Roots & Branches

The use of language and terminology has changed immensely as times change. What was a simple term to us in this time often held a different meaning in ages gone by. If our ancestors heard how we speak and the terms we use today they would be shocked.

Each era seems to have a distinct way of speech. During Victorian times the “niceties” were to be observed at all times. Manners were to be used at all times. In the Wild West a huge leap was made to western slag. There were not some many manners being used then. Many cultures use terms that here in America we are not familiar with. When researching and viewing documents try to think of the time and place that the information is being written and include the location.

I good practice is to read through and watch for items that may sound a bit off. Look the terms up on the internet or stop by your local library and ask for a historical dictionary. Most libraries should have them available. I try to do this as I go so that in information I am working on at that point is clearer so that I can move on.

When I first married and met my husband’s family I found they use terms I was not used to. I was helping my mother-in-law in the kitchen and we were preparing dinner. She was cooking at the stove and suddenly said “Oh no the meat is scrauzled!” (I am not sure of the spelling of this one.) I asked her what that was. She looked at me like I was crazy and said “You know scrauzled.” I had no idea what that was. It means to overcook so the meat shrinks too much. Also another term they use is spragged, as in “they had a spragging cough”. This means to cough so hard that one shakes physically. In their family and from the part of Utah that they are from, these are regular terms. Sometimes we have to ask questions and see if the older family members remember what things are or what the meaning of these unusual words could be.

One other example is when I was younger my sisters and I were talking to our Mom. I don’t really remember what about, but she had mentioned something about “picking up a fag”. Well in my time this had a total different meaning. She said it meant a cigarette butt and what did we think she was saying? Well to say the least, she was shocked a bit to find a fag in the 70’s was a homosexual. Do you see how we can get off on the wrong foot?

Here are a few word examples from The Macmillan dictionary of Historical Slang;

Altham-a mistress…..apron-up- because modest women tend, in pregnancy, to use their aprons as “disguise”…..boke-the nose…..bevie or bevvy-public house…..bible-a thin strip of blubber ready for the fry pot…..brattery- a nursery…..clobberer-a transformer of old clothes…..drag-a four horse coach….dunaker-a stealer of cattle…..glister-a glass or goblet…..kenning-wages…..lucky piece- an illegitimate child who’s father has provided money for the mother……mizzard-mouth…..moth-harlot…..nale-ale house…..nig- a slip of paper…..paddy- Irishman…..pakeha-white man…..peacock-to pay……plumy-rich…..public man-bankrupt…..quoz-odd or unusual…..rux-to reprimand…..salt-costly…..sapper-one who studies hard…..squeaker-a child…..squirl-a flourish in writing…..tatto-a potato…..tigerish-flashy, loud….traps-personal belongings.

Just for fun: If you have any interesting words that you would like to share, please send them in. I think it is fun to see what others have found.

A month or so ago a cousin stopped by to tell me a bit of a story.  Her mother had died a couple years ago and she and her many brothers and sisters had all finally gotten together to sort things out.  What a job.  I did not envy them the task. 

It seems as they were going through boxes a large amount of papers were found that they did not recognize.   You know the sort, old, yellowing, dusty.  They were all set to the side for reviewing when everything else was done.  But it seemed as she worked something nagged at her, so she went back and opened the box with all the papers.  One envelope looked odd to her somehow.  She took it out and was shocked.  The papers were the immigration papers for her grandfather and his parents.  Wow.  What a find.

 No one knew they were still around.  Many of the old papers were thought to be lost.  Along with these papers were pictures and documents or all kinds.  Luckily she knows I love genealogy so much and quickly made copies of everything she had at the time for me.  Now that these were found, the family is checking all papers and envelopes more closely.  There is no telling what they might find hidden along with other items.  I am so grateful that she listened to her intuition about the papers.  So often we get in a hurry and throw out things.

When my Grandmother died back in ’89 we had the job of sorting all her things.  As we went through we realized that she had been hiding money in aluminum foil and placing the little packets in clothes hanging in her closet.  We also found a few more in random places.  Once we had checked all items we found around $800!  She had never told anyone she had hidden money.  My mother reminded us that in Grandma’s day people hid their money and did not always use banks.  This was a good lesson. 

When sorting old items be sure to check for hidden treasures.  It was very common in the past to build in secret drawers or compartments as a type of safe or security box.  Many times people would also place important papers or various items behind framed pictures.  I advise that you always take items from the fames and at least take a look.  A friends’ grandfather died some years ago and they knew of no will for him.  A year later a will was found behind his favorite photo of the family.  Surprise, surprise.

The bottom line is that people all think differently and may place their treasures in strange places.  If they are not willing to share their secret hiding places then we need to take the time to take a second look.