MOUTH OF THE SOUTH
CHICKEN SLANG Chicken life is so much part of our culture, it has spawned an entire language that we all use, but most of us don’t really think about it. In a sense, we have adopted much of their culture. Here is some of our favorite Chicken slang:
Something to Crow About The Rooster may be our greatest “Mouth of the South.” The co-creator of Southern fried chicken, the Rooster also serves as a “wake up call” harkening us to a new day. We also know him to be one who vigilantly watches over us on weathervanes. Long known by ancient cultures as a symbol of showing one’s many facets of brilliance, the Rooster is South magazine’s totem for our 50th issue anniversary.
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THE MEANING ➽ In dreams, the Rooster is the keeper of time, reminding us of its passage, and so it is a fi ting icon as we reflect upon our past and contemplate our future. Join us in heeding the cock’s crow to remember our pasts as we create better futures. Yes, we know that the cocks may crow, the hens lay the eggs! Like the Rooster’s progeny, we are nothing without our readers. After our vigilant watch for 50 issues, we harken a new future with you all. Peace to all in the barnyard, y’all!
Hen-pecked Cooped-up Flew the coop Ruffle the feathers Walking on eggshells Like a chicken with its head cut off Cocky Cackling hens A good egg Cock and bull story Up with the chickens Rule the roost Mother hen Amazing chicks The sky is falling This is just chicken feed Nest egg Like a chicken on a june bug Every egg is made from scratch Cockeyed Egg on your face Tastes just like chicken
THE MYTHOLOGY ➽ Chinese: Believed to ward off evil. A symbol of courage, kindness, confidence, and loyalty. Greek: Signifies the Sun beating out the dark. Celtic and Norse: The Rooster calls for those who have died in battle.
PECKING ORDER ➽ Chicken society is quite complex and is maintained by keeping up what is called the “pecking order.” Young chicks start bullying one another from the start to establish pecking order. Chickens must work things out among themselves; dominant Roosters at the top of the hierarchy are the ones who crow and look out for the entire flock. More submissive Roosters and cockerels do not crow or breed with hens when the lead Rooster is around.
Photograph courtesy of Liesa Cole
5/9/14 8:07 PM