Talkin' the Talk

Some favorite family phrases de-mystified.

“Are y’all back yet?” – Grandma Roberts, after we walked into the kitchen from a trip to Dairy Queen.

“I caught a bream one time.” – Derek Masquelier, now quoted anytime someone interjects an irrelevant, random thought into an otherwise meaningful, topical conversation, which is precisely what he did the first time he said it.

“He’s been here, all right.” – another gem from young Mr. Masquelier, originally used to indicate the path of elusive prey (think deer hunting). Now used at will to overstate the obvious in virtually any situation.

“Y’all hurry back.” – Caldwell and Grandma anytime anyone left their house for any period of time.

“As far as that…” – Dad’s most frequent segue (look it up, boys).

“That’s tooky.” – What Mom calls tacky.

“And that’s how a bill becomes a law.” – used whenever someone walks into a conversation you don’t want them to hear.

“Per se…” – Kevin’s audio clue that indicates he really has no idea what he’s talking about.