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Y'all Talk Funny: Hear A Dozen Common Words Spoken Only Like A Texan

Jimmy Emerson
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flickr.com/photos/auvet/
Whether you hear and say "pretty" and "purty" depends on your location in the Lone Star State.

Five stories that have North Texas talking: Some Texans have a special way of saying things; plan your next adventure in Houston; local musicians collaborate in the latest KXT Live Session; and more.

Not all Texans have an accent, or at least some don’t think they do. But there’s certainly different pockets of people across the state that pronounce words in such a unique way there should be a dedicated section within Webster’s Dictionary. Texas Standard got a head start last year by documenting 12 common words that Texans (mis)pronounce. W.F. Strong, the Fulbright Scholar and Culture and Communication at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, who put together the first set added another dozen recently. And don't worry, this is all in good fun.

 

Here are a few from his recent edition:

 

Purty for pretty: even used oxymoronically, as in “She’s purty ugly.” Sorry to tell you but that old truck of yours is lookin’ purty ugly.”

 

Irregardless for regardless: irregardless is not a mispronunciation. It is just not a word. And what is more, irregardless is not a word regardless of how forcefully you say it.”

 

Calvary for Cavalry: when people need help they send for the Cavalry, not the Calvary. Calvary is the name of the hill where Jesus was crucified and likely the source of the confusion.”

 

Sound familiar? If not, listen to the interview for the full effect. [Texas Standard]

 

  • You’ve probably heard of the credentials M.D. and Ph.D. — maybe RN or NP. How about PSc.D. or D.PSc.? Those letters are used to distinguish naturalist health practitioners in Texas, but Psc.D. or D.PSc. don’t signify legitimate medical degrees. That has watchdog organizations concerned about patients seeking help from these practitioners. KERA’s Lauren Silverman reported: “In recent years, the Texas Medical Board has sent a dozen cease and desist orders to people using the pastoral medicine certification. Some hawk dubious supplements like colloidal silver, promise extreme weight loss, treat thyroid disorders and discourage vaccine use.” Read more. [KERA News]

  • Is Houston the “unsung adventure hero” of the state? Outside Magazine thinks so. The outdoor adventure magazine put together eight ways to optimize an active lifestyle in Texas’ largest city. Reach new heights at Texas Rock Gym, trail run in Memorial Park and tune up at Ham Cycles. And did you know Houston exists among 2,500 miles of swamp-like waterways? Outside said, “the folks at Bayou City Adventures, in Buffalo Bayou Park, will rent you a SUP or kayak to explore them. If there are waves in Galveston, they’ll also hook you up with a surfboard.” See the full list. [Outside Online]

  • Sarah Jaffe, Sam Lao and S1 proved good things come in threes during the latest KXT Live Session. The Denton singer-songwriter, up-and-coming Dallas rapper and Grammy-winning producer collaborated to bring a mix of indie, electronic and hip-hop music to KXT 91.7’s studio before their show at The Granada Theater. Jaffe and S1, aka Symbolyc One, are an established electronic, hip-hop duo called The Dividends, and Lao joined them for a performance of their single, “Summer Glo.” Watch all of the videos and hear an exclusive interview with the artists. [KXT]

 

  • A television host, chef and writer will discuss her latest book for an event at the DMA on Friday. Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo’s Top Chef since 2006 and author of two cookbooks, will discuss her memoir, “Love, Loss, and What We Ate” at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Dallas Museum of Art’s Horchow Auditorium. She will speak about her new book as a part of the museum’s literary and performing arts series, Arts & Letters Live. Lakshmi’s memoir traces her journey from her grandmother’s humble kitchen in South India to the judges’ table on Top Chef. General admission tickets are $35, DMA members, $30 and students, $15. Read more about the event. [Dallas Museum of Art]