You don’t say?

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Our publication’s temporary move to Center City has not kept me from interacting with South Philly folks completely, as I still go on assignments in our neighborhoods and proudly call myself an inhabitant of our stretch. However, it has greatly reduced how much South Philly-speak that I hear, so, feeling a bit sad about the distance yet grateful for my placement among all of you, I decided to write a list of the top 10 words and expressions that I love to hear South Philadelphians utter.

10) Amen: I count my connection to Catholicism among by blessings, so when attending Mass at either St. Monica’s Church or the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, I rejoice when fraternizing with fellow followers. Life has so many difficult patches, so I take solace each time we say “Amen,” as I know I have people who are strangers to me and those whom I count as friends joining me in believing all will be well.

9) Cuz: People can keep their shortening of “because” to this form, as I do not find it endearing at all in this sense; however, I somewhat like its use as a synonym for “friend.” While one can easily tab it as too informal, I would argue that friendships should be that same adjective and any other descriptive word that encourages endearment. This is not exactly the most formal of expanses after all, cuz.

8) Hon/honey: In my less informed days, I felt quite unique when hearing waitresses or store attendants address me as “Hon” or “Honey.” When realizing I would likely be among the hundreds who would hear them in a given week, though, I kind of reduced their value. Recently, however, I have begun to understand that the utterances are not robotic attempts to earn extra tips or display quality customer service; rather, they are sweet ways to connect with people and give a nod to the lighter side of life. If I am fortunate to reach the 70s or 80s, I think I will still feel a bit better about my life if I hear these words from the aforementioned figures (well, that is if I can hear at all.).

7) Stunad: I confess that I have often applied some vulgarities to those who have irked me, but as enticing as those words sound to direct at sources of frustration, nothing will top “Stunad” as my favorite insult. Said alone or coupled with “Look at this” or “What a,” it still causes me to laugh. Anyone with time-tested knowledge of South Philly knows we will never be short on occasions to apply this one to people.

6) It is what it is: I am an enemy of this sentiment in many ways because I often find it defeatist; however, I know that it often conveys a sense of being able to grow from a setback and learn valuable lessons, so if “it” truly is what it is, may it never be boring and always revelatory.

5) The days of the week: As some would have us believe, the South Philly Review comes out every Thurs-dee, which comes between Wednes-dee and Fri-dee. Such pronunciation alterations stand as some of my favorite examples of South Philly talk and will always be something that I will love to hear every day of the week and twice on Sunday/Sun-dee.

4) E-A-G-L-E-S: I have pejoratively uttered “Losers” upon hearing this chant, but, really, who am I to judge loyal fans for their passion? Here’s hoping their Birds fly farther than any other team very soon.

3) Happy New Year: I absolutely LOATHE wishes of “Happy New Year’s!” People, it’s “Happy New Year.” That aside, hearing the correct form always gives me a smile, even when mentions come three or four weeks into the year, because it speaks to general enthusiasm for all of us to prosper. At a time when our country is divided on so much, this bit of camaraderie is a welcomed binding agent.

2) I love you: I think even the biggest grump would eventually agree with me that South Philly is home to some of the biggest softies imaginable. I love hearing “I love you” in any context when walking the beat because nothing tops reminders of our worth to others. With so many factors looking to drag us down, I also admire how “I love you” can lead people not only to reciprocate but also to develop stronger senses of how much they should love themselves. Keep spreading that regard, South Philadelphians!

1) Tell your mother/father/et cetera that I was asking for her/him/them: I fully believe that when many people hear this and reply with “I will” that they actually do go to those mentioned and relay the speaker’s concern for their welfare. We are an often misunderstood bunch, but nobody is ever going to top our thoughtfulness, and expressions like my top choice make apparent how much we hone our compassion and express our devotion. ■

Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com.