Tump

Do you know the meaning of the word “tump?”  Do  you use the word “tump?”  Have you ever even heard the word “tump?”

Language fascinates me.  I love the sounds of words.  I love learning new words.  I love discovering words that are near and dear to my heart, but unknown in a particular use to even other English speakers!

For instance, a few years back I was traveling alone in Phoenix, AZ.  I stopped in to a coffee joint that is known for its gourmet drinks and friendly baristas.  (and barristers?)  As I stepped inside from the intense summer sun, the guy behind the counter held up his hand to “shush” his co-worker and asked, “Quick, what do you call the wheeled cart that you push around the grocery store?”  Without thinking I answered, “a buggy.”  Bewildered, he turned to his co-worker who gleefully exclaimed, “See?!!?” 

She was from Louisiana.  Apparently, buggy is a regional thing.  He’d never heard a shopping cart called a buggy before and thought she was pulling his leg!  It’s been a buggy all my life.

So I was listening to one of my favorite NPR shows, A Way with Words, and the topic of the word “tump” came up.  A Kentucky woman says her Illinois husband swears she and her family made up the word “tump.”  Martha, also from Kentucky, validated her claims that, indeed, “tump” is a real word. However, the hosts of the show agreed that is stops in its tracks at the Mason Dixon line.  Interesting.  I decided then to use “tump” as much as I could this week, as I quite enjoy it.  Tump.

I’m a native Texan and Hubs is a Michigander.  We often run across words that the other isn’t familiar with, or uses a very different pronunciation.  Toque anyone?  We don’t have toques in Texas!  The “ou” sounds also gives us trouble.  (not just because it is a far inferior school)  Counter is pronounced very differently in our house.  Also, the word “another.”  So I’m curious to know how many of y’all know/use “tump!”  Comment away!

I went to bed just after 8 pm last night and managed to get in 8 ½ blissful hours of uninterrupted sleep before heading out to run 6 very warm, slow, humid miles this morning.  I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up my infantile bedtime.  But I’m sure enjoying the extra sleep!  Michelle suggested a slightly different route and I’m so glad she did. In running as with vernacular, variety is indeed the spice of life.