I really enjoyed everyone’s comments on yesterday’s post about courting. Such wonderful memories and stories were shared.
Several commenters talked about phrases used for courting. I enjoyed that too.
Here’s some other sayings you might hear in Appalachia to describe courting and related things.
sparking = dating
sweet on = means you like someone
he-ing and she-ing = hugging and kissing
slip off = elope
serenade or shivaree = a loud noisy celebration occurring after a wedding
jump the broom = get married
took up = 2 people who start courting or move in together
going steady = serious dating
struck on = means you like someone
going with = dating
get hitched = get married
Doney-gal = sweetheart
Kin = to love
Take a shine to = start to like or love someone
Many of the sayings have fallen out of fashion, but I do hear some of them on occasion.
When I was in elementary school we used the phrase going together to indicate boyfriend and girlfriend status. We were much to young to be courting and most of the time the couples never even actually talked to each other 🙂
One day we were on the swings playing and one of my friends asked one of our classmates if he’d like to go with her. I still smile when I think of his reply: “Where are you going?”
Last night’s video: Matt Borrowed Meat to Make Me Chili.
Tipper
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Tipper I am sorry I just saw this but the picture you provided of you and Matt on your wedding day is amazing! I can definitely see your girls really look like you! You and your family are such a blessing to me and I will continue praying for you and your family. Please continue prayers for me, that God blesses me with a new job soon. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
“going with” was in use (at least amongst children) in Easter Ross in the far north of Scotland in the 1970s
Love the picture!!!
When I was a senior in high school the girl would wear her boyfriend’s class ring on a chain around her neck. Elvis even had a big hit song about it, “ Won’t You Wear My Ring(around your neck)
Tipper, the story at the end of this post sure made me grin. Carrying you all close in my heart as you continue to navigate life without Granny.
I so enjoy your blog, your YouTube videos and your brothers music. You and Matt are such a sweet couple. Praise the Lord for people like you. I’m so sorry about your mama passing. She was so sweet and I love to hear her and Paul sing. My husband of 31 years passed suddenly 15 years ago. We have four wonderful sons, three beautiful daughters in love, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mike only got to see two of our grandkids. One of them is with him in heaven. It makes my heart sing to see Matt tease you then turn around and make you breakfast or dinner. Thanks so much for your dedication to keeping love alive in the mountains of Appalachia!
Tipper, I forgot to say earlier that your wedding photo is just beautiful. I just showed it to hubby and he agreed. I will pray for all those who have ask on this blog and continued prayers for you and your family too.
That young man’s question asking where she was going was not only very funny, but very wise too!
♥️
I have not read any comments about “puppy love” and how it could have more meaning that we thought. I was in the 6 grade when I feel in love with a girl named Jackie, it only lasted a few weeks but we remained very close friends throughout high school. No disrespect to my wife but Jackie has always had a place in my heart. Jackie died a few years ago from cancer. My cousin was killed in a motorcycle wreck when he was 15. For many years his girlfriend at that time would put a flower on his grave on Valentine’s Day and his birthday.
Good morning everyone! I had so much fun reading all the comments ! I enjoyed hearing your memories & remembering some of my own 🙂 Praying for all !
In my youth we used the term “seeing so and so” to indicate they were dating. My son today uses the term “hanging out” for not so serious, “exclusive” for dating only one person.
I’ve never heard of “Donny girl” and never heard “jump the broom” until the “Roots” mini series aired way back in the 80’s. Heard all the rest. My daddy used the term “sparking” a lot so that must have been popular in his day. He was born in 1935 and passed away 2011.
Love the wedding picture! I enjoyed reading all of the sayings and even though I don’t hear some of them anymore, I am very familiar with them. “Took up with” is a nice way of saying “shacking up with” which was a major, no no in my day. I remember in junior high, some of the boys giving the girls St. Christopher necklaces to let others know that was their girl. My twelve-year-old granddaughter was telling me last week that some of the kids were dating. I said, “dating?’ in 7th grade? She said they call it dating but they don’t drive and never see each other except at school. I told her, well that’s not dating. I’m going to show her these sayings. Prayers for the ones mentioned today.
A beautiful photo Tipper. I can still see the love shining in both your eyes today that you both had back then. That makes it even more special and beautiful as that doesn’t happen as much these days. I chuckled at the reply that from that boy of ‘where are you going?’ 🙂 I have heard those saying over my years – ‘hook up’ or get hooked up’ is also another one I have heard. I am not sure what the young people say these days. Matt’s deer chili looked delicious. love, hugs and prayers are with you all.
Tipper, I love your wedding photo! Beautiful! Growing up I spent most of my summers at my Granny Wade’s house. I remember hearing a lot of those phrases. Those were sweet times.
Of course, there was always “keeping company with” if you were in polite company… 😉
Tipper–I’m a dozen years or so older than Randy, but his description of practices associated with “going steady” were standard in my boyhood home in the Smokies. One of the countless dumb things I did was to “two time” (another once common phrase associated with young romance I haven’t heard in a long time) my steady over one weekend. She was a part-Cherokee maiden pretty as a patch of bluets blooming along a trout stream and bright as a new dime. My token she wore around her neck was a medallion each of us on the boys’ basketball team had received at the state basketball playoffs when we advanced to the final four. I’ve still got it somewhere.
Come Monday morning not one, not two, but three girls warned me that I was in “big trouble” with Joyce (the steady’s name). They were right. She unceremoniously and rightly returned the medallion and chain and informed me that going steady didn’t mean riding around in the back seat of a buddy’s car with my arm around another girl’s neck. Shame on unsteady me!
I bet it was a lot of fun though!
Im familiar with almost all of those and most would at least be understood in my neck of the woods even if they aren’t used as widely today. Ive always like the term taken a shine to or sweet on. Why, Ive accused Matt of being sweet on Tipper. I really don’t know that I’ve heard the word kin used in that way very often. I do remember asking someone one time if they were kin to someone and she looked at me like I had 3 heads. I had to change the question to are you related to such and such. She understood that. . I like the story you shared Tipper. I would suggest that the little boys answer is much more true and profound than he probably realized. Before you set off to follow someone, it’s always a good idea to know where they’re going.
Good morning Tipper, Matt, Paul and Acorns. Last nights chili video was great. TY for sharing your wedding photo. It is precious. Y’all were just babies. This post made me think of the courtin’ stories II’ve heard over the years. The thing I remember the most was how the young men, they were all grown up and working, would walk, mostly 6-10 miles one way, on Saturday and Sunday to go courtin’. Across mountains and creeks to spark with their girls. That meant sittin’ in the parlor or at church, having Dinner (Lunch) and then heading back home. My Father-In-Law, Andy, said he was lucky cause he also worked with his sweetheart, Helen (later to become Nannie) where they met. I admire those young men for their love and dedication to the women they chose to marry. Something I was promised often but never had. I keep everyone here and up Wilson Hollow in my prayers. I love y’all.
Good morning everyone. My hubby and I first met in 7th grade. He was sweet and so cool in his motorcycle boots and black leather jacket. We were friends all through school. Once in 8th grade, he asked me to “go with him”. I said yes, if he promised we would still be friends if we broke up. We did break up later. I don’t even remember how or why but we somehow stayed friends. When we were 17 “my friend” told me he loved me. I was so happy because I realized I felt the same…and we have been inseparable ever since. We got married when we were both 20. That was 45 years, 2 children, and 6 grandchildren later…he is still my best friend! And he is still super cute in his black boots riding his motorcycle!
Just look how attractive and young you and Matt were in that lovely photograph! I’m sure that was a wonderful day and beautiful memory. Yesterday I forgot to say how attractive and handsome of a couple your mother and daddy made! That was a nice photograph of them too. In my home there are no photographs anywhere. In the rooms I’ve renovated so far in this VIRGINIA SMOKE HOUSE I have found literally 500 to 1000 nail holes from a granny who lost her mind and control hanging crap EVERYWHERE. Someone shudda stopped her but since they didn’t, the beautiful paneling looks like it’s been shot through and she used 10 penny nails I could hang a hog on or build a barn!!!! Less is more is my motto…
Beautiful wedding picture of you and Matt! Yesterday’s post comments were fun to read and I replied to one of them concerning the song “Froggy went a courtin”, that I loved since learning it as a child. Yes, so many of the other words used for people dating I remember hearing throughout my years. This post about courtin is perfect timing since Saturday is Valentines Day. I hope everyone has or remembers the special someone in their life they consider their Sweetheart, no matter if that someone is family or friend, living or gone on, just show love for them the best you can on Valentines Day.
Love and prayers to you all!
When I was about 12 years old, a boy asked me if I wanted to go steady. My reply “But, we don’t have any books”. We ran into each other years later, and he still remembered my innocence, enough to give us both a chuckle.
I think grownups used to tease the teenage boys and girls because they remembered that first love is a magical time. Just something about a non-relative wanting to know you for yourself. They know it is a sweet and marvelous thing. And for some at least it brings back their own memories. Even when first love does not result in marriage, it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Even for the two concerned it remains a marker of growing up and something to compare back to. But there forever is only one first love however it turns out. Fortunately for both of us my first serious interest did not work out. Very soon the one that did will be 52 years and counting.
Can you tell us more about your dress. Corie s wedding was so pretty
Thank you Sally! My dress came from a discount wedding store. My cousin took me to find it 🙂
My grandmother used the expression “talking to” to say a couple was dating.
when I was in high school the term “going steady” was used, I have heard of most of the other sayings. most of them in books I have read.
Morning Tipper! Your wedding picture is beautiful. Have a good day. Blessings.
When I was around 12, we went down to visit my dad’s family in Columbia, KY. This was something we did every year and spent the week. I had 3 cousins down there and as luck would have it, 3 of us were all the same age. We had SO much fun. My male cousin was 6 months older than me & my female cousin, 6 moths younger. This particular year we were actually there while school was still in session and I got permission to go spend the day with Cheryl Ann!! Long story short, a young man told my cousin he wouldn’t mind sparkin’ with me. I had NO clue what he was talking about but 55 years later, reading your article, brought back that time of innocence and a smile to my face. I have started back on chemo this past Thursday and it was a rough week. I’m confident it’ll get better as far as the discomfort but I’d appreciate any spare prayers or positive thoughts anyone has on them. My brainwaves are channeling my thoughts and prayers to each of you as I read your messages. I’m still deep in wanting comfort for Granny’s family as you all continue to navigate this world without her being physically here. Hugs♡
Kim I’m sorry for the rough week. I will keep praying!!
Thank you so much♡ I beat in about 2 years ago and was maintaining with immunotherapy but unfortunately, it’s reared it’s ugly head again, in a couple of lymph nodes. I’m feeling the strength of the mighty acorns!!!
Kim, I’m praying for you.
Thank you S♡ much!!
Kim dear,
I enjoyed your comment today……..it made me smile! I’m sorry to hear you’re back on chemo and have had a rough week. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
God’s blessings on you,
Jacqueline
Thank you!! Jacqueline was my aunt’s name. I think it’s beautiful.
♡ thank you, Jacqueline!!
Kim, I’m praying. ❤️
Tami, I so appreciate your kindness ♡
I lived in blue Ridge Ridge Ga. 19 years in the woods like y’all are. Sweet Shrub was all in the woods around our house. My mother in law called it Sweet Bubby.
I enjoyed Matt’s video making chili. Next time I make it I will make baked potatoes. Sounds good!
Love and hugs❣️
Lynette
I’ve always called it sweet bubby. it sure does smell good.
Ah Love the wedding pic. Thanks for sharing
I love all the sayings. I’ve heard them all. Some I still hear today. My honey and I dated 6 weeks and got married. This year will be 42 years.
I would ask if y’all could pray for my brother in law. They just found out he has mantle cell non hodgkin’s lymphoma. He starts treatment today. He has a long road ahead. I appreciate all y’all!
I will pray for him Debbie. Congratulations on 42 years!
❤️
I’ll be seeing the doctor today, pray for me, thank you and God bless you,
Norman I will keep praying! God bless you!
❤️
I have heard a lot of these sayings. I have been thinking back to yesterday and high school girlfriends. I went to high school from 1968 -1972. The country schools I went to did not have kindergarten or junior high. 1-7 grades were grammar/elementary, high school 8-12 grades. In my high school it was common for the boys to give their girl friends something that belonged to them, such as their ID bracelet, high school rings or a necklace (Key?) you got along with your ring to your girlfriend. The girls would put tape around the ring to make it fit their smaller fingers. Some of the boys that had after school jobs would buy a”going steady” ring and give it to their girlfriend if they were serious about her. I bough my future wife one of these $20 rings just as soon as I graduated and hit the big time with a job that paid $2 an hour. Back then, it was also very common for the boys to “FIST” fight any boy he caught talking to or trying to date his girlfriend. Mondays were real bad for fights after the weekend. A black eye or busted nose were the worse thing to come out of these fights. If caught fighting, the boys would get taken to the office by the principal and get their butts blistered with about 5 licks or took to the gym by a coach, given boxing gloves and told to get it settled. In either case they would be sent back to class afterwards. Many of these country boys had knifes in their pockets and guns (rifle or shotguns) in their cars if they were lucky enough to have a clunker car. Unlike in today’s world, none of the fights went beyond a fist fight, you couldn’t have paid the boys to cut or shoot one another. Heck if we had done that, WE would have called the law and told the officer to lock me up and under no circumstances let my parents get to me! Our parents would have whupped us to a fare thee well.
Randy, I graduated high school in 1965, and all you described was very much the same then. We girls would proudly wrap anogora yarn around the guy’s ring that we were presented with when asked to “go steady” with them. And if you got to wear their letterman’s jacket, that instantly elevated your status.(grin). I believe my curfew was 11 pm on the weekends, and not allowed to go out on weeknights except to church. We had a large youth group, so the high schoolers were well represented every time the church doors opened and for any church youth activity as that was about the only time we all saw each other.
I recently unearthed a box of my 54 yr old son’s high school memorabilia and his high school ring was in there. We all were reminicing about these same things. Both my college age grandkids wanted to know what going steady meant and were surprised as rings and jackets were passe when they were in high school.
Off subject, when my grandson was 9-10 yr. old we were browsing through a junk store. He saw a rotary telephone and didn’t know what it was. He was amazed whenI showed him how to use it and at what he thought was a long time to”dial” a phone call, and even more so when I explained about a party line.
Randy that is the same way things were here in Oklahoma –I graduated in 73–with one exception, we called the ‘going steady’ ring a ‘promise ring’….I had forgotten all about having a ‘senior key’ and those being exchanged between the boys and girls (makes me wonder whatever happened to mine)….my brothers and most everyone else who drove pickups had a gunrack in them with a couple of guns and when parked at school the windows were always down if it was nice out and there was never any thought about the guns or anything either being stolen or used in any sort of school shooting…..I miss those more civil times don’t you….thanks for refreshing my memory (when I tell people we didn’t have kindergarten they look at me like I am an alien ha)
Gaylia, it was exactly the same way with the guns at my high school. Sure is a different world we live in today. It has not changed for the better in many ways.
Randy, I’m about a decade older than you. I finished high school in ’60. My wife and I dated the last 2 years of school. She wore my club president’s pin.
We, too, had pocket knives in our pockets and shotguns and rifles in our cars. It never occurred to any of us to use either in an ‘honor fight’. They were strictly for hunting, a pastime many of us engaged in both before and after school hours.
Sometime about the 11th grade we got a classmate from NYC (NC State professor’s son) who wore motorcycle boots, black leather jackets, etc. It was rumored that he pulled a knife in an honor fight and was promptly jumped by all the onlookers who proceeded to teach him how the cow at the cabbage. I never heard of him pulling a similar stunt again. I’ve often wondered what became of him. It was rumored that he died in Vietnam.
I really enjoyed your memories and stories, Randy. I wish we still lived in these simpler times.