DID YOU EVER!
Members of our family use several expressions which I find turn up on TV from time-to- time but I can't think of anyone else who uses them. One is: "Well, I never! And the other: "Did you ever! Both are said that way, too...with the "!" rather than "?"
I think they are "localisms" more than "Southern" by nature. They are used to express surprise or astonishment, at times, or simply a pert expression of questioning or doubt.
I wrote lyrics to a song based on both of them the other night. I jotted the words down the clip board which I keep on the night table beside my bed and , if I can figure out my notes, I'll dig the item out of the writing-to-do stack and try to work them up.
The sayings are: Number One - "Well, I never....!" (And the elipse is always there as if there might prove to be more to it if one could find words to express it. Perhaps it could be extended to say: ."...I never, in all my life, heard of such a thing!"
Number Two usually follows after the first one has been said, but not always. It is: "Well, did you ever!" It often follows close upon the first one - - - the "well" is sometimes dropped, as if the expression is a restatement, underlining or italizing of the original statement.
We might be watching a TV show, as we were doing the other evening when someone won a small fortune on "Do Your Want To Be a Millionaire?" When the amount was stated, someone in our family enthused: "Well, did you ever!" and restated it at once as "Well, I never!" The tone indicated happiness about the whole thing and was not , in the least, critical.
At the moment I can't recall what sort of twist I incorporated in the song lyrics, but I have a feeling it could become a family fun favorite. I seldom remember the tune to which such sleep songs were being sung, but this one was lively and moved right along which it suitable should, of course.
Each locality has its own little expressions, it seems. I have known people who could spot strangers and tell where they were from, simply by hearing em talk.
One of the enduring beauties of our language is that it accepts and makes use of subtle changes and localized grammar-isms.
What is your contribution?
A.L.M. June 17, 2003 [c423wds]
