Bill- I just wanted you to know how much I've appreciated your informative columns, especially with the Southern, IL phrases. I was born and raised in Benton, Franklin Co, and My Dad was from Buncombe & Goreville, Johnson Co--- recognize a few here and there. :) Another one of my Mom's favorite was to "nuss" the baby-- meaning to hold and cuddle the baby- just figured out it prob came from "nursing" the baby. Another favorite phrase when one of the kids said they couldn't do something, was "Can't never did do nothing- get busy!" Dad was Elbert Escue, one of the 2 barbers in Benton, IL. Keep on keepin' on!! Joyce Escue Culver