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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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Native American Phrase - what's it mean?
Guest
1
2012/02/14 - 11:28am

I can find nothing at all anywhere on the internet, but I am not surprised by this.

My dad, who passed away 2 years ago, learned this Native American phrase from a friend in the 40s, and repeated it to me many times as I was growing up in the 60s. I always thought it sounded funny, so loved hearing it.

My dad is from Idaho if this helps any. My spelling of this is total guesswork. I have not heard it in about 20 years, and suspect the beginning part is missing. Here it is:

Tutsta may-way me mocka meena coompti homptits lickety go-pits.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Guest
2
2012/02/14 - 12:28pm

I don't know, and someone here may, but just in case I intend to repost this question at another site I hang out at where someone may have an answer.   (If nothing else, there's an Amerindian there who often chimes in on such questions.)   The forum, in case you're interested, is dedicated to the discussion of the novels of Patrick O'Brian and is sponsored by his American publisher Norton.   The forum is at http://www.wwnorton.com/pob/forum/ceilidh.htm, and you can find the question here.

Guest
3
2012/02/14 - 1:14pm

For what it's worth (not much), my guess on the actual language from among the likely suspects is Nez Perce. I base this guess on comparing the sounds described to the lists of phonemes within the half-dozen or so languages in the Idaho tribes.

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