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| Thomas Howard's
mission in compiling The Dixie Dictionary is to preserve the
"southern language." According to the author, "The Southern language
is more than just an accent and a dialect. It is a rich verbal
tradition of descriptive words and phrases, a wealth of expressions and
colloquialisms."
The states sometimes are part of the phrase. A buzzard is a "South Carolina Eagle." A dirt road is "Arkansas asphalt." A man who has his trousers stick to his body during hot weather is said to be suffering from "North Carolina heartburn." The Bible Belt provides Satan will several names: Old Harry, Old Nick, Old Red, the Dark Stranger, Harry Scratch, Old Scratch, Old Horny, Old Blackie, and Old Samson. A tent revival is also called a "lightening bug revival" because it goes out quickly. A "stump-knocker" is a traveling preacher. The Dixie Dictionary is a linguistic guide to Southern heritage and culture. It reflects the diversity within the region. Howard worked as an editor and reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch for almost forty years and has served as the Virginia correspondent for McGraw-Hill World News and for Fortune magazine.
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