Why do they say Cher in New Orleans?

Derived from French-speaking Cajuns and Creoles living in Louisiana, “cher” (sha) is an term of endearment used when greeting someone loved. For example, you may hear someone say this to their friend or loved one: “Mais, cher! I'm so glad to see you!”

Why do Cajuns call people Cher?

“Cher” Have you ever heard someone called Cher (share or sha)? It is a term of endearment or even a greeting to another person. It is comparable to “love” or “dear,” and it is traditionally used by Cajuns amongst friends and family.

What does Cher mean in New Orleans?

Cher: A Cajun term of affection derived from French and often pronounced “sha.” E.g., “You're looking good, sha!”

What does it mean when someone calls you Cher?

adjective French. dear; beloved: used in referring to or addressing a man or boy.

Where does the term Cher come from?

From Middle French cher, from Old French cher, chier, from Latin cārum, accusative of cārus (“dear, valuable”), from Proto-Italic *kāros, from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₂ros, from *keh₂- (“to desire, to wish”).

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How do New Orleans say baby?

Everyone in New Orleans is "baby" or "dawlin'." Male or female, young or old, it doesn't matter.

How do you say hello in New Orleans?

Y'at. You'll hear this one a lot, since it is the most common greeting around New Orleans. Usually posed as a question — “Where y'at?” — the phrase really means “Hi, how are you?” and not “Where are you?” as most outsiders might think.

How do Cajuns pronounce Cher?

Cher- Forget the woman who sang with Bono, this word isn't pronounced "share;" the correct Cajun pronunciation is "sha" and it means "sweet" or "dear". Cajun women are more prone to say "Cher bebe!" than "What a cute baby!"

How do locals pronounce New Orleans?

You may have heard the proper way to pronounce New Orleans is "NAW-lins," but locals will tell you that's not the case. "New Or-LEENZ," with a long E sound, is also off the mark. Most locals opt for the simple "New OR-lins," and some even say it with four syllables: "New AHL-lee-ins.

Are Cajuns and Creoles the same?

Today, common understanding holds that Cajuns are white and Creoles are Black or mixed race; Creoles are from New Orleans, while Cajuns populate the rural parts of South Louisiana. In fact, the two cultures are far more related—historically, geographically, and genealogically—than most people realize.

What does boo mean in Louisiana?

Boo. A term of endearment a parent or grandparent would call a small child, presumably Cajun in origin. Sometimes refers to your sweetheart, too.

What is slang for New Orleans?

"The Big Easy" became the official nickname for New Orleans after a contest was run years ago.

What does Yaya mean in New Orleans?

' There is also a Yoruban word ya-ya, meaning "eldest daughter," and in New Orleans, the food capital of the South, the term has developed a colloquial meaning through the phrase "gumbo ya-ya," a rich local soup featuring sometimes seafood, sometimes meat, always vegetables and rice.

What does Cher mean in Creole?

Sha (sha) - Cajun and Creole slang, derived from the French "cher". A term of affection meaning darling, dear, or sweetheart. When used as an adjective, it is to describe something sweet or cute.

Does New Orleans smell?

Depending on where you are (or “where y'at,” rather) and what time of year it is, New Orleans might smell like horse manure, cigarettes, urine, dead fish, marijuana, vomit, diesel fumes, fried chicken, Confederate jasmine, old wood, coffee, Angel's Trumpet flowers, mown grass, mossy trees, and sweet olive.

What does SHA mean in Cajun?

Sha: Louisiana Cajun and Creole slang, derived from the French cher. Term of affection meaning darling, dear, or sweetheart.

How do you say baby in Cajun?

Bébé means baby in French, but the Cajun version is pronounced “beb” and is used like “babe.”

Why do Louisiana people say Che?

“Cher” Cher (share or sha) is a term of endearment used when greeting another person. It's similar to “love” or “dear,” and is traditionally used by Cajuns. For instance, “Oh, that's some spicy hot sauce, cher!”

What is the Louisiana accent called?

All of these ingredients have flavored the speech of French Louisiana, yielding a unique dialect called Cajun English. The dialect is spoken mainly in southern Louisiana, although emigrations to southern Texas and southern Mississippi have resulted in pockets of Cajuns living in those areas.

What do they call soda in New Orleans?

Do you want a Sprite, a Barqs Root Beer or a Coca Cola.” Collector's comments: The two words are synonymous for soda. The term cold drink probably comes from the fact that soda is always served on ice or chilled in New Orleans because the climate is so hot and humid.

What does boo mean in Cajun?

Boo - your honey, your sweetie. Cher, Sha - sweetheart, baby. T - put this before anyone's name, and it means 'little'. Like T John. Sussie - add a little something extra or sweet.

How do I not look like a tourist in New Orleans?