Language has its own language today
In today’s world, language has its own language, but then yesteryear was no different. And it is not unusual to hear some adults say that they don’t even speak the same language that today’s teenagers do.
For instance, let’s use “Iykyk” which I learned means “If you know, you know” and that is a part of our new modern day language.
Turns this oldtimer’s mind toward that great New York Yankee catcher Yogi Bera when he said, “It’s not over ‘til it’s over!”
When you stop and consider what we say and the manner it is used, especially with the advances made in mobile cell phones, it can be very complicated. I may have already said something that may be interpreted as something different than what I said I said!
As I looked at this, I realized that, for the most part, each generation manages to forge their own brand of language. You can see how fast the generation gap is growing when you experience the advent of texting and messaging. There came about change and now as digital technology advances, the gap grows even wider.
Look back to a time when early humans used cave drawings to leave their message and look to today with our emojis. Even the word “emojis” shows modernization.
The ability to converse has evolved from primitive sign language to present day technologies. Generation to generation we see changes and advancements that create minor to severe complications and the newer generation adopts language and slang that fits their needs and lifestyle.
As language and generational gaps converge, difficulties in communication become apparent. Yet when a new generation defines itself by adopting this new language and slang, it defines itself as culturally unique. Yet, change is good and healthy and can bring about new ideas and ways. Heavens to Betsy, what is an oldtimer to do? Well, for now, rely on your grandchildren to keep you in touch.
You Could Say
I’m sittin’ here with some young whippersnappers,
Who are clueless to what I have to say,
For instance, talkin’ about the Charleston an’ the flappers,
They don’t understand the language of my day!
Of course, they seem to have a language of their own,
And to be truthful, it purty much boggles my mind,
I figgered to ignore them and their words would be gone,
While I enthralled them with some words of my kind.
I mentioned makin’ the drag with my jalopy,
An’ they giggled an’ chuckled at a language so strange,
Reckon they figgered I was gettin’ a bit sloppy.
When I said I was hunky dory with seein’ change.
See, most all of us Oldtimers have lotsa moxie,
An’ we always put our best bib an’ tucker on,
‘Cuz the gals we go with are shore ‘nuff foxy,
Gee whillikers! Where have all those great phrases gone?
Oh, my aching back! Kilroy was here, but has been purty shy,
Since Big Foot was knee high to a grasshopper’s kin,
Hey! It’s your nickel, so don’t get hung out to dry,
Keep your chin up and face it with a grin.
Though you may turn a blind eye, when you’re read the riot act,
By and large you were a loose cannon when you run amok,
And painted the town red though maybe taken aback,
To this you could care less and just trust to luck.
‘Cuz, I reckon you buttons had best straighten up and fly right.
An’ don’t you dare touch that dial nor be a knucklehead,
‘Cuz you for sure don’t want to be a nincompoop this night,
Holy Moley! wake up and smell the roses instead!
Poof, go the words of our youth, like vapor on our tongues,
Back in the olden days, life used to be swell,
Heavens to Betsy! We’d sing at the top of our lungs,
Wearin’ knickers an’ pedal pushers, dancin’ a spell.
‘Cuz we were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley,
Well, Fiddlesticks! I don’t want to sound like a broken record,
But Jumping Jehoshaphat! Words have been changed slyly.
I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Heavens to Mergatroyd!
It shore ‘nuff looks like there are more of these lost words,
Than Carter has liver pills, an’ that tends to wish,
Like a Peacock up your nose, or maybe other birds,
Leaves us hung out to dry an’ that’s a fine kettle of fish!
But these youngsters were grinnin’ an’ not buyin’ my line,
So, I’d take a partin’ shot on teachin’ ‘em how to talk,
An’ I figgers they will survive an’ do mighty fine,
“ Cuz I’ll be long gone before they have a chance to squawk!
Don’t take any wooden nickels, an’ keep a smile,
Oki-Doki artichokey it’s pert near time to quit,
See ya later, alligator! After a while crocodile,
Well, guess I’ll take my fedora an’ leave liketysplit!
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Join us at First Baptist Church Marlin
God bless each of you and God Bless America!