Geechee

Without too much of a history lesson, a Geechee or Geechie person is someone of a Gullah descent. Gullah is the mixture of the English and African languages, that was spoken by slaves who were required to learn English, but still didn't want the masters to know exactly what they were saying. However, unlike the Gullah link indicates, Gullah was actually widespread along the coast. It may have originated in Charleston, but there are many gullah civilizations located right in Beaufort, SC. The Geechee language is the derivative of Gullah, that has a creole, southern, and carribean twang to it. It still chops up the English language like Gullah, allowing someone to say more with less words, or eliminate excessive mouth movement.

The Geechee language plays a large part in the culture, which is better left for a definition to itself. The largest, active Geechee culture is located in Charleston, SC and it's surrounding areas. A fact many people don't know is that to be called Geechee was once viewed as a derogatory remark. Today it is a proud title embraced by Charlestonians and others alike, and celebrated through such festivals as Moja Arts and Spoleto. There also used to be a booth in the Northwoods Mall of N. Charleston, that sold the clothing line, Geechee Gear. More history can be discovered with a simple Google search. Although there's not enough people to make it a noticeable presence, the Geechee culture does stretch down the southern coast, touching Beaufort, SC, Savannah, GA, and other cities/towns down into Florida.

The most similar relation to a Geechee accent is that of the Caribbeans (though not nearly as strong) or New Orleans.

Quick Geechee/ie Lesson:

I is normally used instead of I'm:
I'm about to go to the store = "I gointada sto", which doesn't require any mouth movement whatsoever.

e = he/she/it/his/her
Ex. Ay, where the remote at? (I ain know where e at)
Ex. That girl still sleep wit e thumb in e mout.

nahIsayin (nye-sayin) = You know what I'm saying?
yah/chea = here
chern = children

Boy I hongry, boy = I'm hungry

The letter "i" is often pronounced as "u":
fifty cents becomes "fufty cent"

The letter "t" is often pronounced as "c":
down the screet, instead of "street"
Naw, I scraight = No thanks, I'm straight/alright

The pronounciation of the letter "a" is stressed:
"Boy go ahead" sounds like, "Boy go heaaaad, boy!"
"Get out my face" sounds like, "Get out my fay-ace, now!"

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geechy

Without too much of a history lesson, a Geechee or Geechie (not Geechy) person is someone of a Gullah descent. Gullah is the mixture of the English and African languages, that was spoken by slaves who were required to learn english, but still didn't want the masters to know exactly what they were saying. However, unlike the Gullah link indicates, Gullah was actually widespread along the coast. It may have originated in Charleston, but there are many gullah civilizations located right in Beaufort, SC. The Geechee language is the derivative of Gullah, that has a creole, southern, and carribean twang to it. It still chops up the English language like Gullah, allowing someone to say more with less words, or eliminate excessive mouth movement.

The Geechee language plays a large part in the culture, which is better left for a definition to itself. The largest, active Geechee culture is located in Charleston, SC and it's surrounding areas, and proudly celebrated through such festivals as Moja Arts and Spoleto. There is also a booth in Northwoods Mall, N. Charleston, that sells the clothing line, Geechee Gear. Such history can be discovered with a simple Google search. Although there's not enough people to make it a noticeable presence, the Geechee culture does stretch down the southern coast, touching Beaufort, SC, Savannah, GA, and other cities/towns down into Florida.

The most similar relation to a Charleston accent is that of the Caribbeans (though not nearly as strong) or New Orleans.

Geechy, should be Geechee/ie

I is normally used instead of I'm:
I'm about to go to the store = "I gointoda sto", which doesn't require any mouth movement whatsoever.

e = he/she/it/his/her
Ex. I ain know where e gone at.
Ex. That girl still sleep wit e thumb in e mout.

yah/chea = here
chern = children

The letter "i" is often pronounced as "u":
fifty cents becomes "fufty cent"

The pronounciation of the letter "a" is stressed:
"Boy go ahead" sounds like, "Boy go heaaaad, boy!"
"Get out my face" sounds like, "Get out my fay-ace, now!"

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Willie D

Term used for Nike Air Force Ones, originating and still active in Charleston, SC. Named after Geto Boys rapper, Willie D, rumored that he was one of the first rappers to wear them excessively. Largely used in close vicinity of the city, occasionally stretching to Georgia or North Carolina.

1. Ay, when them new Will's coming out?
2. She got the black and red Willie D's, with the white bottom.

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