Beech Tree News Network

-“By-words and phrases are just that. One of the most common I guess is: “By-the-way ,Are you going to work tomorrow?”)  In no particular order here are some:

WHEEL HORSE (Hoss) “He's a hoss”. The biggest, strongest horses in a 4-horse hitch were the two at the front wheels. They do most of the pooling. Hence a big man = Hoss .

“THAT’S JUST LIKE CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE (Futile) New castle is the largest coal-producing location in England. Sort of like gilding the lilly (making it prettier) (New castle don't need no coal)

In World War II, new recruits were asked by their drill sergeant, “How many want to fly a dive-bomber?” Several hands would go up. Then they were handed a broom handle or stick with a nail in the end (sharp nail). This instrument was called a dive-bomber. The operator went about the grounds stabbing paper and trash and depositing it in a large sack.

COULDN’T CALL HOGS - “How bad was Effie June’s singing?” “On her best day ever, Effie June Couldn't Call Hogs.”

VESTER sings in the key of L. “How do you know?” “Well it sounds like L.”  (my CD)

My daddy never swore a a used bad words anytime. The strongest thing he ever said to my mother (when mother did or said something he didn't completely agree with was): “Well Gladys, I'm telling you the truth.” When I was small he called me Sprout.

Sometimes heavy or crippled folks were given the moniker: given the “Crip” or “Double”. We had a few heavy fellow back home called Double twin. Double was a road Foreman. Double flew his own airplane. (His last name was Irvin.) Big heavy guys were sometimes also called TINY.  

I was told by a friend who wants lived in Edmonson County that a man there with one short leg was known as Flat Wheel. Flat Wheel Johnson or Flat Wheel Jones, etc…

The largest feeder-pig dealer in the U.S. was in West Plains Missouri. Some years back he was known as PIG PAUL.

WELL I SWANNIE - Puzzled, surprised or mildly astounded I suppose. Sometimes it was shortened to just I’LL SWAN. I’LL SWAN, I believe I'm ‘bout done.

Kindest regards...