Shawn Blatt and I have, on a few instances, had in-depth discussion about the extent at which we detest the sometimes irresponsible use of the word "awhile."
If you don't know what I mean, allow me to explain. There is a large populous out there frequently and flagrantly misusing the expression "awhile" as part of a phrase to describe an event that has a definitive beginning and end.
This was first brought to my attention by Shawn who years ago had told me that his own father was one of these offenders. Mr. Blatt would often use phrases like "Shawn, why don't you go wash up awhile before dinner." This would confuse young Shawn, and rightly so...
While my assumption was a misuse of the word, maybe I'm wrong. Did Shawn's Dad didn't have a finish to the task in mind? Maybe he was planning on ending Shawn's task prematurely...leaving him baffled and soapy. Or, possibly Shawn was being notified that dinner may still be hours away and he could leisurely enjoy a thorough washing... for awhile. Maybe take time to get the fingernails and cuticles....an amateur manicure of sorts.
Another instance happened to me the other day when I was out for breakfast with my brother, Jake. The waitress came to check on us one more time before proclaiming "I'll just leave the check here, awhile," placing the bill on the table. I wasn't sure whether to spit or to rejoice. I decided to take my time and enjoy a few more cups of coffee. If there was a chance that she may take the check back after awhile, then time was on my side. The fate of the check could be anything. And it worked... Jake took the check and paid it. Was this the waitress' plan the whole time? Was she psychic?
This seems to be a Pennsylvania Dutch thing. Like eating pretzels, wearing navy blue clothes, or drinking birch beer. I'm not sure about it's meaning or origins but if they're not psychic, I think those damn dutch should show a little more commitment to their windows of time.
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4 comments:
i like to say root beer. is that the same?
God damn that pisses me off when people do that.
And, although similar, root beer and birch beer are NOT the same.
if you're going to give an answer then you damn well better explain, bickle!
what's the difference, pickle?
I'm glad you asked, my friend, I'm glad you asked.
Root Beer is flavored with the roots of the sassafras plant. Hence it being called sassparilla. (Or sassparilly if you Sam Elliot).
Birch beer, similar, but is actually flavored with the bark of the, well, I'm sure you can figure that part out.
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