Inspirational journeys

Follow the stories of academics and their research expeditions

Honey Dipper

Shady Abuyusuf

Sat, 27 Apr 2024

446

Honey Dipper

Conversation 1

 

Shady: Good morning, class! Today, we're going to delve into some interesting slang terms that you might encounter, both historically and in contemporary contexts.

Student 1: Sounds intriguing, Shady! What's first on the list?

Shady: Let's start with "hometown honey." Now, this term originated in the United States back in 1968. It refers to a college student's date from their hometown. So, imagine you're back in your hometown for a break, and you're out with someone you've known from your high school days. That person would be your "hometown honey."

Student 2: Ah, got it! It's like someone you're sweet on from your hometown.

Shady: Precisely! Now, let's move on to the term "honey." This one has quite a few meanings depending on the context. Firstly, it can refer to a sexually attractive young woman. This usage dates back to the 1930s in the US.

Student 3: So, it's like calling someone sweet or attractive?

Shady: Exactly! It can also refer to a female surfer or a male surfer's girlfriend, particularly in the US surfing community since 1986.

Student 1: That's interesting! I didn't know that.

Shady: Now, here's a less common one: "honey bear." This term emerged in 1976 and is a slang term for a policewoman. It's an extension of the slang term "bear" used for police officers.

Student 2: That's a unique one! I wonder how that association came about.

Shady: It's fascinating how language evolves and creates these associations, isn't it? Now, let's move on to "honey blunt." This is a more recent term from 2003 and refers to marijuana rolled in the outer leaves of a cigar, which are then sealed with honey.

Student 3: Whoa, I've never heard that one before!

Shady: Slang terms related to substances like marijuana often have creative and varied names. Now, onto "honey bucket" and "honey cart." Both of these terms, dating back to the 20th century, refer to portable toilets or vehicles used for hauling human waste.

Student 1: Ew, that's not as glamorous as the other meanings of honey!

Shady: Indeed, language has its surprises! It's essential to be aware of the various meanings and contexts in which slang terms can be used. Understanding these nuances can help us navigate language more effectively.

Student 2: Thanks for clarifying all of these terms, Shady! It's fascinating how language evolves over time.

Shady: You're welcome, class! Remember, language is always evolving, so keep an open mind and continue exploring its intricacies.

 

Conversation 2

 

Shady: Alright class, today we're going to delve into some more colourful language, particularly slang terms involving the word "honey." Let's start with "honey dip." Can anyone tell me what they think it means?

Student 1: Is it like a sweet snack?

Shady: Close, but not quite. "Honey dip" actually refers to an attractive woman, especially one with a light brown skin colour. It's a term that's been used since around 1993. For example, you might hear someone say, "Did you see that honey dip over there at the party? She's stunning."

Student 2: Oh, I've heard that one before. It's like calling someone sweet or attractive.

Shady: Exactly. Now, moving on to "honey dipper." Any guesses?

Student 3: Is it someone who stirs honey?

Shady: Not quite! A "honey dipper" is actually the driver of a truck that drains septic tanks. This term has been around since 1961. For example, if you see a truck labelled "Honey Dipper Services," you know exactly what they're up to.

Student 4: Ew, that's not what I expected at all.

Shady: Slang can be surprising sometimes. Next up, "honey, I’m home!" Any ideas?

Student 1: Is it like when someone comes home and calls out for their spouse?

Shady: Yes, exactly! This phrase is humorously used to announce an entrance, often in a theatrical or exaggerated way. It originates from the Dick Van Dyke Show in the 1960s and has been used since around 1988. For example, imagine someone dramatically swinging open the door and announcing, "Honey, I'm home!" It's a bit of a cliché, but still gets a chuckle.

Student 2: That's funny, like something out of an old sitcom.

Shady: Precisely. Now, let's talk about "honeyman." Any guesses on this one?

Student 3: Is it like a beekeeper?

Shady: Not quite! A "honeyman" is actually a procurer of prostitutes, someone who makes their living off the earnings of sex workers. This term has been around since 1982. For example, you might hear about a shady character known as "the honeyman" who operates in certain areas of the city.

Student 4: Wow, I had no idea.

Shady: Slang can often be eye-opening. Alright, let's tackle one more for today: "honey shot." Any thoughts?

Student 1: Is it like a shot of honey in a drink?

Shady: Good guess, but not quite. A "honey shot" actually refers to a gratuitous television view of a pretty girl or woman, usually a spectator at a sporting event. This term has been used since 1968. For example, during a football game, the camera might focus on a female fan in the crowd for no particular reason other than to showcase her looks.

Student 2: That seems kind of... outdated.

 

0 Comments

Leave a comment