The Second Song #1: Homecoming (6 page)

Jambalaya
pronounced “jum-bo-lie-yah” A rice dish with chicken, smoked sausage, ham, or seafood, as well as celery, green peppers and often tomatoes and spices.

Je vas te passe une calotte
to threaten to slap a person

Joie de vivre
 (Jhwa da veev): Joy of living. Cajun attitude towards life.

Laissez les bons temps rouler
 (Lay say lay bohn tohn roo lay): Let the good times roll.

Lache pas la patate
 (Losh pa la pa tot): Don't don't give up (a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cajun people).

Mon Cher
My dear

Motier foux
half crazy

Pirogue
small flat bottomed boat

Po-Boy
A sandwich made on French bread that began as an affordable lunch for poor boys.

Qui C'est q'ca?
Who or what is that?

Roux
pronounced “roo” a slow-cooked mixture of flour and oil. Used in Gumbo and other Cajun dishes.

Un p'tit bec
a kiss or embrace

Up the Bayou
North

Vieux Carre
 pronounced “voo ca-ray” old quarter, usually referring to the French Quarter.

Zydeco
Pronounced “zi-de-co” a kind of Cajun dance music that is a combination of traditional Cajun music, mixed with R&B, and African blues.