Sunday, January 4, 2009

100th Post! How about some more English?

I just noticed this is my 100th post. Cool. So, I thought I'd write about a bit more English.

This lesson will be on the proper usages of the verb 'make like', the expression 'Dey Law' and the word 'slick', as I learned them anyway.

"Make like": This is one Patti Anne used more than I did, but I like it a lot, and I should work it into conversations a bit more often.

"make like" simply means to pretend, and all the connotations the word pretend has.

It can be very innocent, one child to may say to another - "Let's make like we're pirates!" Or whatever kids like to "make like" these days.

It can be more cynical: "Dey Law, he's makin' like he's the second comin' or somethin".

I reckon I should explain "Dey Law".

Dey Law is an expression, or an exclamation. Think of it as something like My Goodness, except much stronger. And it is always, always, drawn out. If it takes you less than 6 or 7 seconds to day "Dey Law", then you've said it too quickly. Deeeeeey Laaaaaaaw! It's related to "Lawsy", which I always thought of as a milder form.

Slick: Slick only had one meaning that I was aware of when I was growing up. It had no connotations (to me anyway) of being sneaky or underhanded.

If it was cold and it had snowed or the creek had frozen, you might hear: "You all be careful now, it's slick out".

Or if you slipped and fell, it might have been because you stepped on something slick, and if you happened to be in the pasture at the time, it probably wasn't good.

I don't think we would have ever said anything like, "That guy's real slick", unless he was covered in lard or something.

I don't think I heard the word "slippery" until my father joined the Air Force and we moved from Kentucky. And then it was those daggone northerners who used it.

Make like, dey law, & slick. One good verb, one good expression, and a pretty nice word.

6 comments:

Martin MY said...

Ton up - Congratulations

Ms. O. D. said...

Dey Law!!! Congratulations on your 100th post! I'll make like you someday... only have 60 more to go :) Congrats again :)

Ivanhoe said...

Congrats on your 100th post!
I also heard "that's slick" used as "that's cool" in a way of amazement :o)

None said...

Congratulations, BloggerLeo! 100 is a milestone. I think I "make like" a lot to get through a normal day. I "make like" I'm a normal human, that is! Very nice posts on your blog.

Dori said...

Congratulations on your 100th post!

A Valdese Blogger said...

Martin: Thanks

Ms. O.D.: Thanks. Ah but your 60 posts are generally move involved than whatever weird little thing I decide to write.

Ivanhoe: Yep I've heard slick used that way too. Thanks for reading!

Manx: Thanks. Nice graveyard.

Dori: Thank you very much & thanks for reading!

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