Sweet Pea to Reckon: What Do They Mean?

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We all share certain traits like we all have skin, we all breathe, and we all hate taxes . However, certain differences among us signal whether we’re Southerners or not.      

First of all, Southerners have the sweetest nicknames that can make the most unlovable child feel loved. Not to mention, these generic nicknames are great for moments of short term memory loss. The top three of these names are “Sugar”, “Honey”, and my personal favorite “Sweet Pea”.  

There’s nothing like hearing, “Sugar, are you all right?” to make you feel all wrapped up in warm golden honey, like nothing could ail you at all. I think the little people like “Sugar” most.  Maybe they associate the name with kisses from mama and aunts, and cousins-”Gimme some sugar, now.”  

“Honey” is good, too. That name tends to work best when you’re talking to your spouse or your boyfriend, hence the “honey-do list”.  On the other hand, with just the right intonations and inflections, the word “Honey” will strike fear in the burliest of men.  You see, when you lower your voice and mumble “Honey” through clinched teeth, the intended hearer knows that he has already very nearly crossed over your imaginary line in the sand.

Personally, I like the name “Sweet Pea”.  I even change it up sometimes and say, “Sweetie Pea.”  The sound of it is catchy and sounds endearing.  I like using the name with my own children when they’re being especially sweet. However, I must admit that quite often I use these names and have absolutely no emotions toward the recipient in any way.  The cold fact is that I simply can’t remember the name.  I might remember who the relatives are and I might remember what kind of car is usually parked in the drive, but the name–Sugar, right?

The second mark of a Southerner is what he eats and drinks.  The first two items, one can rarely find north of the Mason Dixon line:  grits and sweet iced tea.  No, “grits” is never, at any time, singular.  The only thing grit has to do with the South is its reference to spunk.  “Grits” is always plural. Many Northerners say that grits don’t taste like anything. Of course not.  You have to add stuff like butter, cheese, or gravy.  I have even added ketchup.