For all the Southern quirks of the English language that I’ve noticed since moving, Jennifer has only found one that pervades my own Northern dialect. Here’s an example exchange:
Jennifer: I’m going to brush my teeth, and then I’ll be ready to go.
Daniel: Okay, I’ll go start the car awhile.
My usage of the word awhile totally freaks her out. And unlike past situations, I can’t find any reference to it online or anywhere. I suspect it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch-ism, but I can’t be sure. I can’t find any reference to it in the Wikipedia PA dialect articles that might apply:
- Pennsylvania Dutchified English
- Philadelphia accent
- Central Pennsylvania accent
- Baltimorese (because I have heritage there, too)
Can any of my Pennsylvania-based friends concur on this? Is this a general speech trait, or is it peculiar to the Bergey family (all of my family says it)?
It is very definitely a Pennsylvania Dutchism or Central PA Accent/Dialect. Have you irritated her enough yet with phrases such as, “The milk is all?”
Doug, I haven’t heard that one. Yet. =)
I don’t think it’s just PA - I say the same thing and so does my family! We’re from here in Baltimore. BTW, I’m waiting to see more pictures of the wedding! I always go to your website, Jennifer, to look at pictures!
Um… I grew up there. Nope. I don’t say it. Of course, I didn’t pick up much of the local lingo, either.