Trig (poem) by Joyce E Bowling on AuthorsDen

Trig
by Joyce E Bowling → (All Poetry by Joyce E Bowling)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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During college I took a class on the history of the English language. We were asked to research a word that was used during our youth that may have been misunderstood, or used incorrectly...I knew right away that I would use the word trig. We knew at an early age that papaw used the word incorrectly, we had dictionary's after all...but again this is part of southern tradition...respecting one's elders.
Trig Words that were spoken from lips of elders, Strange yet understood by others. What are you doing with that on? Don�t you know that you look like a trig? With a glance downward or a moment by the mirror� Our appearance must be a sight�we assumed� Or so they said, or did they after all? In a hurry we changed in effort to please� Or to see a smile cross their lips, Now that�s much better they�d tease. With a stern look of distaste, My grandfather would say�that�s just bawdy! You�re revealing too much skin, Now that was a disgrace! Again we renewed our reflection, Seeking satisfaction�respect from our elders. It was just a part of living in Kentucky� Yes, that was my grandfather�s perception. Humorous to others�Understood by family. I find myself reliving and restating his phrases, Who would�ve thought they�d stick around all these years? Bawdy still means indecently dressed, And spoken just as this. Trig is still around today�only, It�s not quite as papaw perceived� No, a trig is a well dressed person indeed! Although, from respect and southern understanding� I still use it the way papaw believed! Written By: Joyce Bowling �Copyright September 24, 2006 All rights reserved

Reviewed by Lew Duffey

Reviewed on May 2, 2007

Oh yes, now I understand what you are saying. Is it any wonder a person trying to learn English as a second language may have trouble. My mother used to the worsh. She meant wash. I had an aunt who called it the warsh. My Dad would say let's go down to Worshington. Meaning Washington D.C. They are too numerous to remember them all but even with the training I had to become a radio announcer I still fall back into the same patterns. Isn't it interesting though? We seem to see the same things.
God Bless,
Lew

Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)

Reviewed on September 24, 2006

I remember some words were taboo in my youth, but not have their meaning changed. This makes lovly reading. Victor

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

Oh this is great Joyce! Now I know the meanings of a few more words. Thank you so much for the information!

This also reminds me of my own story in my story section, "Swearing - The Chinese Style" - but my daddy always swore like he has never done so, even when he did. Heeeheee!!!...and I've picked that one up too! But I love my daddy so much he can say anything!...

Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)