While at the Fairgrounds this afternoon….a friend asked me where I was born…. in reference to my dialect. I was born in Ohio…. but I’ve got Grits in my veins. I am pretty sure I was from the South in another life… if there is such a thing as “other lives”. But this time around, I guess I have picked up a bit of the Charleston drawl from my southern neighbors.

I used to say “you guys” when I’d address more than one person. “Hey, do you guys want to go get a burger?” ………..”What do you guys think about these red high heels on me?” (lol… just checking to see if you are paying attention….)

But now…. NOW… I say you all Y’all. “Have you all tried the new Tutti-Frutti-Pattootti Flavor at Ben & Jerry’s?” ………..”Thanks for stopping by this morning y’all.”  And there you have it. It appears my dialect has migrated.  Gone South.

But, back to the Fairgrounds. On my way out, I was shooting some photos. One of the Carnies yelled…”Aay! Aay lady! You can’t take a picture of that!”

Which brought forth more thoughts about language. You know, our vowels are quite adroit.

Need someone’s attention? Yell “Aaay”…. [ a ]

See a mouse? Did it scare you? Holler out “Eeeeeeee”…. [ e ]

When trying to state your case,  always start with I. [ i ]

Have a grand revelation? “Oooooh” …. [ o ]

Speak to someone with fond affection? “Yoooouuuuu.” [ u ]

Multi-taskers.  The versatile vowels. They work the same way in both the North and the South.  And no matter which side of the Mason-Dixon line you live on….. All y’all and you guys too…. every once in a while…. can be glad for a really good Vowel Movement.

(P.S.  Note to the Carny guy…  I am thinking I really CAN shoot that…. Aaaaaay!  Ohhhhhhhhh! )