup off; come set a spell and learn the meaning of words and phrases.

Want To Go?

Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Watauga Public Library
Cost: Free