When outsiders think of Louisiana, New Orleans is nearly a synonym. The tourist city comes with an abundance of unique and acclaimed attractions but is relatively distinguished for its Mardi Gras celebration. And while even nonnatives are familiar with the events of their stately parades, if you travel only a few hours west, the streets are crowded for a different reason. This time, a ritual that is only well known with a close association. If you're from Louisiana, you've probably hollered for beads before, but have you ever chased a chicken?
Deep into the heart of God's country, the rural tradition of Cajun Mardi Gras, otherwise known as "Courir de Mardi Gras," is alive and well. Translated from French into "Fat Tuesday Run," these rowdy revelers gather typically on horseback, and make their way through town in distinctive hand-made costumes, soliciting for ingredients to make a community-wide gumbo. A chicken is released to be chased by the eager participants, later used for the preparation of the meal.
And quite similar to a three-hour span creating a world of difference for traditions inside our state, the same applies to our dialect. Though there are many recognizable phrases of a southerner, particular areas have a more striking lingo; rather, more striking than just the commonplace of "beignets, shrimp boots, and bayous" and further along into the rice fields and cattle farms of our home. Growing up in one of southwest Louisiana's quaint small towns, not only did my grandparents speak (Cajun) French when they didn't want us to understand, but there were numerous phrases that were frequently used and thus passed down. And aside from the prevalent secondary language, there are additional peculiar words and sayings emphasized through ordinary expression.
So, just when you thought it couldn't get any more "Louisiana" and habitual than "Laissez les bon temps rouler," you overhear one of these:
1. Envie (ahnvee)
Strong desire or craving, especially relating to food.
"Man I got the envie for some crawfish tonight!"
2. Couillon (couyon)
To a foreigner, this could probably be considered a Cajun insult. However, it's lightly used to refer to someone as being silly or foolish.
3. Sha
This is the most common misspelling of the French word "cher" but acts as a huge part of our vocabulary. It is translated as a term of endearment but is somewhat used in an all-embracing manner.
"Hey, sha!" or "Look at that sha lil baby."
4. Honte (haunt)
Commonly used when someone is embarrassed.
"I was so honte when I tripped in front of church."
5. Boudé (boo-day)
This is referred to when you're pouting, typically when you don't get your way. And when you don't get your way, you make a "bah-bin."
6. Tête Dure (tet dur)
Simply means hard-headed or stubborn.
"Man she sure is tête dure just like her daddy."
7. Taunte (taunt)
Translated from French into aunt. This is relatively popular in the south central part of the state. It's usual to be referred to as a whole noun, without the proper name of that person.
"I'm going to Taunte's house for dinner!"
8. Mais (meh)
This well-known word translates into "but," with a wide ability to morph into almost anything, fitting most scenarios depending on deliverance.
"Mais, talk about some good stuff!" "Well mais yeah I'm coming tonight!"
9. Menoo
This can be heard when someone is calling a kitten.
"Here menoo."
10. Make a pass
Stop by and visit, hangout for a while.
"I guess I'll make a pass later on to see everybody."
11. Save
To put away.
"Save up the clothes." "Save the dishes after you wash them."
12. Rice and gravy
Especially in places where rice farming is well established, rice is a big part of one's daily diet. Therefore, it's familiar to disregard the direct reference to the meat that makes up the dish.
13. Doubling for emphasis
A typical substitution for the adjective "very." "It's hot hot outside!" or "She drove fast fast to get here."
But there are two words to serve as an overview of any and all so-called-funny-phrases we are accustomed to no matter what part of Louisiana we are from: southern hospitality!
So next time you find yourself uttering any of these, smile with pride and appreciate the culture around you that brings grand tradition and unmistakable lingo you can't find anywhere else!
