Speaking of words ...

Recently another blogger shared a cute story about her little grandson.  When he was two years old, instead of saying, "Happy New Year!" he'd exclaim, "Happy New You!"

As often happens, that's become a family tradition.

... which got me thinking.

Whenever my father and his brothers -- one a minister, the other an undertaker -- would get together.  (Sounds like the beginning of a comedy routine, doesn't it?)   At some point, one would announce, "It's Canapra time.  Who else wants one?"   (ie, an adult beverage.)

My cousins and I aren't often in contact, but yes.  "Canapra" has come up on more than one occasion .. accompanied with a knowing grin.  

There's others.  I love how my son still uses some of his grandfather's expressions -- "shnipples" (aka, gift wrap litter) or "trutsic" when one of his girls was being naughty.

Obviously, I've no idea the correct spelling of any of these; I doubt you'll find them in Webster's Dictionary.

Then again!

One of my earliest memories was my sweet mother coming to massage my back at bedtime.  Her practiced hands were usually soft.  But my favorite?  "Momma, please do 'tap-a-da-mint"!  The best I can describe it -- she'd use the sides of her palms and gently-but-rapidly pat my back like a drum.

Now that Macie Ann's prone to coughing spells, we've learned to raise her to an upright position, massage her throat and I do "tap-a-da-mint" on her little chest.  One day Tom overheard me calling, "Come here and let momma do "tap-a-da-mint."  He asked, just what was I saying?

I asked Alexa.  And what do you know!  It's not a family-ism, made-up word.  Rather, a real technique used by massage therapists and trainers.  Per AI, "Tapotement invigorates, stimulates muscles and loosens mucus."

I don't dwell on these things, but it's comforting in a way -- spontaneously revisiting a piece of my past.

Do you remember -- or still use -- any old "made up" word or phrases that only a family member would recognize?

For Auld Lang Syne ... have a day!

Myra