Personal Patois

Here is a partial list of my favorite expressions, the ones that have become part of the internal cant from which I must translate when speaking or writing to others:

• “Banjaxed.” Usually with a head shake and a half-smile/half-frown.

• “C’est pas grave.” With a smile and a dismissive hand wave.

• “Che cosa?!” Always an interjection, it sometimes escapes before I’m able to catch it.

• “Ciao.” I’m not alone here; the whole world says it.

• “Genau”, while nodding.

• “Grazie.” Though I must give honorable mention to “obrigado.”

• “Je vous-en-prix.” It possesses a grace that surpasses “de nada”, “don’t mention it” or, even, “prego.”

• “… jus’que …” There’s something about the sound of it. How could I go back to up to?

• “Kif-kif.” Accompanied with an indifferent shrug.

• “No sé.” Slowly shaking my head with an expression of exaggerated confusion.

• “Sláinte.” Toasting those gathered in my life raft.

• “Vite!” Waving both hands, palms up, in tight circles close to my torso.

• “Vale.” With a big smile and a slight nod.

There are, of course, many more, along with countless nouns and some verbs, but these are the ones that I must suppress several times a day.

Have you a personal patois?

This entry is part of my journal, published May 30, 2003, in Baltimore.