Did you know that County folks have their own rendition of the English language?
Given its island status, Prince Edward County has enjoyed a degree of seclusion, allowing its residents to cultivate their distinct dialect. Below, we've gathered a collection of County expressions — but if there's a "County-ism" we've overlooked, don't hesitate to sprinkle it into the comments section!
Upstreet
Picton only has one main street, and no matter which way you approach from, it’s always uphill. Rather than saying “downtown” County residents go “upstreet” to go shopping.
For example “I took my ma upstreet to buy a newspaper.”
Acrost
Off the island, this is pronounced “a cross” but in the County, drop the extra ‘s’ and substitute with a ‘t’. No logical explanation. Also heard as a regular part of speech in parts of Windsor and Essex County.
For example “Did you see that elephant go acrost the road?”
We’ve also dropped the ‘t’ from other words …
• Comment by Lesley: It’s pronouced The Coun-EE NOT Coun-TY, at least in our house.
• Comment by Phil: This PEC glossary of terms is terrific. Been here 11 years and pretty much know the lingo. The “t” we add to “across” is the one we dropped from “county”. As in: “I grew up in The Couny, eh?”
• I am County born and raised and this just made my day.
Might Better
The County version of helpful suggestion.
For example “Since Ethel lost her teeth she might better stay away from the corn.”
• Comment by Cathy: “Might Just As Else” – an option for “Might Better”
• Comment by Amy: Had no idea “might better” was County. I say that all of the time. LOL.
Right Ready Comment by Janice: Right ready. …. “I’ll be right ready
Pretty much Pretty much, Pretty good, Pretty near (or abbreviated to pret’near). For example “I’m pretty near ready.”
Death notices at the post office
Death notices are posted on the bulletin board at the post office. Many times I’ve heard locals say, “I saw him dead in the Post Office.”
Locals will tell you how long it will take to get to a destination, rather than the kilometres or miles.
Did we miss any "county-isms"? Be sure to add them in the comments below.