I DIG IT! | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: I DIG IT! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jim Harrison
05/20/20
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How often has your preteen or teenager come into the house speaking what seemed like to be another language? I can remember one day in the late fifties, early sixties, my older brother walked into the house, preparing to sit down for dinner, and he used the word "Funky." It was the first time that my family heard this, what was he thinking of saying funky. Was it a curse word or what? I believe that was my dad's suspicion, so he forbade it, especially under his roof.

As time went on, I became aware of more and more young African Americans as myself using slang words. During this time, dad would take us into new York as we had family who lived in Brooklyn as well as in the Bronx. As a child, I truly enjoyed visiting the Bronx Zoo, as I had a thing for the big male, grey-back gorilla " Jimmy." I was sincerely mesmerized by this magnificent creature of God. Sometimes in the Spring and the Summer months, we would sit on the front stoop of my mother's older cousin Catherine's home; we could hear the singing of young men standing on the corner in front of the neighborhood bodega. I have to say that some of these young men were somewhat talented and amazingly creative. Their makeshift instruments were inventive, and the beautiful sounds on occasions drove folks out of their overly warm houses and into the streets where one could catch a cool breeze now and then. And at times, an instant block party erupted. To my understanding, the local store owner rarely became agitated as he made extra income. As far as my brother and I were concerned, their music was real " Boss Man." We got the opportunity to me kids our age by walking up to them and saying, " Give me some skin, man."

During the 60s, one of my favorite sayings was, " I'm Hip." In other words, I understand. Another way that we used the phrase " Hip " was in another's fashion look, in other words, not seen before but trendy.
There were times when our friends stopped by, and my parents were jamming together. Mom cooking or baking something singing in the kitchen, and dad would be playing his harmonica or guitar in the family room. I was conversing with my oldest friend last week, and he remembered times when he entered our home, and singing and merriment were going on. He said how "cool" things were when he visited. I assured him this was my dad's way of relaxing, shaking off the cares of the day. But my dad was able " To Take Care Of Business " when the need arose, like dishing out punishment, etc.
In other words, mom would threaten us with, " Wait till your dad gets home."

Certain words and phrases are presently rushing into my mind that I have used in the past. It's time for me to get on down the road; I need some bread; I need to cop some Zs; Easy Street; What' up, Bruh, Brotherman; You left me in a lurch; I need some Benjamins; My Peeps; Man don't be square. I could go on and on, but you get my drift. Anyone can make up slang words and phrases, but the thing is, will it catch on? The one thing that I'm thrilled about is that the name of JESUS caught on. For thousands of years, people had debates about the name and actions as well as the character of Jesus Christ. You see, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And I can "Dig It."

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