I’ve had my copy of the new Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English for a couple of months. I was so excited to finally get the book in my hands.
In the last year of Michael Montgomery’s life we corresponded by email often. He knew I relied on his first edition of the dictionary (Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English) for almost all of my Appalachian language research.
Michael told me my blog would be used as a reference in the new dictionary, but once he passed away I didn’t know if that would still happen. Jennifer Heinmiller assisted Michael and I knew she would continue the work they both had invested in the project, but I also knew things change once books are sent through the editing process.
I’ve used the first edition of the dictionary since Miss Cindy gifted me with it way back in the early days of Blind Pig and The Acorn. I’ve written notes to myself and made notations throughout the book. I’ve used it so often that I know it like the back of my hand.
Once I received the new dictionary I thumbed through it looking to see if the Blind Pig was mentioned. I was excited and pleased to see it was used as a source, and I was humbled to be thanked by Jennifer in the Acknowledgments.
Seeing my name along with the Blind Pig and The Acorn in an Appalachian dictionary made me feel like I had climbed a long hard mountain that took 13 years, but was worth every step.
Even though I’ve had the dictionary for a good while now, I must admit my familiarity with the first edition keeps me pulling it from the bookshelf instead of the new one. I have used the latest edition a couple of times, but not enough to notice entries that actually reference Blind Pig and The Acorn.
A recent commenter pointed out the entry for account uses this citation:
2018 Blind Pig (Nov 15) One day the friend [from Maryland] was talking about eating lunch down the road. Chitter said to her “Was the food any count?” The friend said “What? I don’t understand what you’re asking me.”
I was so tickled to see the entry! Being included in the dictionary gives me an immense sense of validation for the work I’ve done since starting Blind Pig and The Acorn in 2008.
If you’d like to pick up a copy of the Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English you can go here or here.
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Many congratulations, Tipper! I love to read your blog and watch your Youtube Channel.
I love the way I came across your blog. I was looking for some history on preserving apples and did a google search.
The first thing to come up was your blog and the story from John Parris book about the women that sulfered apples in Haywood County. It was so neat because I lived in Haywood for years and taught in the Bethel Community. I have since purchased all of John Parris books and read them over and over.
I’m interested in, getting a copy of “The Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English.” I know it is very hard to find the first edition. Does the second edition have all of the same references as the first?
Thank you so much for all that you do to preserve Appalachia! You always encourage and inspire me!
Hayley-thank you so much! While the second edition has some of the same references it’s not exactly the same.
Being from Appalachia myself, NC born and raised, I love the idea of someone bringing our traditions, ideas, beliefs, and way of life into the “light” so that others may enjoy and maybe even learn. Miss Tipper, I recently found your YouTube channel and have subscribed. You have gained a new fan in this mountain boy. A lot of what you talk about on the channel is very relateable for me. I was raised way back in the Blueridge mountains near the Tennessee state line. The words, stories, foods, etc. that you mention on your YouTube channel remind me of growing up in the hills. I want to congratulate you on the success of your channel, your blog, and being mentioned in a published piece like this. I would also like to thank you for showing folks in these mountains that it’s perfectly fine to be Appalachian.
Congrats on 100,000! I found you April of 2020, you were making cornbread and I had to go make some right then, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m enjoying Mountain Path soooo much I hope you read something after this I really look forward to it every week. Keep up the good works you all are doing for all of us.
Congratulations Tipper
I just subscribed, I didn’t realize I could subscribed I guess I was too busy reading and enjoying! I’m so excited for you to be cited in the new Southern Appalachian Dictionary!! Thank you for all you have given us and continue to give us with your writing.
Congratulations Tipper! Well deserved!
Congratulations! I knew what Chitter was saying, and I’m not from Appalachia. Maybe it’s also a Southern term. I am a retired teacher, and I’ve always been fascinated with language and dialects.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have worked so hard and are part of keeping history alive. The future looks better for your efforts.
Congratulations, Tipper! I get so amazed when you bring out words & sayings that are just so part of my daily language that it surprises me when people question my words! Thank you for pointing out the history & rhythms of the past that are surely woven in our present.
How exciting for you! I just recently subscribed to your newsletter, so I thought I should make a short little comment to acknowledge the privilege of being here. Cheers!
Thea-thank you so much 🙂 We are happy to have you here!
A big congratulations on being included in the new edition, Tipper! Almost all our American regional dialects are fading away and our speech is becoming much the same no matter where you go. Thank you so much for keeping yours alive!
Well done. TIPPER.
By the way, we never had lunch . We had breakfast. …Dinner…then supper. …like Thomas Jefferson did…. I think I remember seeing JFK on television eating something they called lunch with some other presidents. I asked my mommy what was lunch and she said them folks just did not know the right word for DINNER.
Kat-I love that story 🙂
Congratulation! I am from Central NC and have learned many new words from you.
Congratulations!!!You work hard to preserve our heritage…and thank you for the hard work!!
Don
Dear Angel of Brasstown, you have this all backwards in terms of validation.
The fact that you are mentioned serves to validate the Dictionary.
Thank you, Don, you’ve always been a big supporter of Tipper and you are absolutely correct, she validates the Dictionary!
I would have know exactly what Chitter was saying when she asked, “Was the food any count?” In fact, I would have been stumped for a minute if someone had said they didn’t understand. Congratulations on keeping the history and old words and sayings alive.
Congratulations, Tipper. You “arrived” a long time ago, but some just didn’t know…and now they do!!
I’m tickled with this post, too! Love your work and am grateful for this word from you. Acknowledgement is a powerful thing.
Good on you, Tipper! I’ve been reading BPA since 2012. Searching for a pickle recipe brought me to you.
I want to congratulate you on being acknowledged by the book’s author. That’s a very high honor in my opinion and you should be proud. Tipper, your blog is a wonderful representation of Appalachian life from food to dialect and music. It’s educated and shown Appalachian folk in our true light (not like Deliverance the movie etc. which was crap.) Have a beautiful day and I hope it’s special for you in some way!
Yes!!!!! Hooray for you, Tipper!
Congratulations and well done! Even the title of your blog is an Appalachianism so for it to be cited is a double ‘thank you ma’am’ or old-fashioned hat tip.
I had to smile at the “any count”. Gee, it has been awhile but that is so familiar. Now you have me wondering though whether I pronounce the “a”. I think the answer is “sometimes but not always”.
I also think what JimK posted is a hoot. So funny and so true. If you see this Mr. Jim, if I ever get up that way I won’t need the dictionary.
That’s quite an honor, Miss Tipper! I’m proud to be a fan.
Hey, Brad! Don Byers here…..Would like to hear from you…I am 78 y/o and live at Blairsville GA….am descended from Samuel Byers and Margaret Handley.. …my grt-gndpa was Phidelia Cebrum Byers….email is byersdon@hotmail.com. Thanks!!Don
Tipper, I’m so glad the book was finally completed and I am thrilled that you are listed as one of there sources. I think you have arrived! You have worked so hard and diligently to preserve the traditions and history of Appalachia and every woed has been a labor of love!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Tipper,
Congratulations on your. validation in the book. You surely have put forth a valiant effort.
I always introduce outsiders to East TN to your blog when they mention not understanding the natives, to which all have benifited.