Slang Archives < East Coast Slang Heritage

In the 1960’s Hippie Generation..the times were a changin’! America became deeply involved in the Viet Nam War, the baby boomers were coming of age, a civil rights era was kicking in, protests were strong, right wing politics was questioned and Watergate break-in happened. All this created an atmosphere for a strong distrust of the Establishment (the ruling classes);by the peeople.

The ethos of the 1950’s Beat Generation continued on but; by 1967, the times became known as the 1960’s Hippie Generation. The Beatniks of the 50’s desired change but always kept a low profile. Politics and stereotypes in society were common denominators but the 1960’s Hippie Generation were louder, more aggressive and actively protested for change.

The Hippie Movement evolved from the literary Beatnik era who sported turtlenecks, short hair and beards. The Hippies were known for communal living, harmony in nature, useage of recreational drugs(lots of weed and acid) and free love. A hippie was easily recognized by their appearance with psychodelic clothing, fringes, tie dyed clothing, headbands, grannie glasses, barefeet, sandals,colorful VW vans,bellbottoms and their long hair. Also referred to as a Flower Child! The Peace symbol became their own symbol and the two finger, vee shaped, hand gesture became their greeting. Peace and Love were their mantra!

During these times; there was a new rage of music happening and music is a big influencer of the era. There was a shift from the popular Beatlemani in the early 60’s to a harder edged rock. Joe Cocker, Santana, The Who, The Band, Greatful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimmie Hendrix were popular and expressing the new times through their lyrics. I have to mention the Woodstock concert; held in Bethel NY, in August of 1969. It was the greatest outdoor concert of all time. These bands (and more); gathered in a farmers field, along with thousands of like minded and free spirited Hippies. They communed and partied for 3 solid days to celebrate and share Peace and Love! Oh to have been part of that!

As per usual; with every counter culture, new sayings and slang evolved from the chaos!

Share yer 60’s slang so we can all find our inner Hippie! Peace and Love to all y’all!

New Brunswick is known as The Picture Province and is the Gateway to the beautiful East Coast.

North Shore Influence

I’m all about connectin’ and gatherin’ NB slangers and talking NB slang. My East Coast Slang connection begins in the good ol’ North Shore of the province of NB. My hometown borders the Province of Quebec and is connected by the Van Horne Bridge. It is nestled around the base of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Bay of Chaleur and the mighty roaring Restigouche River. These are all great fishing waters. The Appalachian Mountain range completely surrounds the area and extends down to the south of the province. Because of all these mountains, I had some pretty spectacular views with the seasonal changes. We have a saying..”there’s no shore like the North Shore….Thats for sure! So yes; I am all about connectin’ NB Slangers!

Adventures

The Appalachian Mountain Range extends from the north with the Sugarloaf Mountain, Mount Farlagne and south to include Mount Carleton, Shepody Mountain and the Caledonia Mountain. You can enjoy sking, snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, offroading, camping and more. There is so much to offer the adventurous to explore with the best experiences on these mountains. We have no shortage of snow for winter fun; that’s for sure. Sugarloaf Park in Campbellton and Mont Farlane in Edmundston are just a few of the parks to the north that cater to the outdoor pursuits..

Waterways

NB has a vast connection of waterways and is surrounded by the Bay of Chaleur, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. Sport fishing, canoeing, sailing, swimming and lazy days {beach side} are the Maritimer’s way of life. We’ve all done it and its a great way to connect with other NB slangers. Fundy Park and Hopewell Rocks to the south offer camping and a variety of activites for families seeking that outdoor connection. Experience the highest tides in the world and comb the floor of the bay at low tide. A true marvel!

Culture and Heritage

So for visitors to the area there is so much to explore, experience and learn. Kouchibouquac Park and Mount Carleton all offer adventures for outdoor lovers to experience in the central part of the province. Museums and heritage sites are in abundance to experience the early days of our beginnings. Step back in time and experience the days of old at Kings Landing and The Acadian Village.

Gatherings

Numerous festivals; throughout the Province enable you to celebrate and gather. Experience the culture, heritage, traditions, music, dancing and authentic foods. There is nothing that can compare to a gatherin’ of East Coasters!

Salmon Festival in Campbellton
Miramichi Folk Festival ( Irish influence)
Shediac Lobster Festival in Shediac
Acadian Festival in Caraquet
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton
Buskers on the Bay in Saint John

If you venture here the people will embrace you in your experiences. Its a great time to be connectin’ with NB slangers. Therefore; you see, NB is a place to relish and experience varied cultures.

Settlers

There were multiple ethnic groups seeking new opportunites here. The Irish, Scottish,French,French Acadian, English and Indigineous Peoples all valued the natural resources of water and wooded lands. It made for a very prosperous industry that sustained the province and generations of families for years. The waterways were their highways, so they established their settlements all along them. Pioneers were logging, milling, farming and fishing these areas to survive. They were hard working homesteaders and endured many hardships in the process. As true Maritimers; everyone pulled together and worked side by side as they settled this new land. Helpin’ each other out was a right neighborly thing to do.

Slang

Our best slang derived from all this. Below are some of the slang words and sayings that I grew up with and still use today. I hope you recognize some of them. Please add to the list, leave a comment and share what you know.

Happy explorin’ and discoverin’ to y’all! Thanks for connectin”and sharing your NB Slang with me