One Big Happy by Rick Detorie for August 09, 2020

I think Ruthie’s expression in the title panel is the one most people have when they “hear” James…

James’s mama is kinda hot.

Southern U.S.: “Huh? I don’t get it…what’s there to translate…?”

Rick forgot urine. “This uns mine, and that uns urine.”

I change the earl in my car. (Old New York)

Remember, kids, there is NO “R” in Washington.

“Ax” is not exclusive of James. I’ve heard a LOT of African-American adults say “ax” instead of “ask”, even in conferences.

I speak British English, for some Americans it seems worse that James’ pronunciation.

I’m confused. I always understood “earl” to be something you put in the motor of a car or something. “Hey, could you check the earl while you’re under the hood?”

I don’t get what “earl” is supposed to be

“There even are places where English completelydisappears. / Well, in America, they haven’t used it for years! . . . / Norwegians learn Norwegian; the Greeks have taught their Greek. / In France every Frenchman knows / his language from “A” to “Zed” . . . / Arabians learn Arabian with the speed of summer lightning. / And Hebrews learn it backwards, / which is absolutely frightening. / Use proper English you’re regarded as a freak." – “Why Can’t the English Learn to Speak” from My Fair Lady: Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Lowe (1956).

all my kin in Eastern Kentucky talks just like James. hey! maybe James is my cousin!

yeah, Yoos Guyz sure do takk weerd dan in da Souttt. Not good ant prawper takkin, like uz here in New Yawk.

In SE OH, we used all of those except “ax”, and “earl” would be “errol”; also, we sat on “frunachur” and, as kids, we colored with “crans”. But only some of us wanted to play “goldie” the once a year we did soccer in PE.

I thought rench was a kind of salad dressing.

Can someone help me out? I don’t get “pare”.

Baltimore-ese.The giveaway was zinc for sink, an East Baltimore term.

Going downey ayshin – going to the ocean (Ocean City, Maryland)

I suppose I can’t pick on James, since I say “Chok-lit,” “car-mel,” and “point-setta?”

Today’s strip I did not understand, I had to read comments. Still do not understand, no use trying to explain.

Way to rip off Jeff Foxworthy, The Family Circus and so many “southern dictionary” type jokes.

“Prolly” drives me crazy! I think that one is everywhere now!

So annoying. : )

For me, “rench: sumpin’ you do in the zinc” is what some mean by the phrase “calling for Ruth”.