The Hamptons Dictionary: Five New Words for the East End Lexicon
The term “F-bomb” surfaced in newspapers more than 20 years ago, but the word was just recognized for the first time in the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, along with sexting, flexitarian, obesogenic, energy-drink and life-coach.
In all, the company picks about 100 additions for the 114-year-old dictionary’s annual update, gathering evidence of usage over several years in everything from media to the labels of beer bottles and boxes of frozen food.
As you know, I will do just about anything to bring recognition to my beloved Hamptons, so I am submitting five of my favorite Hamptons related terms for consideration.
Danco [Dahn-koh] noun – Like the word Grand Canyon, which is defined as “a deep gorge formed by the Colorado River,” I propose the word “Danco.” When you are driving along the Long Island Expressway, on your way to the East End, you will notice a sign that reads “Dan’s Country.” With the introduction of my new word, when someone in Manhattan asks another, “What are you doing this weekend?” they will respond, “Going to Danco.”
Westopoly [West-op-uh-lee] noun – A Hamptons board game. The goal is to get all the tourists back into their cars and headed in the same direction from where they came.
starpidity [stahr-pid-i-tee] noun – A condition that manifests itself when a person is in a restaurant and there is a major East End celebrity dining at the table next to them. They start acting stupid.
snarlousy – [snahr-lou-zee] adjective – Derived from combing the words snarl and lousy, this represents the condition by which traffic is so “snarled” up in Water Mill that it makes you feel “lousy.”
tatesty [teyt-stee] adjective – The way one reacts after eating a delicious Tate’s Cookie. “Darn that was Tatesty”.
Of course I realize these words would only be considered if they become mainstream. So I am asking that all East Enders begin using each of them as the occasion arises.
What words do you think belong in the Hamptons lexicon? Share your best ideas in the comments below!