Tags
Brooklyn, Container Diaries, Dibs, Finders Keepers, Flat Leaver, Game of Tag, Indian Giver, Quits, Slacks, Windsor Terrace, Words
Today we have a guest blogger “Used 2 B Brooklyn” who has sent me a fantastic piece for all to read. Enjoy.
They Are Only Words
Recently, in a discussion with some family members, we talked about words or phrases we used as kids and kind of just grew out of them. The words may not be politically correct today and maybe that is why they have gone away. Back then you said what you meant and meant what you said. At least a person could always tell that you were genuine in what you were saying. (everyone following along so far?)
Anyway, here are few we came up with and some explanations (in case explanations are needed) If someone has another meaning, please submit an entry.
I mean no malice towards anyone.
Finders keepers, losers weepers– If I find something you lost, I get to keep it.
Slacks– does anybody still refer to a pair of pants this way?
Flat Leaver– someone who leaves right in the middle of an event or goes to hang out with someone else…leaving you or the group they were with
Indian Giver– someone who gives you something but then changes their mind and wants it back
Sissy Mary– (or even just plain Mary)- there are a few interpretations to this one, usually it just meant you did not go along with the crowd or were afraid to try.
Calling Quits– if you were dating someone and decided to break up, you would call “quits”.
Dibs- staking a partial claim on a friend’s property (i.e. a sip of soda etc.)
I’m Telling– a way of stopping someone from doing something wrong…but you never actually told on anyone
In addition to these words there were a few expressions:
If you were going to fight a classmate or someone from school, you would have to do this after school. Usually at some point during the day you would let that person know and you did that by informing them: You are dead outside.
How many of us were sometimes “it”. Most of the time you were probably “Not It” .
************************
If you feel like sharing some of your childhood memories of growing up in Windsor Place, I would love to have you send me a solid, productive, insightful essay. We can use your real name or nickname if you prefer. Send all entries to: Hoops135@hotmail.com
-SF
CONTAINER DIARIES 
Brooklin said:
How about when we would say to a kid “Your Mother” and then that kid would say back “Your Mother” and then we would say back “Your Whole Generation” LOL!
Mary Anne (Brick) Monaco said:
Don’t forget “finns”. Somehow that saved you from being “it”
if you called it in time.
Joe D said:
I remember using the term ‘indian giver’ often and with absolutely no idea of the origin of the term. I won’t go off on a rant but isn’t it incredibly ironic that the American government is so much more guilty of taking something back as opposed to the Native Americans. This reminds me of another expression – the ‘pot calling the kettle black’.
hoopscoach said:
Brooklin,
Yes, that was a classic. But the one thing I loved was when you were choosing up for sides in whiffle ball, stickball or hardball in the lot; you would toss the bat to the other kid and then make your way up to the top with your closed fist.
Maureen Rice (Flanagan) said:
Joe D, wow, I thought the same thing when I saw the term
Indian giver! I never heard You are dead outside, but we used to say “I offer you out” Never made much sense then either, but that was the way you challenged someone. Also, re “it’s quits”, we rarely did the deed ourselves, we always sent an emissary “so and so said it’s quits!” When we had visitors from overseas, they used to get a kick out of some of the things we say that we don’t even think are odd- not for nothing but…., she thinks who she is… and the always classic fugettaboutit (sure that is not the spelling) One time, I was in New Orleans, and got into a converstation with a shopkeeper about Brooklynisms, let me tell you, you haven’t lived til you have heard fugettaboutit attempted by a southerner.
used2bebrooklyn said:
Brooklin,
If I remember correctly, just uttering the words- “your mother”- was usually enough to start a fight. It was great picking on each other, but you never, ever were to say something bad about someone’s mother. Ouch!
I don’t know if I am right about this one, but here goes.
I seem to remember calling a Hindu (not sure on spelling) when you needed a “do-over” in whatever it was you were playing-I think this was usually during a game of “Kings”
Lineman said:
When you hit your friends new spaaldeen onto a roof or broke his new stickball bat you’d yell out “penny a century” before he’d say how much you’d owe him .
Tom Jones said:
How about; “he or she’s Double ugly!?
TonyF16St said:
If you wanted to fight someone you would
Offer Them Out
Or remember Jumping someone
hoopscoach said:
How about, when you and a friend said something at the same exact time, “Jinx, how me a coke!”
jimmy vack said:
I remember when you hit a ball over the roof in stickball, you “roofed” it and had to get a new ball.. If you chickened out you were a quiff, a word I still use today on occassion.
We also used “fag” the same way.. as meaning soft.. I remember Ozzie Guillen called someone a fag, and all the Gay groups got on his case but I am sure he meant it the same way we did..
As stated moms were off limits, sisters and grannies were okay but moms were especially off limit if they were hot…
Anybody remember yelling gates.. I think that was used when someone stepped on dog stuff…
What’s funny is when you leave this area and order food..
I was at a deli in Maryland and ordered two on a roll with bacon and ac and a large light and sweet.. I got a big HUHH???..
The term Arie (front yard) throws off alot of people. I said terlet (toilet ) at work and was laughed at by yuppies.. At least I did not say Erlcloth which was linoleum which is oil based. I had to hold in laughing when an older neighbor was saying how great the sonar (sauna) was on his vacation..
BL said:
The mother of all catch phrases”NO PENNY TAX.”
Brooklin said:
A “Hindu” supposedly occured when playing handball or the game “Kings” when the ball would get lodged or hit the dead spot between the floor and the base of the wall and became “hindered” which was shortened down to “hindu” over time.
Jerry Cole said:
JV, I was just thinking that it was kind of funny that no one brought up the term “gates” or “gates on you” and then I came across your mention of it. Jim, you may need to write a Brooklynese dictionary which could be a companion reader for any non-Brooklynite that reads coach’s book (although coach rarely writes in Brooklynese).
Maureen, I’d guess that a southerner trying to say fughedaboudit was similar to listneing to anyone with a brogue trying to say Puerto Rican. 😉
Used2B, I remember Hindu being invoked in off the wall as well as in King’s.
Coach, how about “you’re ugly and your mother dresses you funny”. My sister sent out a bunch of pictures of us from the mid 70’s and all I can say is YIKES! With the way that kids are these days (being as fashion conscious as they are) they would be mortified if we tried to make them wear some of the outfits that we ended up wearing.
Richard Coyne said:
Holy Crap!!!!!!! I stumbled upon this site by accident, and could not believe all the names, and oictures….WOW.
I grew up on 15th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. Went to Holy name for 6 years, and eventually after High School I proudly joined the Army, where I still serve after almost 30 years. I served 3 tours in iraq, Desert Storm, Panama, Grenada, and Kosovo. If you remember me I would love to hear from you Richard.Coyne@yahoo.com
Kenny Whelan said:
Richie Coyne,
If I remember correctly, I think my mother (Rita Whelan) was good friends with your Mom. We lived on 8th avenue between Windsor and Prospect.
Richard Coyne said:
Kenny
I am now taking care of my mom in Biloxi, MS. I will ask her if she remembers your mom. Did we ever hang out?
Kenny Whelan said:
Richie,
Depending on how old you are, I think you may have hung out with my brother Steve??
Maureen Rice (Flanagan) said:
Richie Coyne, I don’t think I know you, but I would like to thank you for your service to our country.
Betty T.B.K. said:
Tony I remenber one day I was in grammar school, and one of the girls “offered me out”, needless to say I was never a fighter, I played basketball!! So I was told we were to meet after school at 3 in the park and word got around, before you knew it there must had been about 30 kids and waiting to see this big fight. I wont get into details, but I will tell you, and some of the readers know who I am talking about without mentioning names! One of our neighaborhood, great guys, from a great family, kept yelling out Betty, rip her blouse off!!! Well I couldnt help but just laugh . I never forgot that. I know a Tommy Coyne a great guy. Also as a teenager whenever a guy was interested in a girl he would say Will you go out with me???????? And yes when you would break up like you guys mentioned he or she would say Its quits!!!! MEMORIESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim Sullivan said:
Lineman, I think the sequence is you hit the ball and right when you think its not coming back you have to yell “No Chips” before the ball’s owner can call “Chips” or “Chips on the ball ten cents (i.e., cost of the ball)” If he calls Chips first, and you intend to welch on the ball, then you call “penny a century.” Guys who have a brand new ball or are tightwads generally call Chips on the Ball before the game starts,
Kevin Mahoney said:
Richie Coyne,
I’m at least 4 or 5 years younger than you, so I’m not sure if you’ll remember me, but I remember you well from the days playing softball in PS 107’s with people like Ralph Connolly, Bobby Perry, Robert Price, Andy Caldwell, John Rowland, Teddy K., the Mardini’s, McGiveneys, and many others. I was one of the younger guys in that crew, and I lived in the apartment building on 14th street right across the street from the schoolyard. Bobby Perry lived in the same building upstairs from me. I remember your older brother Robert also.
Anyway, glad to hear all is well.
jimmy vack said:
Richie,
Did you graduate from holy Name in 1974 or was that Robert Coyne?
Mike Purdy said:
Hey…does anyone remember Lala or Junkie Joe? Junky Joe walked around the neighborhood with an old baby carriage full of junk .
Richard Coyne said:
Dear Maureen
You are very welcome. Your name sounds very familiar, and hope you, and your family are doing well. Keep in touch!!!!!!!
Richard Coyne said:
Jimmy Vack
That was my brother Rob. He is doing well. He is married, three beautiful daughters, and practicing law in Los Angelas. Good to hear from you. I actually remember you
Richard Coyne said:
Kevin Mahoney!!!!!!! I do remember you!! how are you doing? It is great to hear from you. I was back in Park Slope in 2005, just before my latest trip to Iraq. I took my wife to the “neighborhood” and was sad to see that all the faces seem to have changed. AHHHH The days of Softball in PS 107, now those are memories. I talked to one of John Rowlands sisters a couple of years ago, they all seem to be doing fine. Everyone else I haven’t heard a word about. I am hoping to make it back to Brooklyn in a year, or so. I am excited to see the new YANKEE STADIUM. Anyway, are you still in touch with anybody from back in the day? Keep in touch
hoopscoach said:
Richard,
Glad to have you hear at Container Diaries. Keep up the good work.
jim vack said:
Jerry,
I love old movies and the war movies from WW1I era, always have a guy from Brooklyn who says Dis or Dhose.. It is so phoney it is funny. I think we drop the rs anf gs off woids…
like shugah and runnin.. The other thing is oi becomes er..
When I would go up to Northern Jersey in the early 70s to stay at my aunt’s (ant’s), they looked at me like I was a gangster every time I spoke.. Sometimes, they would lask me to repeat somethin (somehting) and laugh. meanwhile, those hicks up there looked (one set of teeth to a family!) and sounded like they were from freakin Deliverance !!!!!!!!!
I told thehillbilly kids when I was about 12 that NY owned NJ !!!
Richard Coyne said:
What I would tell people is that when “out of towners” would visit NYC, the things to do is have a slice, go to the Statue of Liberty, Make fun of New Jersey, and the leave
jim vack said:
How come when it’s tourist season we are not allowed to hunt them?
Jerry Cole said:
Richie,
Congrats on your safe return from all of your tours. We all owe a debt of gratitude to you and your military brethren for keeping us all safe.
I went to HN with your brother Rob. We lived on 8th Ave between 15th & 16th before moving to St. Louis. Then we moved back to Windsor Place just in time for me to start 8th grade at HN.
Tell Rob to check the site out and post once in a while. I live in NJ and work in NYC but let him know that I’m out in LA and Anaheim several times a year for business. It would be hysterical to catch up with him some time.
FYI, I was one who made a habit of poking fun at NJ especially when I was in college. I always broke the Jersey kids chops. Now, I find myself saying “Jersey ain’t so bad.” My old college pals think that is pretty amusing.
Jerry
used2bebrooklyn said:
Brooklin,
Thanks for the info on “Hindu”…I guess as a kid I would hear the older guys call “Hindu” and just picked it up. That explanation would make the most sense.
Jim Sullivan,
Wow! Chips or No Chips! That was classic and I think I completely forgot that one. You definitely nailed it. There was no better comeback then penny a century.
Richard Coyne,
Thank you for a lifetime of service to our country. It is great to see your reaction to the blog from this side. Your reactions are like the rest of us when we first stumbled onto the blog. The enthusiasm expressed is like the quote from a woman who was looting during the blackout of ’77- I can still see that news clip in my mind when she explained why she was looting, she said- ” It’s like Christmas in July”- (Steve, you have got to remember that one)
Kevin Mahoney said:
Richie,
I’ve been in NJ for almost 10 years now, but my Dad still lives on 14th Street, so I see people sometimes when I visit him, and Mary Rowland is one of the people I often run into. I know her family left 15th street some years ago. Ralph Connolly was the only other person from that crowd who I knew was still in the neighborhood, but it’s been a lot of years since I’ve seen him.
My Dad always says how our group was the last bunch of kids to play ball all day long in that schoolyard. Now its pretty much used as a parking lot for the school, sad to see.
Anyway, great to hear from you, be sure to stay in touch.
Sal Marino (Junior) said:
I have an old saying that I still use from time to time and people now look at me like I have two heads. Whenever you wanted to take turns doing something you would say
” let’s take a change a piece”.
Richard Coyne said:
Kevin,
I cant believe they’re using PS 107 as a parking lot. We just might have to organize a coop to take back our softball field!!!! I remember Ralph Connolly very well, he used to stay up till maybey 4am, sleep until 4 pm…probably still is, but I wish him well. Mary Rowland works at Methodist Hospital (Radiology, I think). We’ll have to stay in touch, so the next time I’m back in Brooklyn, we can toss a few down and talk about the old days!!!!!!!!! Great to hear from you
Richard Coyne said:
used2bebrooklyn
Some people ask me if putting in that much time in the military was worth it? I just tell them that I would not trade my military life for anyones. Since I work in a VA hospital, I am constantly reminded of the sacrificies that have beeen made to keep this great country safe. I was talking to a WW2 vet just yesterday who was involved in the Normandy invasion, and all I could do was just stand there with my mouth open in awe of what he was telling me. You won’t find stories like that in any movie. I used to love watching war movies for the entertainment, but I make people laugh now, because I now watch them to pick out all the mistakes thier making. It is said that laughter, and memories are the best medicine…..I could not agree more!!!! Stay in touch
Richard Coyne said:
Jerry Cole,
I remember you well!!!! I could even go right back to the house you, and your family lived in. Rob travels abroad quite a bit, but I will tell him about this bolg. Although he’s not much of a blogger, I’m sure he’ll like to hear from friends of old. Remember playing ball with Kevin, and Shamus Sullivan, and Eddie, and Michael Gilligan? I just relocated from the Seattle/Tacoma area to accept a new position with a new army unit, and the VA (yes! I am VERY busy). I passed right through St Louis. I was so close to the Arch that could have hit it with a rock. I know that the end of my military career is on the horizon, but if I can put in maybey 10 more years, I’ll be happy. Now, there is still the chance that I could be mobilized again, but the way I see it is I still want to get some more “pay back” from 9-11
Take Care Jerry, and stay in touch
Brooklin said:
That old Brooklyn accent that you see in those old WWII movies is not that too far fetched. My father just turned 83 and fought in Italy in WWII. He is born and raised and is old school Brooklyn. whenever the Petro Oil company he pronounces the word oil like the name Earl. Other than that he speaks fine! I can see other oldtime guys pronouncing a lot more words with that distinct pronunciation. Funny stuff!
Bill LaVasseur said:
Richard Coyne
First I want to thank you for your dedicated service to our country and I appreciate your resolve to get some more “PAY BACK” for 9/11. I went to HN and graduated in ’74 with your brother Rob, tell him I said Hello if he remembers me.
Jim Vack
One set of teeth!!! Deliverance!!! you are cold dude!!!…….but so true. As far as our unique accent…. the old timers in Brooklyn almost have a slang language of their own. I still make fun of my father; he says earl for oil and tree for three… some of his friends are worse. I was a bat boy for my dad’s softball team when I was 10-12 years old and half time I didn’t know what these guys were “tawking” about. Even my daughter has a little Brooklyn accent; when I ask her what is she doin she answers nuttin!
jimmy vack said:
Biily,
It is true about Northeren Jersey back then. My Uncle Jesse was from Georgia and his next door neighbor was also from the south and you could not understand them and the neighbor had no teeth .. I used to tell him I could crazy glue some chicklets to his gums…
Rich,
I probably played ball at some time with you guys.
Shamus was in mine and Billy’s class.. good ballplayer and a great guy. I remember his parents were invlved in the churhc big time. I have not heard Gilligan;s name in a long time …nice easygoing guy. The next block up was the Stanshevskis.. Wally was a great athlete..I remember going with robert and I think it was your dad to some park somewhere when we were about 10..
Thank you for your service to our country. You guys are always in my prayers…
Richard Coyne said:
Thank You Bill for your kind words. I found out yesterday that I MAY be going back for another tour in the summer. I’ll be sure to squeeze off a few rounds for all the Park Slope boys. I’ll pass on to rob that I heard from you. Take Care!!!!!!!
I like your comments to jim Vack. I remember listening to my Grandma, when she used to say turlit, instead of toilet. I have lost a bit of my accent, but whenever I talk to people from back on the block, It comes right back
Richard Coyne said:
Jimmy Vack
I think I remember that trip to the park. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe it was Bear Mountain, and we went frog hunting. You mentioned the Stanshevskis? was there an Anthony in that family? I remember the Sullivan family well. They did have nice parents. Do you remember a guy by the name of Patrick Leonitis? (It probably is spelled differently). Take care, chat with you later
Glenn T. said:
Richard Coyne,
Pat Leonitis played baseball with us at HN and had a red, white, and blue glove that some kids used to call it “a fourth of July special”. He would get pissed! He was a good guy! I think that he may have lived above the stores on PPW. Whatever happened to him? The Stanizewski’s lived on 16th Street just above 10th Ave up until about 5-7 yrs when Stan the father sold the house and they moved over to Staten Island. They are all doing well.
Richard Coyne said:
Hi Pat
After I left for active duty, I lost track of most people from the block. Once in a while, on one of my return visits, I would run into someone I know, but that number is shrinking fast. I can’t remember a place where we DID NOT play ball; in front of the “Old Folks” home, PS 107, the street…..etc. Yes they were good times. I was back in the neighborhood in 2005, and was shocked at how the “YUPPIES” have taken over…..I say we stage a coop!!!
Helen Cole Prestia said:
Glenn,
A few years ago I met a girl, originally from Bensonhurst, she went to Bishop Kearney and her brother went to Bishop Ford. I have become good friends with both her and her brother. Turns out they are cousins with the Leonitis Family. I didn’t know the boys but I was in the girls third grade class. I showed my friend the class picture and she said that was her cousin. They moved from brooklyn to Staten Island. I think the girls still live there but not the boys.
Helen
jimmy mckee said:
Billy LaVasseur!
amazing to see your name here!
hope all is well
i remeber haning with louie sisto, eugene debenadetto (rip) and you. Drinking your dad’s booze in your house on prospect ave. listening to black sabbeth and having a good old fashioned fist fight.
my mom and dad still live in the hood.
i come back 2,3 times a year for a visit from san francisco (no i ‘m not) (not that there’s any thing wrong with it)
i see louie and kim every time.
jimmy mckee said:
sorry, hanging.