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CAPSULE VOCABULARY SLANG: Gangbusters Powerful Ex: Man, did you dig Wynton
JAZZ VALLEY GIRL CB JARGON PIRATE TALK wailing last night,- He came on like 'Gangbusters'."
SPITTIN‟ MTV MILITARY TALK SHAKESPEARE
JAMES BROWN TALKING SOUTHERN SPEAKING LIKE JESSE JACKSON Gas A performance that moves you. Ex: The way he
'wails' is a real "gas." (or Gasser)
JAZZ LEXICON Get Down Superlative playing (Musically). He really
"JAZZ", like most fields of endeavor, also has it's own "gets down" on that horn.
special lexicon. Once used mostly by the musician's Get Off really enjoyed, had a ball Man we got off
themselves, the slang has now become a part of the when Carlos went solo.
greater society. And, what is even more remarkable is Gig Noun for a paying job. Ex: I've got a "gig" next
the way the language has prospered. It is still widely Monday night.
used today, AND growing. Gone Another Jazz superlative. Ex: He's one "gone" cat.
---------------------------------------------------- Groove(y) Denotes music that really swings. ('Groove' is
---------------------------- a Musician's term for Rhythm) Ex: Man, dig that "groovy"
Ball To enjoy Ex: We had a 'Ball' when Herbie played. beat.
Baby A term of endearment. (for either sex.) Ex: Say, Hand me some skin To Shake Hands Ex: "Skin" me
"baby," I got us some "bread", let's "move" downtown. Gate. Ex: "Give me some skin", gate.
Bad Good Ex: That dude does some "bad" *** playing. Hip To know; to understand. Ex: Man, he's one "Hip" cat.
Bag Delight, hobby, “thing”, - joy, etc. Ex: Man, Jazz is (Understands the music) Ex: I'm hip to your bluff.
my 'bag'. I 'dig' it the most! (understands a ploy.)
Blow A jazzman's term for playing an(y) instrument. Ex: Hot Superlative. Really good, emotional. Ex. “Man that
'Satchmo' really "blows." cat was hot!”
(The) Bomb "Real cool". Ex: Kenton's "Peanut Vendor" is In the Groove Really Good! Ex: Benny's solo was really
"the bomb." "in the groove!"
Bread Money. Ex: You come up with the "bread"; we'll Jack The Diminutive of "Jackson". A person. The Jazz
make the gig. equivalent of "Mac" or of "Bud". (Sometimes used in a
Break it down In a real groove. Ex: They were "breaking negative manner.) Ex: Hey "Jack", don't dominate this gig.
it down" on "One O'Clock Jump" Ex: Hit the road, "Jack." Also means money.
Bug Annoy. Ex: He "bug's" me. Jackson A Male friend Ex: I Dig Ya Jackson.
Cats Jazzmen, or people who love Jazz. Ex: Man, them Jake Okay. Ex: That's "Jake" with me.
"cats" are really blowin' up a storm. Jam Playing (hot). (Usually: to Improvise.) Ex: That band
Chick A young, pretty girl was "jamming" tonight.
Chills A real thrill. Ex: Listening to Herbie Hancock Jazz "Jazzing" (improvisation) of any music.
"chills" me. Jive May be used as a: Noun - an odd form of speech.
Copacetic Agreeable Ex: Things are really copacetic Ex: That "Jive" doesn't fool me. Verb - to fool someone. Ex:
here. Stop "Jiving" me, will you. Adjective - phoney or fake. Ex:
Crazy Another jazz superlative. Beyond normal, very He's one "Jive" dude.
different. Ex: Listen to that "crazy" beat the band's 'laying Jump To have a good time. Ex: The 'joint' was really
down'. "jumping" last night.
Crib Very Sparsely appointed Apartment. (See "pad") Kicks Pleasure. Ex: I get my "Kicks" listening to Miles
Ex: Come on up to my "crib" and relax. Davis.
Cut To leave or depart. (aka: "cut out") Ex: Let's "cut out". Kill Sheer delight. Ex: You "kill" me, man.
Daddy-o One hipster's way of addressing another Kopasthetic Nice. Good. Ex: The Count's solo was
hipster. Ex: Hey, "daddy-o", what's cookin'? kopasthetic.
Dig To understand - to get the point - to like or Lame or Lamer Something, or someone that doesn't quite
appreciate. Ex: Hey, 'daddy-o', "dig" this crazy music. 'cut' it. Ex: Those cats were layin' down some "lame"
Drag Depressing a person's spirits. Ex: He's a real "drag." music.
Drive To play with real concentrated emotion. Main Squeeze A favorite girl-friend Ex: Linda's my 'main
End Another Superlative. Ex: The way Benny blows his squeeze'.
licorice stick (clarinet) is the living, breathing "end." Mellow Feeling good. Ex: He 'light up' and got real
Flip To Act or think in a crazy (eccentric) manner. Ex: I 'mellow'.
really "flipped" listening to all that Jazz. Off-Beat Originally, a weak or un-accented beat. Now
Fly Smooth or slick. Ex: Man, that was a "fly" solo. also used to describe something out of the normal.
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Out to Lunch Absent Minded; Not paying attention. Ex: Back: Term used to tell another you're ending your
He's was "out to lunch" that night and played poorly. transmission and want him to begin transmitting to you:
Pad Usually just a sparsely furnished apartment. The "Come back."
expression was coined not by musicians, but by the Back Door: Behind a vehicle. "You're at my back door" or
"Hippie" generation. "I'll cover the back door." Used on highways to establish
Righteous A 'real' Jazzman. A very good musician. Ex: relative position. Also the designation of the station at
Benny Goodman - the 'Righteous' King of Swing. the rear of a highway caravan of trucks watching for
Rock Another superlative. Ex: Basie "rocked" on One Smokies coming up behind. See also "Front Door" and
O'Clock Jump. Ex: "Rock Me" with the old time rhythm. "Rocking Chair."
Say! Salutation, greeting…Say bro‟ lay some skin on me… Back Down: To slow down your vehicle's speed by
Scene A place. Ex: Let's make the "Scene" at Birdland removing or easing up your foot on the accelerator
tonight. (hammer). "Back down, rocking chair, we have a Smokey
Send To stimulate. (a good feeling) Ex: Man, that cat coming up behind us."
really "sends" me. Back Out: Used to announce that you intend to stop
Sharp High Fashion. Ex: He's one "sharp" looking cat in transmitting and therefore conclude the conversation.
his Zoot suit. "Let me back out of here for now."
Slip Me Some Skin Handshake. Ex: "Slip me some skin" Bad Scene: A term borrowed from the youth culture and
Jack. applied to a crowded CB channel subject to many
Slide Give or Hand one something or some information. overlapping transmissions (layers). This is not good or
Ex: "Slide" me the score of that tune, Jack. working out the way we envisioned!
Smokin' To put one's heart and soul into playing. Ex: Basement: Channel one. Back to the beginning!
Ziggy Elman was really "smokin'" that night. Bear: Authority. Police. County Mountie: A county
Solid Another swing-era superlative meaning Ex: sheriff or his patrol car. City Kitty: A local policeman,
"Solid", jackson! (Good work.) also known as a "Local Yokel." Smokey (Smokey Bear):
Square An "unhip" person. (One who does not "Dig") Ex: State police officer who generally wears a Smokey the
That cat is real "square." Bear style ranger hat. Bear in the Air: A state patrolman
Take Five Originally, a short five minute break. Ex: OK in a helicopter or light plane who spots and clocks
everyone. Let's "take five." speeders. See "Smokey." Bear in the Bushes: Police
The End A Superlative - (also see: 'crazy'.) Ex: Man, that hiding. Bear Bait: Someone driving over the limit with no
cat's the living, breathing "end". radio. Bear Bite: Speeding ticket
Threads Clothing (Also see Drape/Dry Goods) Ex: Cat
1. Man, dig that cat's new Threads. Big: Very good adjective Can be used with most CB
Too much Another jazz superlative. Ex: Lee Wiley's lingo …in fact its recommended…”You got that…..that‟s a
singing is "too much." big 10-4, big buddy! Big Ears: A good receiver. Big Ten-
Truck To dance or really move. Ex: Let's "truck" on down Four: Hearty agreement with what the other operator
to the ballroom. has just said: "That's a big ten-four, Big Bopper."
Wail Playing extremely well. Ex: Louis really "Wailed" Blew My Doors Off: Excessive! To be passed by a vehicle
on 'Sing, Sing, Sing'. traveling at high speed (usually at greater than the
Wig, Wig out To flip Ex: There was no reason; he just speed limit).
"wigged out." Boy Scouts: Good guys! probably not in the know
Wild Astonishing or amazing. (also see: Too Much) Ex: He however; not street wise or savvy
plays a really "wild" trumpet. Breaker: A term, along with "Break," used when a CB
operator wants others on a channel to break off routine
chatter: "Breaker. Breaker.,, Also refers to the person who
I copy that! And that's a big 10-4! There's a Bear in the is calling: "Hold on, Pink Panther, we got a breaker."
bushes at mile marker 119 facin' south and takin' pictures! Breaking Up: Message is not being received… it‟s being
You got the Charlie Bravo, Mike Whisky, . holdin' interfered with for some reason. "You're breakin' up, good
yellow line fever with the hammer down! We gone! buddy."
CAPSULE VOCABULARY: CB JARGON Clear: A radiotelephone term that has been used for a
long time. To clear the radio channel in use by ending the
Affirmative: Yes, 10-4. transmission: "This is K-0-K1-0-4-0, we're clear."
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Comeback: A reply from another operator to your call Negatory: No, or negative. Used in place of "negative"
for anyone who might be listening: "Appreciate the for greater clarity.
comeback, Zodiac, can you tell us how to get to …." Over: End of transmission.
Come on: Phrase used to tell another operator to talk. Pull the Plug: To get off the air or sign off. "I'm going to
Used interchangeably with "come pull the plug here."
Convoy back" and "over.": A group of vehicles traveling Rocking Chair: A good position to be in!! Vehicle
together, -to demonstrate unity between the front and back doors. "You're at the front
Copy: To receive a radio transmission with sufficient door, he's at the back, and I'm sitting in the rocking chair."
clarity to understand the message. " I copy, Rolling All this person has to do is sit back and listen for Smokey
Stone." "Anyone with a copy, come in." reports coming from the front and rear of the traffic line.
Covered Up: Interference., usually by another operator Roger: Popularly known through air force and other war
using the same channel, causes the received signal to be films, the term is synonymous with message received and
covered up. Synonymous terms are "walked on" and understood, "copy," and "ten-four."
"stepped on."
Donkey: your rear end, he‟s a riding my donkey….taken Shout: Synonymous with an equally used term, “holler.”
from the Biblical name for a donkey Shout and holler both mean to call another CB‟er. "I'll
Down: Off the air, as in "We're down." Usually used to give you a shout on the flip-flop." It has nothing to do
announce the end of transmission in the senses of "We're with volume.
gone" or "We'll be on the side." Step Up; Step Down: To go up or down to another
Ears: Are you listening to me or hearing: "He's got ears." channel. Used when moving to another channel because
Eyeball: To meet personally or to see you”: "We got an of overcrowding.
eyeball on a Smokey in the grass at marker two-two- Tear Jerker: From a long-standing slang term, but
zero." applied to the person' rather than the story. A person
Front Door: In front of a vehicle. Also, the lead truck in a with hard luck stories. Also called "sunbeam."
highway caravan that is the first to spot a Smokey and Ten-Four: Frequently used ten-code acknowledgment
can give this advance notice to other vehicles. that a transmission has been received and understood. A
Good Buddy: Like "Ole' Buddy," a term used among "big ten-f our" means the received message is agreed
truckers and others as a salutation when the other with by the recipient.
operator's handle is unknown: "Hey, good buddy, we're Ten Twenty: your current location
here over your shoulder." Walked On (over): To have a signal interfered with by
Gotta Copy? Do you hear me? another signal, effectively preventing it from being
Gone: Off the air, often used in concluding a transmission understood. "Come again, Blue Knight, someone just
as in "We're gone" or "We gone!" Synonymous with "down" walked on you." See also "Step On."
or "on the side." Walking Tall: Good sounding signal.
Hammer: Lets get moving. The accelerator pedal, usually Walking The Dog: Talking over a long distance.
of a truck but applicable to four wheelers and other
vehicles as welt. Truckers "put down the hammer" or
"hammer down" (accelerate) when Smokies aren't in sight Capsule Vocabulary: “Spittin‟ MTV”
Handle: An adopted nickname used for identification by
CBers; for example, Gremlin, Silver Princess, "Thanks for All that: Excellent, high quality or caliber
the comeback, K-E-D0-5-2-1, what's your handle?" Be: used in place of the verb “is”; What be your story!
Holler: A call, as in "to give a holler" to a fellow CBer: What be you representing! We be chillin!
"Hey, good buddy, you give us a holler when you get to Break: To give, share or distribute. Hey, shorty break me
your home twenty." off some of dat cheddar!
Home Twenty: Home location What are you about? Bling! Bling: (something expensive --jewelry)!
What‟s your story?." Twenty: refers to location. Twenty. Bout it: For real, not fake, for a cause! “I‟m bout it.”
Often as in "What's your twenty?" An abbreviation of the Bug (ging) : acting strange, peculiar or wild
ten code meaning "What's your location." Chedda: Money, or something of value
Is that a Four? Did you copy? Do you agree? Chillin(g): Doing nothing in particular; in another time
Knock It Down: Change or Go down to another channel. this was referred to as “Hanging” (out) or “mellow.”
Mercy: A convenient way of avoiding the use of illegal Come correct: To do something proper or the way it
on-the-air profanity. "Mercy me, that is one strong should be done; to represent the truth.
signal," instead of "Hell, that's one bodacious signal." Crew: See soldiers.
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Crib: place of abode, home; in another era it was “shack.” Phat: Pretty Hot And Tempting: This (or he, or she, or it
Dawg: a person you‟re addressing or talking about; in (i.e. music or game)) is good, fine, and extremely nice. In
another era it was synonymous with “man” (Hey, man other eras this could have been “hip (for he or she)” or
your beard is on fire!) or “dude”. Go back even further in “groovy (for it (i.e. music or game)).”
the third person it changed species it was “cat.” Player: A participant in some type of activity but not
Def: Fine; nice, upstanding; in other eras this was referred necessarily a sport.
to as “cool” or “hip”. Synonymous with “Fly.” Player- hating: to have disdain for a player
Diss: to shun, insult, or to disrespect; in another era this Posse: See crew
was referred to as “to slam.” Props: to give or pay respect publicly (“proper respect”)
Don‟t Go There: Best to avoid the direction this Real: Keeping something “true” or on the up and up, or
conversation is going. In another era it was “you‟re the straight and narrow; “Explain yourself, dawg and
cruising for a bruising!” keep it real!”
Down: In agreement with as in I understand or Recognize: You better interpret or figure out (quickly)
comprehend what you are saying. In another era, this was what is going on here.
“dig” (as in I‟m digging you man!) Represent: What someone is all about ---- or what
Down low: Secret or hush, hush; a low profile you‟re here for
Drop: To put, or interject (as in drop some knowledge). In Roll: This is the way we get going, move or travel. Ok,
another era it was “lay it on me bro.” soldiers lets roll! Or …This is the way we roll!
Feel: I understand you; I sympathize with you; I‟m on the Shizzle: is the word for "sure" fo shizzle…for sure
same page with you; I‟m thinking what you‟re thinking. Shorty: A girl friend or young admirer
Fronting: Perpetrating a lie or a false image or identity; Shout out: To broadcast a greeting or say hello to an
trying to present yourself as something you are not. acquaintance
“G”: refers to the person you are speaking to (like a guy, a Soldiers: My supporters, backers, gang, or circle of friends.
girl or a gangsta); synonymous with dawg but the term On the West Coast it is “Crew.”
“dawg” can be either second or third person, “G” is Steppin(g): get going; or get to moving; let‟s get to it or
primarily used in the second person. “What‟s going down underway. “Girlfriend, I think you need to get to
„G‟? If the person has clout, he can get it done, then he can stepping!”
be “G-Money!” “S‟up” : Greeting or salutation… as in What‟s up!
Hatin(g): synonymous with “diss” Sweat(ing): to hassle or cause stress.
Ho(l)mes: A Latin(o) version of “dawg” Tight: Very cool, excellent, or correct. Your ride is tight!
Homey: Friend or acquaintance; in another era this could True (dat): I‟m in agreement with what you said; in
have been “brother, „bro‟ or „cuz‟.” another era this was referred to as “Right on.” In church
Holler: Please reply/respond; get back to me. this is “Amen.” Synonymous with “WORD.”
Illin(g): Opposite of chilling. Foul! Lacking! In need of Word: The truth; or profound; you‟re saying it right. In
repair! (His game is illin!) another era this was referred to as “heavy” or “solid.” In
“izzle”: - Rap technique of inserting "-izzle" after a word's church it is “Amen.” Synonymous with “TRUE.”
last pre-vowel consonant in its final syllable and Yo: A greeting or salutation, or to beckon. In another era
deleting the remaining letters: "minute" becomes or region it could be “howdy”, “what‟s up”, “what‟s goin
"minizzle"; "America" = Americizzle; “final” = finizzle! down” or “how youse doin” ; for conservatives it could be
“izz”: An infix technique is performed by inserting izz at “why hello there my good man!”
the beginning of a lone vowel: "I" becomes "Izzi" and "O" (You) Go Girl (friend): I‟m in support of your work or
becomes "Izzo." Also by inserting "izz" amidst a word after efforts here. (Usually a comment reserved for females; or
the word's last pre-vowel consonant in its final syllable guys that like to wear bright or pastel colors and dance
without deleting any letters: "minute" becomes with their hands over their head!
"minizzute," "cream" becomes "crizzeam; "crap" becomes
"crizzap
“Shakespearean Vocabulary”
Large: Grand or great; a nice lifestyle; in another era it
could be said; this is “excellent” or “man, you have (or he Alas: Unfortunately, regrettably, or sadly.
has) it going on.” Aroint: Be off! Away, with! Off with you! go! Go about
Mack: A consummate “player”; or to have a good groove your business!
or your swerve going on; as is “This player has his „mack‟ Art: Are; Second person of verb “To Be.”
working.”
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Beset: Light into, besiege, blockade, invest, lay siege to Ahma: Contraction for I‟m; Ahma gonna sit ratcheer all
Beseech: Ask, request, beg, or entreat. aftanoon
Bosom: the chest or breast of a human. Anomaly (phrase…I normally). My usual practice. Usage:
Compense: compensation "Anomaly drink Dr. Pepper, but ah'll have a Pepsi few
Didst: Second person singular past tense of do... don't mind."
Disdain: Scorn, contempt, disregard. Ar: Possessive pronoun… ours. “Jew want to leave that
Farthings: Coins $$$ alone! Dat‟s ar dawg!
Foul: Unclean, rank, stinking, or soiled Argy: to argue or disagree… “Ah‟m not gonna stand here
Hail: Greet, summon and argy with yew!”
Hath: Have (to possess or hold) Ary: Means “not any” People outside the South say
Heartily: Thumping, overflowing, bursting. „nary‟… ours. “If‟n lef up to me, jew woodent get ary a
Horrid: Unpleasant, unkind, nasty or vile. penny!”
Implore: Beg request plead Bad off: Desperately in need of… or extremely ill… “Ah
Oft: Frequent, recur, repetition, keep on just wont yew to know that he‟s bad off!”
Ofttimes: Frequently, many times Bad mouth: to disparage or insult even… “Jew best not
Prick: Pierce or puncture bad mouth Junior!”
Seemeth: Apparent, Obvious, appears to be, or evident. Bard: (verb). Past tense of the infinitive "to borrow." "My
Shall: Future tense of “should”…a determination to do an brother bard my pickup truck."
act. Beholden: Indebted to….“Ah‟d beholden to yew if you
Shrewdly: Astutely, cannily, or craftily loan me five dolluhs!”
Sire: Greeting of respect (usually reserved for a superior… Best: (modifier) Outside the South used to mean
such as a king) synonymous with Liege & Lord excellence but in the South its used in a negative
Taint: To disgrace: black eye, blemish, blot, spot, stain, connotation. “Jew best not be speaking to Bobby Lee
stigma, tarnish. rahtnow, he‟s a heepa mad!”
Thither: To or towards that place. Bounden determined: totally committed to a course of
Thrice: Three times action… “Ah wouldn‟t say nuthin to her rahtnow, she
Thou: “You” bounden determined to have her way!”
Thus: Therefore; accordingly; as a result. Bound to: Certain to… “Too much wuk (work) bound to
Tis: It is. make yew tard!”
Twere: ...true to life; expository (to expound or explain in Break bad: To threaten to or behave in a violent
detail) manner…. “Ah‟m fixin to break bad in here!”
Verily: Yes, certainly, without a doubt. Chunk: To throw or deliver. “Ole Betty Lou can shur
Vex: Harass, to bother, molest, or perplex. chunk it!”
Villanies: outrageous, unprincipled acts of meanness; Commence to: To start, engage, to get underway. “ One
corruptness, or rogueness. thing led to nutha and then they commence to fitghtin!”
Waxes: To make or become greater or larger: aggrandize, Done: Completed, finished OR already…. “Have the boys
amplify, augment, boost, build, build up. To come to be: done left yet!”
become, come, get, grow, and turn (out). Dundunit: To point out an act (usually a bad act). “Boy,
Wither: Shrivel, droop, dry up or fade. jew dundunit now!
Wretch: A person living under very unhappy Don‟t differ: Makes no difference. … “It don‟t differ to me
circumstances: loser, miserable, underdog, under- what jew do!”
privileged, unfortunate. Dreckly: Soon or right way. “Ah‟ll be along dreckly!”
Eat up wit: Excessively inundated with. “Boy Mary Lou is
CAPSULE VOCABULARY “Talking Southern” eat up wit herself!”
Everhoo: Whoever. “Everhoo picked up unnerware best
be bringing them back! Ah planned on wearing them
AC it: Expression meaning “that‟s it. “AC it, ah‟m fed up
least two more days!”
with this mess!”
Everwhichaways: In all directions: “Ah can‟t get a
Ahite: (adverb, adjective, or maybe even an interjection).
bearing on what he sayin, he‟s talking everwhichways!”
An affirmation; to be in a state of okay-ness; or a request
Ever whut: Whatever. “We got ever whut you need
for someone to stop pestering you. Usage: "How ya doin,
ratcheer!”
Bubba?" "Ah-ite!"
Fetchin: Attractive… “Sue Ellen is a fetching young
thang!”
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Fidna git eel: (phrase…Fitting to get ill) I‟m bout to get Sass: To talk to irreverently… “Bubba don‟t you sass yo
(sick in here). When Bubba took off his shoes…Well I‟d ma now!”
declare… I‟d fidna git eel up in here! Shudenoughta: Should not…. “Yew shudenoughta dun
Fixin: Getting ready to do something that!”
Flat out: All out…no holding back: Bobby Lee goes flat Stepping in high cotton: (Saying) You‟re rubbing elbows
out when he‟s goes huntin!” with some high and mighty sorts!
Gummit: institution that runs an organized locality…such Tacky: Unfashionable; OR ugly. “Mary Sue was actin so
as a country or state. “I‟m sick of all that redtape and tacky!”
gummit interference.” Thang: the Southern way of sayin „thing.‟
Heepa: A great deal of … used by southern law officers a That ole dawg won‟t hunt no more: (Saying) …Something
lot! Boy! you‟re in a heepa trouble! has worn out its usefulness
Heidi: A greeting…. As in “Heidi Bubba! How you all Tolable: Bearable but could deal with it! My headache is
doing today!” barely tolable! Her singing just ain‟t tolable!
Howscum: An inquiry…interchangeable with…Why for! Uart: You should or ought to. “Uart to clean up after
“Howscum you to stick yer hand in that beehive?” yourself.”
Jevver: Did yew ever? … “Did jevver hear of such a thing!” Up and died: (Saying) Someone or thing just perished or
Kilt: past tense of kill died.
Korea: A lifelong vocation or profession. “Bubba made a Vitamin: What you do with guests that show up at your
korea out of selling moon pies!” house…you vitamin!!
Learn: To teach… Jew need to learn that boy something!” Why for: An explanation or request for a cause. Why for
Lease: Small amount! “Boy, yew the lease of my you boys be acting like that! Also see “Howscum”
problems rite now!” Synonymous with „let on‟…”He can‟t Whomp: To hit! To hit hard; I had to whomp him hard to
handle his wife let on a girlfriend!” get him to pay attention!
Lesson: Unless…”I‟m gonna fall over dead lesson I‟d get Wunnern: (verb). To feel curiosity; Ah wunnern whar „em
some sleep!” fellers got thar money from!"
Like to: Almost… “When Daisy bent over, Ah like to Yonder: A place -- but just not rat cheer (not here,)
died!” Usage: as Over yonder...or Going Up Yonder…Wild Blue
Lore: A verb meaning to lower; or a subordinate position Yonder!
to be in. “Right now, I feel lore than a snake in a wagon
rut!”
Mash: push or press something (as in a button …or your Capsule Vocabulary: “Valley Girl ( & Surfer
finger with a hammer) Boy) Talk”
Member: To recall. .. “Member when a stamp cost 8 cents!”
Mess: a sizeable quantity. Also synonymous with “Like, OH MY GOD! Like Encino is like SO TOTALLY
“Passel” or “Gracious plenty!” BITCHEN! There's like the Galleria …And like all these like
Mind to: Intention… “Ah‟ve mind to whomp him if he says really great shoe storesI love going into like clothing stores
that one more time!” and stuff. I like buy the neatest mini-skirts and stuff. It s like so
Mite could: it‟s a possibility…it could happen BITCHEN cuz like everybody's like super-super so way nice!”
Orta: Should… Yew orta see him eat!
Par: Authority… “You have the par to get it done!” Airhead: A dummy … nothing upstairs in the brain
Plum: Completely... Ah worked so hard, ah‟m plum department
tuckered out!” Awesome: Magnificent, special
Preshadit: (phrase…Appreciate it) To give thanks. … “This Barf: (As in barf me out), that‟s disgusting
gift you gave me I preshadit.” Bitchin (or Bitchen): Excellent, First class; an expression
Purt near: Almost! … Or…Mighty close to… “Purt near had or sentiment of awe.…” his ride is bitchin.”
a collision here!” Biggie: Important …. No biggie! = Unimportant
Rat cheer: Right here Bummer: A bad thing or experience
Reckon: Think, Guess or Suppose! (“Pa, Can I go into Cowabunga: a state of “coolness”
town? Pa: “I reckon so, Bubba!””) Dude (Dudette): substitute terms for guy friend and girl
Roon: Completely destroy or mess up something. Yew friend
roon my surprise! Duh: Of course! ...Well yeah!
Run into: Meet someone….not a collision!! Dweeb: A loser
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For Sure " Fer sure: Definitely, without a doubt. See Arrrrg: An acknowledgement of sorts… usually of
“Way” agreement…such as Yeah! … Or… un huh!
Far Out: See radical Ahoy: Hey! Or hello!
Freaking: Hysterical, losing it … “I‟m just so freaking out Avast: Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense
here!”; used as an intensifier…”he‟s so freaking military!” of surprise, "Whoa! Get a load of that!" It is similar to
Gag me with a spoon: “You‟ve disgusted me some more… today‟s phrases of… "Check it out!" or "No way!" or "Get out
or … “You‟re just ruining my day.” of here!!"
Gnarly: awesome, like way cool…even sick dude Aye: Yes.
„Grody to the Max‟ (or gross): Unpleasant or very Aye Aye!: H _ _ _ Yes! A more definitive affirmation.
unappealing. Be that: Is that
Kaching: being shown the money Beauty: A pirate address for a woman. Always preceded
Heifer: A female rival. by “me,” as in, “C‟mere, me beauty,” or even, “me buxom
Lame: Insufficient, Not much going on here beauty,” to one particularly well endowed.
Like: Such as … (“He is like way cool!”); For instance… (“He Bloody: Exclamation. An expression used like damn,
is like Mr. Moneybags!”) dang or darn
Max: the Most, the ultimate; as far as you can go Booty: Valuable treasure
Mega: A lot of…Fantastic…Great quality Buccanneer: A term for a pirate who be answerin' to
Oh My Gawd: Expression of amazement or astonishment no man or blasted government.
Radical (or Rad); Different, special, mind boggling By the Powers!: Exclamation! Something a pirate is about
Stud puppy: An appealing male to get serious about.
Thingy: A thing, an object Crew: Working men (mates) aboard the ship
Totally: ("Yes." or "Definitely." or "Very much.") Davy Jones Locker A final restin place at the
Tubular: Excellent, quality, and impressive bottom o' the sea.
Way: Opposite to “no way (or no kidding);” A Positive or Doubloons: Money…Pieces of gold... also referred as
an affirmation …“like his haircut is way cool!” “Pieces of eight”
Flea bag inn: A hotel
Foul blaggart: Officer
How to be talkin' like a Pirate! Galley: Restroom
Rules of Pirate Conversatin! Go on the account: To embark on a piratical cruise
This advice be to talk like a pirate, please be free usin' it Grog: A pirate's favorite drink.
and ye be soundin like ole Cap‟n Jack ‟n no time! Hang 'em from the yardarm: A punishment
Instead of saying "I am", sailors say, "I be". Instead of I be: I am
saying "You are", sailors say, "You be". Instead of saying, Jack: A flag or a sailor
"They are", sailors say, "They be". Know ye: Can you help me find
Drop all your "g"'s when you speak and you'll get words Lad: A young boy
like "rowin'", "sailin'" and "fightin'". Dropping all of your Landlubber: "Land-lover," someone not used to life
"v"'s will get you words like "ne'er", "e'er" and "o'er". onboard a ship.
Lass: A woman.
Always be speakin' in the present tense - never the past Lily-livered: Meanin' faint o' heart … not much backbone
or future! here
Ye should use 'yarr' as a general cheer, as well as to start List: Lean to one side
some o' yer sentences. Loaded to the Gunwales: Drunk
Double up on all your adjectives! Pirates never speak of Madam: A woman …Proud beauty!
"a big ship", they call it a "great, grand ship!" They never Matey: Sir! A shipmate or a friend.
say never, they say "No nay ne'er!" Me: “My” or “I”
Me hearty: A term used for a friend or shipmate.
Pirate Vocabulary: Quarter: Deriving from the idea of "shelter", quarter was
Arrrrr: A greeting like pardon me or excuse me!... much given when mercy was offered by the pirates. To give no
like the Hawaiian "aloha," it can mean hello, good-bye, quarter was to indicate that none would be spared.
etc… OR… it can mean "Yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm Scallywag: An unsavory person. A scoundrel.
enjoying this beer," "My team is going to win it all," "I saw Scurvy dog!: An insult!
that movie and it sucked!” Shiver me timbers! Which be an exclamation of
surprise or astonishment.
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Smartly!: Do something quickly. Extreme Prejudice: To go after with high intensity or
Son of a Biscuit Eater: A derogatory term indicating a energy
bastard son of a sailor ETA: Estimated time of arrival.
Sprogs: Raw, untrained recruits Evac: Evacuate the area.
Squiffy: A buffoon Extraction: Taken out of the area.
Swabbies!: An' insulting term for other seamen Friendly: One of ours, a non-enemy
Swashbucklin': Fightin' and carousin' on the high seas! High Alert: A more active state of awareness than
Sweet trade: The career of piracy normal status.
Thar: The opposite of "here." Hostile: The enemy or the enemy‟s attitude!
Th‟: The HQ: "Headquarters."
Walk the plank: A punishment... Incoming: Incoming enemy fire or vehicles.
Wench: A term for a female, although ye not be wantin' Intel: Short for military intelligence; data concerning
to use this around a lady who be stronger than ye. battlefield conditions, enemy makeup and capacity.
Whar be: Where is KP: Kitchen Patrol
Yer: Your …“Bring yer belongings over her!” Light 'em up": Fire all available weapons at the
Yo-ho-ho: Pirate laughter designated target.
You be: Instead of …You are MAYDAY: The universal distress call.
Medical Discharge: - a member of the armed services is
Military Talk given a Medical Discharge to remove him from the
military for physical reasons, usually poor health or
“Alpha One to Bravo Three, perimeter now secured; intel injury.
correct, engage enemy and prosecute with extreme M.I.A: Missing in Action.
prejudice.” Perimeter: Establishing outer defense in all directions.
Abort: To terminate a mission for any reason other than POW: "Prisoner of war
enemy action Point: Lead position in an advancing squad, tasked with
Acquire: To take over scouting the area ahead of the formation.
Action: A mission Prosecute: The order to apply or execute a mission with
Affirmative: Yes. Agreement. (and “Negative” for No!) deadly force.
Barrage: protective cover by small arms fire "R&R": Rest and relaxation.
Cartel: An association of independent entities organized Recon: Short for Reconnaissance or Reconnoiter. A
to control prices and production, and eliminate mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or
competition. other detection methods, information about the activities
Casualty: A victim; a loss to the organization (personnel and resources of an enemy; securing data about the
or equipment.) characteristics of a particular area.
Chain of Command: System of command that is Retreat: Remove from the conflict area immediately,
exercised from superior on downward. leaving control of the area to the enemy.
Collateral (damage): Unintentional damage to someone Sabotage: Willful acts of destruction, interference or
(or something) other than a target obstruction
CO: Commanding officer. Saddle up: Get ready to move out.
Covert: Undercover or secret. Sighting: Visual contact of an object or a target
Deception: Measures designed to mislead the enemy by Sound off: Make yourself heard
manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence to Stand down: Back down from alert status, "back off" or
induce the enemy to react in a manner prejudicial to the "calm down".
enemy's interests. Watch: A duty shift.
Deployment: The movement and positioning of forces
within operational areas. „Talkin‟ Like James Brown…Hehhh!‟
Engage: Command to start action (i.e. firing) at target or
enemy. Can you recreate the James Brown style? The „Godfather of
Soul,‟ the „hardest working man in show business,‟ „soul brother
Envelop: An offensive maneuver in which the main number one‟, James Brown helped create the genre of music
attacking force passes around or over the enemy's known as “funk.” Funk music is a strongly rhythm oriented
principal defensive positions to secure objectives to the music; featuring strong percussion, rhythmic guitar play, and
enemy's rear.
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horn play. Lyrics were chanted or hollered ….over and over, Owwww! One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis to
heeyyyy! Good God! the mood of the moment
Papa got a brand new bag! : Refers to a new start or beginning
Ain‟t he hip: I‟m looking, talking, or listening to a man (person) Pass the peas please (like they used to say)! : an olden
that has it going on. expression
Break it down: We‟re going to make certain that everyone Please! Please :The final rap!…. I beg of you…something a man
knows whats going on here… a part of the music where we let might say to a woman …
the listeners hear what we‟re all about. often !!!…when nothing else is working!
Cold sweat: We‟re grooving - working hard here buts it‟s a Roll wit da funk: go with the flow…enjoy this moment …soak of
good, serious kind of work its essence
Can I count it off: A message to the fellas (band)…I‟m getting Stay on the scene: Remain … keep up or keep current with
ready to get us started what‟s going on
Catch a vibe: Get a sense of what we‟re about here…let us take Superbad! Really, really good!
you on a little trip here Take it to da bridge! A move/verse to the end (of the song)
Dat: that Take it to the top: Going back to the beginning or start
Don‟t start none won‟t be none!: A warning…there need not be Talkin loud, sayin nothing: Hot air…nothing of substance here
any confusion or ruckus! We gonna have a funky good time: A celebration…this is
Eh! One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis to the where we wanna be
mood of the moment Whoa oao oa!: One of James‟ many expression to give
Feel nice like sugar and spice: This is a good situation…things emphasis to the mood of the moment…it can be heard
are ideal preceding “I feel good.‟
Funk: James‟ brand (genre) of music; it has soul; its an escape Yeooowww! One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis
can take you to a primitive place to the mood of the moment.
Get on the good foot! : We think James means… lets get to
where things are going well…things are in sync …in harmony Speaking Like Jesse Jackson
Get up offa my (that) thang: Don‟t mess with my business…or
James could have simply being referring to a particular part
We march in a great tradition. When Moses marched across
of the human anatomy
the Red Sea, the moral imperative could not be ignored. It
Git down: Get involved…or let‟s get going
altered the course of human history. The marchers changed
Git down wit „it: let this give you a flow or a groove; or to get
public policy. When Joshua marched around the walls,
serious with something
steadfastly and with determination, seven days and seven
Git up on my thang! Catch my drift…you can follow my lead
nights, nobody could get in and nobody could get out. It was a
Give it up and turn it loose: Go all out or no holds barred;
boycott. The walls of division and oppression came tumbling
release or share.
down. When Jesus marched with a rugged cross of redemption
Good God! All right!...or Amen…used when something is
and reconciliation and selfless suffering, it had healing power.
mighty right
When Gandhi marched to the sea, it led to the freedom of a
Got to use what I got to get what I want; an expression
great, but beleaguered nation. When Dr. King marched in
meaning by all means necessary…or as John Wayne said „a
Washington projecting the dream, and marched across the
man‟s gotta do what a man‟s gotta do.‟
Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma for the right to vote, with the
Hey fellas! A greeting
willingness to die so that others might live, those marches
Heyyyy!: One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis to
generated hope and strength and a renewal of faith. Today, we
the mood of the moment
march on Sacramento honoring the tradition of the martyrs
Hit it! Encouragement to get after it.
and the marchers who led the world to high plateaus of
Hunnnnh; One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis to
civility and freedom. In the face of a trail of abusive state's
the mood of the moment
rights propositions committed against America's people,
Huuh ! One of James‟ many expression to give emphasis to the
diminishing the gains for inclusion and equality, it is time to
mood of the moment
rise up in dignity and fight back! Today we march for fairness,
I feel good: I‟m allright about it…I‟m in agreement
inclusion, public policy, humane priorities. When we march,
It‟s a man‟s world! : A serious reflection about life
we affirm our resolve to dignity. When we march, we exercise
Like a sex machine! Whatever you‟re doing at this particular
one of our great freedoms, the right to protest for the right.
moment you got it going on…working well … and you‟re
When we march, we motivate. We educate. We expand the
probably enjoying it as well.
public debate. We alter the environment. When we march, we
Let a man come in and do his thang: Don‟t impede or get in the
inspire. We raise hope to new levels. When we march together
way
in coalition, with determination, driven by the moral
Make it funky! Make it good …worthwhile
imperative, we almost always win. Marching is always in
Movin - Groovin: the state to which the music is taking you
contrast to surrendering, cynicism, loss of confidence and
Movin and doin‟: the state to which the music is getting you to
doing nothing.
move or act
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So speaks the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson… see if you opportunity Increasing responsibility; Effort over
can capture his style … his use of alliteration …his “rap”… idleness. Vision over blindness
as you work on your product. Following are more samples
of Jackson‟s speaking style; and possible “Jackson-type” Some “Jackson-type” connection words (and thoughts) to
terms and phrases that you might use in your letter. See if produce a message…Jackson‟s style incorporates several
you can connect them in a flowing expository that of these words into one statement!
conveys your message. Use combination of words to Abound, abundant, unbounded
connect your thoughts. Omit and add words, turn them Aggression repression depression succession
around…there is no recommended order or sequence that Associate disassociate, avow, disallow
you have to follow. Coalesce release acquiesce mistreatDeny identify fortify
personify chastise modify defy rely deify
Never look down on anyone unless you‟re helping them Digest invest protest attest detest contest
up! We should be pushed by our dreams, rather than Excluded, included, precluded, secluded
pulled by our memories! Both tears and sweat are salty Extinct, distinct
but they render a different outcome. Tears will get you Hesitation determination regurgitation motivation
sympathy; sweat will get you change. intimidation inclination relaxation
Hope healing health heart
Here you stand representing the breadth and depth and Intimidate demonstrate investigate
power of the American experience. Your dreaming, your Involve, revolve, evolve dissolve solve
will to dignity, your will to inclusion, your will to a one Passion, compassion
big tent America has transforming and healing power. Patience, impatience
That will, will not be denied. Persistence resistance insistence
Perturb disturb curb
There is no moral imperative to cooperate with unjust, Poverty, prosperity
oppressive laws. Elected officials, students, people of Preserve conserve reserve
conscience, must defy, challenge, and resist, any law or Procrastinate discriminate resonate detonate
set of laws that diminishes equal opportunity and federal Proclivity sensibility responsibility
civil rights afforded by many years of struggle. Reaffirm confirm
Reliance defiance compliance
We‟re liken unto the quilt, made up of many patches, Refute, minute, execute, dilute, compute, and salute
many colors and textures and sizes, bound by a common Reject select protect detect
thread. Each patch has integrity. Each patch has made Resist desist exist
contributions. But only bound together can they make a Restraint, constraint, complaint, taint
quilt of beauty and art and security. Ridicule school fool
Rundown Lowdown Shakedown
'…I am somebody but people who are somebody don't go Shameful harmful and hurtful
out and tear down a town. People who are somebody Stability mobility ability adaptability
gather up their strength for another fight for the good of Sub class …no class …first class
the people. But tearing down the neighborhoods where Under attack …besieged
the people shop and where they need the amenities is Urgent resurgent
not the way for a person who is somebody to be. If you
want to be somebody then you have to have discipline…'
Some (opening) phrases…by Jackson
Keep hope alive…When we dream …When we
march…When we fight…When we get worried …
Difference begat fear, Fear begat(s) intolerance,
Intolerance begat hatred, Hatred begat violence Fierce
resolve, unwavering dignity Projecting prosperity
Experiencing growth Expanding wealth Extending