Civil War Lingo

[rhp6033]

I think the term "shoddy" originated in reference to the poor quality of military goods produced by the lowest bidder, it had lots of usage in northern newspaper editorials. It may have first been used with respect to shoes which would fall apart after only a few weeks of usage.

 

[ole]

Thought shoddy was applied to blankets and clothing that were made from re-used wool. It tended to melt away if wet.

 

[James B White]

Thought shoddy was applied to blankets and clothing that were made from re-used wool. It tended to melt away if wet.

Exactly. That was its origin, and it was much older than the war. From 1836 England: "We should like to put our fair readers upon their guard against a villanous woollen compound, made of filthy rags, and named shoddy, and imitating wool most abominably, with which their flannel petticoats and merino gowns are but too often adulterated, in those days of improved machinery and low prices."

The usage didn't really become an issue when people were buying things on their own, and choosing their prices, but when thousands of young men were being issued things from government contracts, which were supposedly required to meet certain standards, the complaints started. Then of course it spread to anything of low quality. From 1863 in the U.S.:

The title given to the work of which this chapter forms a part, is "The Days of Shoddy." And the name* has not been chosen without due consideration of its meaning; for the first weeks of the war, to which it peculiarly refers, gave to that word, before but little known, a wide and disgraceful significance. It has been, from that day, and must be in the dictionaries of all future periods, a synonym for miserable pretence in patriotism— a shadow without a substance. Shoddy coats, shoddy shoes, shoddy blankets, shoddy tents, shoddy horses, shoddy arms, shoddy ammunition, shoddy boats, shoddy beef and bread, shoddy bravery, shoddy liberality, shoddy patriotism, shoddy loyalty, shoddy statesmanship, shoddy personal devotion,—these and dozens of other ramifications of deception have gone to make up the application of the name ; and it is an eternal disgrace to be obliged to say that in every one of the particulars named, the history of this struggle, and especially of its earlier months, has proved that we can vie with any people who ever practised the great art of knavery.

*There may he many, even inthis day, who do not understand what this substance really is, which has lately given a new popular word to the English language at the same time that it has eternally disgraced one branch of the English family. " Shoddy," properly speaking, is tho short wool carded or worn from the inside of cloth, without fibre or tenacity, and with no capability of wear, and yet easily made into the semblance of more durable goods. The name is now used, however, as applied to cloth, in a more general sense —to signify any description of rotten or improper material.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

I love these! I think my parents used every, single one of these last words- knowing their origin and that the CW must have permeated word usage to the extent it did is delightful! Of course this thread has just doomed my children to have the bejeesis bored out of them next time one of these comes up.

I don't remember them using 'Sowbelly', but have read about them eating it-used to think it was maybe cheap, fat cuts, transpires it's salt pork.

Here's one I never knew, that began pre-CW apparently, a soldier from Illinois was a 'Sucker'. Don't think it's meant in a derogatory way ( there would have been copious amounts of camp fights in that event, to be sure! ) the way the word tends to be used now. The thing is, is this THE word which evolved into the 'sucker' we refer to which is born every minute? And why? I hate having these questions in my head, it's sheer trivia but they do tend to distract me. You can waste an awful lot of time trying to track this stuff down, you know.

 

[James B White]

Here's one I never knew, that began pre-CW apparently, a soldier from Illinois was a 'Sucker'. Don't think it's meant in a derogatory way ( there would have been copious amounts of camp fights in that event, to be sure! ) the way the word tends to be used now. The thing is, is this THE word which evolved into the 'sucker' we refer to which is born every minute? And why? I hate having these questions in my head, it's sheer trivia but they do tend to distract me. You can waste an awful lot of time trying to track this stuff down, you know.

Googling a word and "etymology" or "origin" usually brings up some basic info, or searching google books for the word along with intitle:americanisms or intitle:slang brings up older sources.

Sucker, meaning an easily fooled person, was also in use before the war. Here are some period definitions, some of which are still in use, some of which have been lost: http://books.google.com/books?id=EOg_AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA461&output=html

This page has three of the more common stories about the origin:

http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/il_intro.htm

There are a few of theories about the origin of this interesting nickname. One has it that the name was the result of a comparison between the large number of miners going to and coming from the Galena Lead Mines in 1822 and the fish. According to Malcolm Townsend, in his U.S.: An Index to the United States of America (1890), "An old miner said to them 'Ye put me in [the] mind of suckers, they do go up the river in the spring spawn, and all return down ag'in in the fall.'"

Malcolm Townsend talks about another possible origin of the nickname. Evidently, the prairies were filled, in many places by crawfish holes. Travelers were able to suck cool pure water from these holes using long, hollow reeds. According to Malcolm Townsend, whenever a traveler would happen upon one of these holes, he would cry out "A sucker, a sucker!"

Yet another theory, offered by former Governor Thomas Ford in A History of Illinois (1854), has it that this nickname referred to the poor folk of southern Illinois that moved into the state to escape the suppression of wealthy landowners in the southern states. According to Ford, sucker was a reference to the sprouts off the main stem and roots of tobacco plants. These suckers will sap nutrients from the main plant and are stripped off by farmers and thrown away. In the same way, according to Ford, "These poor emigrants from the slave States were jeeringly and derisively called "suckers," because there were asserted to be a burthen upon the people of wealth; and when they removed to Illinois they were supposed to have stripped themselves off from the parent stem and gone away to perish like the "sucker" of the tobacco plant. This name was given to the Illinoisans at the Galena mines by the Missourians."

The final sentence, tying both the tobacco version and the fish version to the Galena mines, makes me think that the Galena mines were indeed the point of origin. A similar version I've heard, but can't find online now, is that the people of Illinois were suckers in the sense of being unweaned, being attached to and sucking the wealth from other states--which of course is the same metaphor used to name the extra plant stems. I'd not heard that origin attached to the Galena mines, but it actually makes more sense in that context, since they would suck off the pay working at the mines and take it back to their Illinois homes.

The nickname of Missouri Puke seems to have arisen in tandem, as a return taunt, puking being the opposite of sucking. Governor Ford is quoted on that here: http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2012/01/pig_map_pukes_suckers_state_nickname.php

It had been observed that the lower lead mines in Missouri had sent up to the Galena country whole hoards of uncouth ruffians, from which it was inferred that Missouri had taken a "Puke," and had vomited forth to the upper lead mines, all her worse population. From thenceforth, the Missourians were called "Pukes;" and by these names of "Suckers" and "Pukes," the Illinoians and Missourians are likely to be called, amongst the vulgar, forever.

 

[Freddy]

"Grand Skedaddle" was how my GGF spoke of a real hasty retreat.

May 24th.
Slept soundly, woke fully refreshed. Lounged about under orders to be ready to move at once until 1:00 p.m., when were again on the march. It was warm and dusty. One mile brought us to the North Anna River. This we forded water hip deep, the bottom of the river rough and rocky, the current strong. Swung our haversacks (heavy with 3 days rations) and our cartridge boxes over our heads and shoulders. Some were unlucky enough to get upset and came near getting drowned. After crossing our brigade was formed in battle line. Our regiment deployed as skirmishers, and led the advance through a thick fine wood, ravines and rough places in plenty with here and there an open space, going some of the way at double quick time. We soon met the rebel picket line which fell back at our advance saluting us at the first with a few stray shots, a half a mile or more brought us to an open field beyond which we could see the rebel breastworks, batteries and infantry in battle line. Halted until our brigade came up when a general attack was made upon the rebel line in our front with the result of driving them through the wood and across a ravine some eight feet deep and back to their main line. Continuing the advance we were met with such a shower of shell, grape, and cannister combined with a sudden downpour of rain that our little were broken and orders were given to fall back to breastwork which our reserves had thrown up in our rear. In the scrimmage our regiment line was broken up as we fell back through the woods. Suddenly found myself alone with three of our 35th and the main body of the 56th. Going up to General Leddlie, I asked for the whereabouts of the 35th. He said they were all mixed up with the other regiments and I had better go in with 56th. Joined them and tried to find some of the 35th, but in vain, and soon concluded that the place for me was with my own regiment and started back to the river. Soon came upon Captain Hudson, and Company H who were doing picket duty on the left. He did not know where the rest of the regiment was. We remained in quiet for near an hour when a downpour of rain came on in the midst of which the rebels succeeded in getting on our flank, which caused a "grand skedaddle" on our part towards the river. We stopped to give a wounded man some water. I got separated and found myself alone and mid the rain, mist and wood began to be in doubt as to the line of retreat when I came upon Lt. Creasy, and two other staff officers chatting unconcernedly and so felt all right and kept on coming out to open field when I came upon a line of skirmishers lying upon the ground. Marched towards them supposing them our own men when suddenly a half a dozen or more jumped up took aim and yelled out "drop that gun"-kept towards them yelling out "don't fire on your men", only to receive a second yell from them. Then to suddenly realize that death or surrender was my alternative and with a feeling of shame and mortification, threw down my gun which I had hoped to carry home (with scar of rebel bullet received at Jackson, Mississippi) as a memorandum of the war. Was soon taken in charge by a member of the 7th Alabama with a reproof for not dropping my gun at their first call, and the remark that in "another minute you would of been a dead man." Marched to the rear was relieved of rubber blanket, shelter tent, and cartridge box, and found myself with about 25 more unfortunates. Was humiliated to find myself alone of the 35th at first but not for long, for soon came in the three staff officers, and five comrades of the 35th. Were marched about a mile to Andersons station where we found more of wearers of the blue and by night we numbered about 70. Our guards treated us well. As we stretched out upon mother earth another shower greeted us so that with our previous duckings we were so well soaked that our weary bodies soon forgot it all in "nature's sweet restorer balmy sleep."

 

[Freddy]

"Shebang" was what my GGF called a dugout shelter at Andersonville.

 

[prroh]

Bootleg is said to originate from Confederate soldiers sneaking moonshine into camp, hidden in their boot.

 

[Freddy]

My GGF called body lice, "greybacks"


August 14th.

The number of sick is increasing. Have had heavy rains, which with the scorching sun brings increasing suffering. None have been taken to the hospital for a week or more. No medicines given out. Even so simple an article as vinegar is very helpful for scurvy, which has ceased to be dispensed. The ravages of this disease are terrible. Many going about the camp with bleeding mouth and teeth actually dropping out, legs swollen and turning black and blue. One remedy of some help is to sit with legs buried in the ground. The death rate has increased form fifty to seventy five per day. Five out of the ninety the past week making thirteen in our nine-week stay. Have been busy near all the time. Feel I cannot be too thankful for having so much to occupy my time and thoughts. Notice that those who keep busy stand it the best. Many are the devices to keep from idleness, such as tearing down and rebuilding their mud huts, digging for roots for fuel, (every piece of which if no bigger than a pipe stem is split and piled in the sun to dry.) tunnelling, well digging, carving knickknacks out of stray bones that come with our meat rations, and patching clothing. Cards have been made and also checker boards. These are freely lent and from dawn to dark, groups can be seen about the camp, and the merry laugh shows that all is not dark and dreary. Many a well worn bible and testament can be seen in constant use going from one to another. Nearly an hour is required every day in skirmishing for greybacks, and woe be to the comrade who neglects this task. As no hot water is a hand wherewith to scald our clothing, and as cold water will not drown them destruction by fingernails is our only remedy. Occasionally a copy of some rebel newspaper is thrown in by the guard which is read until worn to shreds. Was both glad and sorry to come across my old friend and christian brother, Daniel F. Nichols, from Dedham. He enlisted in '61 and has been here nearly a year, and though somewhat weak is battling bravely for life. He has been a help to many in plying his trade as a shoemaker, and has kindly repaired my nearly worn-out shoes. Was surprised one morning to find Pratt, absent from his place; this was explained by his soon putting in an appearance covered from head to foot with red clay which plainly said "tunneling." He with others, has started a tunnel from the inside of a nearby hut. They have obtained some boards with which they bridge over the opening during the day covering them with earth and pine bought, so that the tunnel-hunting rebels, will see nothing suspicious should they poke their heads into the place.

 

[Freddy]

He used " a la military" sometimes.

May 26th.
Woke to find we had bivouacked in a fine grove, with smooth grassy surface. Put up out tents and laid out camp "a la military." Had a good wash all over in a brook nearby. Had a good nap in afternoon. Trouble between our Lt. and one of the men last night, caused much ill feeling among the company towards the Lt. Both were to blame in the matter, the Lt. for exercising an arbitrary spirit, and the man for want of proper respect to his superior. The man was punished by having to do two days fatigue and guard duty. This is the common method of punishment for light misdemeanors.

 

[kholland]

Great stuff , Ted.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Well heck, it would have had to have occured to me to use the word 'etymology' in the first place, what a ninnie and thank you! That was a terrific post, James B., have to say I've always, always been fascinated by word genesis to the point of taking a couple of years of Latin in high school. Hee. Don't get me wrong, it was extremely useful, it's just a tough class especially when taught by a female born around the time the Ceaser brothers were wrecking havoc over there. Slang terms are the BEST, since there's generally history like this attached.

So hmm, now must Google to see if the Illinois folks felt this to be an insult themselves or if it had become part of the vernacular for so long everyone had forgotten what the whole thing was all about? I'd have to agree, the latter explaination makes the most sense. Funny how it ties so much back into the CW, if one thinks about it, and the Southern notion ( at the TIME, not attempting to start a 'poof'' thread ) of class. ' Feeding from the wealthy ' , whoa! Little Dickensian and then some. I know the North had it's own forms of snobbery, just not the whole transplanted aristocracy perspective and how it'd be doing the poor folks a favor by allowing them to earn a loaf of bread. An early ' Trickle Down ' theory, with a dose of nasty thrown in. My grgrgr uncle died at Shiloh, fighting for an Illinois regiment, makes me hope he got a shot in at someone with a plume in their hat first. Anyway, gosh, thank you for GREAT reading and probably what my husband will be getting bored with this morning.

Nothing is more helpful than the slang terms in-context, is there? Your grgrgrandfather's diary is ( please excuse the word, teenagers in the house ruin you ) awesome. Perhaps there are an awful lot of CW diaries already out there, but I hope this one is published also Freddy? He writes extremely well, too. All the diaries are haunting, to say the least-some just easier to read and more enlightening than others. I have a friend whose grgrgrandfather frustrated him by leaving letters largely berating his wife for 5 or 6 pages of run-on sentences. It's hysterical- she spends too much, worries too much, doesn't write enough, the neighbors complain too much about her- and almost zero about what he's doing.

Sorry, back to slang. ' Tarheel', speaking of terms referring to men from certain states, I read was an established term for North Carolinians before that famous story about them running from battle because they'd 'forgotten to tar their heels that morning'. It'd just have been to do with the state producing tar and pitch, nothing perjorative.

 

[Republican Blues]

Tar Heel-A North Carolinian
Goober Grabber- A Georgian (also applied to North Carolinians but not as common)
Sand Lapper- A South Carolinian
Hog Driver- A Tennessean
Josh- A Arkansan
Corncracker- A Kentuckian
Gopher- Floridians
Tigers- Louisianans (also called Pelicans and Gobble Talkers
Suckers-Residents of Illinois

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Those are wonderful, thanks! Some seem obvious as to genesis, others I can see a Google search in my future. And also, ' Goober Grabber', peanuts? Seems harmeless in content but kind of sounds like it could start a fight in camp used the wrong way.