A tip to help disguise your urban roots
Given the ever-increasing number of Dunveganites, and other Glengarrians, who are from away these days, I thought I’d offer a tip or two to help transplants blend in to the country milieu we “blow-ins” have adopted.
The reality is that, regardless of how much time passes, we will never be accepted as full-fledged country folk. Nevertheless, over the years, I have picked up some hacks that can help to camouflage our urban roots — lessons that I am happy to share. One surefire giveaway that screams city mouse is to call EVERY thoroughfare (be it paved or merely graveled) a “street”… even the ones that connect towns and hamlets with each other.
My dictionary defines the noun “street” as a public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides (italics
added). On the other hand, a “road” is defined as a wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a prepared surface that vehicles can use.
To live in the country on one of the concession roads or county highways and to remark to a neighbour who is Glengarry born and bred that you “live just down the street” is to instantly mark yourself as a foreigner.
If you live in Dunvegan itself, the use of the word “street” is perfectly acceptable. Outside the limits of the hamlet, not so much. That’s why it’s called Dunvegan Road and not Dunvegan Street.
