Could you please speak English!

Could you please speak English!

It's been almost twenty years since I arrived at the Crystal Coast.  Some people have suggested that I have a Southern accent.  Perhaps.  At least I have learned to speak "Coastal".  Selling real estate to folks from "off" (that's  from anywhere other than Carteret County, North Carolina,) I often have to stop and translate for them.

So as you meet your new neighbors who are moving in from off, remember, there are often
different meanings for words.

If I say "it's a bit cattywhompas" that just means it's a little off center or perhaps a little strange.
"Shagging at the beach" is great exercise.  Your new neighbors may think your language is a little off color until you explain that shagging is a specific type of dancing to beach music.  And when directing them to the Shark Shack be sure to say that the causeway is the bridge across the sound.  They may need to know what the sound is.  No, not the crashing waves, the water between the mainland and the island.

They'll probably be surprised to learn that the name of the island that is home to Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Emerald Isle is Bogue Banks.  It is more often referred to as Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach.

A sittum is a deck overlooking the water.  A slick calm is the sound on a really still day when the water almost looks like a mirror.

 They have arrived in the south and when they order iced tea, they'll need to know that will come sweetened unless they say UNSWEETENED.  If they see fresh dolphin on the local restaurant menu tell them it's not Flipper, it's  a delicious fish.  If they've never heard of shrimp burgers, they really may want to try one. (Their favorite REALTOR can tell them where the best ones are found.). I'd send them to The Big Oak drive in in Indian Beach.

If they think they are already down east explain they're not quite there until they get past Beaufort.  Be sure they know that they may live here for the rest of their lives but coming from. "off" they will never achieve the status of "local".  In fact there are few of those and when they meet a true local they should watch, listen and learn.  Locals have much to teach us and they will make the learning fun.