Program

Preservation and Access: Reference Materials

Period of Performance

7/1/2007 - 12/31/2009

Funding Totals (outright + matching)

$750,000.00 (approved)
$750,000.00 (awarded)


Dictionary of American Regional English [DARE]

FAIN: PM-50009-07

University of Wisconsin System (Madison, WI 53715-1218)
Joan H. Hall (Project Director: July 2006 to June 2010)

Funding details:
Original grant (2007) $350,000.00
Supplement (2008) $50,000.00
Supplement (2009) $350,000.00

The compilation of the fifth and sixth volumes of the "Dictionary of American Regional English" (DARE), which documents geographical differences in the vocabulary, pronunciation, and morphology of American English.

The Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) is a reference work describing regional and folk varieties of American English. Based on a large body of oral data collected in all fifty states from 1965 to 1970, it also draws on thousands of written and electronic sources covering the colonial period to the present time. A unique feature of DARE is its use of computer-generated maps to show distributions of regional terms. Volumes I (A?C), II (D?H), III (I?O), and IV (P?Sk), published by Harvard University Press in 1985, 1991, 1996, and 2002, respectively, have been highly acclaimed by scholars and public alike. Volume V (Sl?Z) is expected to appear in 2009, with a supplementary volume of data thereafter. Preparations for an electronic edition are being made now, with publication to follow the print edition. DARE?s materials will remain available for scholars both in electronic form and through the maintenance of an archive of research and reference materials.



Media Coverage

Legendary linguist's birth centennial 'cause for celebration'" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Doug Moe
Publication: Capital Times
Date: 8/30/2007
Abstract: Notes the 100th birthday of DARE founder Frederic G. Cassidy.
URL: http://www.madison.com

Slang dictionary nearly finished (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Signe Brewster
Publication: Badger Herald
Date: 3/24/2009
Abstract: Gives a description and brief history of DARE.

You bin shiftin' yer vowels? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Susan Lampert Smith
Publication: Wisconsin State Journal
Date: 3/28/2008
Abstract: Recordings of mid-20th century Wisconsin speakers, made for the DARE project,are mentioned.

Healthy lifestyle--Soup up your diet (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Heather Little-
Publication: Jamaica Gleaner (West Indies)
Date: 6/14/2008
Abstract: Discusses derivation of "chowder" as suggested in DARE.

American Regionalisms Redux (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Schnuer, Jenna
Publication: World Hum
Date: 4/10/2009
URL: http://www.worldhum.com/travel-blog/item/american-regionalisms-redux-20090410/

Creek or crick? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Schenck, Kathy
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 6/10/2008
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31852214.html

Whether to call soft drinks 'pop' or 'soda' is a matter of taste (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Stegmeir, Mary
Publication: Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
Date: 9/11/2008
Abstract: DARE is mentioned in a discussion of the 'soda' versus 'pop' question.
URL: http://wcfcourier.com/pulse/coverstory/whether-to-call-soft-drinks-pop-or-soda-is-a/article_a77064f8-9e95-56c9-9c0c-38e205ac82c5.html

Wall of Fame to add Ansay, Peters (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Sharma-Jensen, Geeta
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 9/14/2008
Abstract: Notes that DARE founder Frederic Cassidy is one of a handful of authors honored on the Wisconsin Writers Hall of Fame at the Milwaukee Public Library.
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/32541124.html

Editorial: Somebody thinks you talk funny (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Williams, Bonnie
Publication: Scripps Howard News Service
Date: 3/26/2009
Abstract: A brief history and description of the DARE project is included with this announcement that the final volume will be published soon.
URL: http://scrippsnews.com/node/42070

'Bubbler' Comes from 1910s Marketing Campaign (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Associated Press
Publication: WSAW (WI) Television
Date: 3/22/2009
URL: http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/41660017.html

American Nicknames, Part Two: Hoosier (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Liberman, Anatoly
Publication: OUPblog
Date: 7/30/2008
Abstract: The author mentions DARE in his "Oxford Etymologist" column, as part of a discussion on the origin of the term "hoosier".
URL: http://blog.oup.com/2008/07/

Downtown gets new place to play at night (Media Coverage)
Publication: News & Observer (Raleigh NC)
Date: 11/1/2008
Abstract: Notes the DARE definition of "pinhook"

Trolling for bad lawyers isn't easy (Media Coverage)
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Date: 4/5/2008

Kentucky Derby Wannabes Race Before Traders Flip Thoroughbreds (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Papadopoulos, David
Publication: Bloomberg.com
Date: 12/30/2007
Abstract: Discusses the origin of the term "pinhooking" and cites the DARE definitions.

Buckle up your mirdle! Euphemisms from heck (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Peters, Mark
Publication: OUPblog
Date: 5/29/2008
URL: http://blog.oup.com/2008/05/euphemisms/

Q&A on the News (Media Coverage)
Publication: Arizona Daily Star
Date: 10/11/2007
Abstract: The DARE definition of "hissy fit" is given in response to a reader's question about the phrase.

What Kind of Accent Does Sarah Palin Have? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Scheidlower, Jesse
Publication: Slate Magazine
Date: 10/1/2008
Abstract: The author credits DARE and thanks its chief editor for help with this article.
URL: http://www.slate.com

The G2 Guide to regional English (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jeffries, Stuart
Publication: The Guardian (U.K.)
Date: 3/26/2009
Abstract: Notes the completion of the final volume of DARE, and states the need for a similar project in Britain.
URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/27/regional-english-dialects

Regional English dictionary closes in on ultimate milestone (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mattmiller, Brian
Publication: Wisconsin Week
Date: 2/11/2009

Wisconsin Book Festival 2007: Joan Houston Hall speaks (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Medaris, David
Publication: Isthmus: The Daily Page (Madison, WI)
Date: 9/28/2007
Abstract: An interview with DARE's editor-in-chief.
URL: http://isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=9151

DAREing adventures at the 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Medaris, David
Publication: Isthmus: The Daily Page (Madison, WI)
Date: 12/28/2011
Abstract: Program celebrating the 100th anniversary of DARE founder Frederic G. Cassidy's birth.
URL: http://isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=10571

It's a phenomenon: The 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival concludes (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Medaris, David
Publication: Isthmus: The Daily Page (Madison, WI)
Date: 10/15/2007
Abstract: Calls DARE a "phenomenon".

Johnny Come Lately (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Menting, Ann Marie
Publication: Harvard Medical Alumni Bulletin
Date: 12/1/2007
URL: http://harvardmedicine.hms.harvard.edu/bulletin/winter2007/1a.php

Scripture baking blends spirtuality [sic] and cooking (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Groves, Maria Noel
Publication: Times Daily (Florence AL)
Date: 12/19/2008

Warm cooler (Media Coverage)
Publication: Boston Globe
Date: 12/27/2011
Abstract: Discusses the use of two terms for the insulating sleeve for a beer bottle: "beer koozie" and "beer cozy".
URL: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/01/04/warm_cooler/?page=full

Larroes, layos--oh, go ask your mother (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Clements, Warren
Publication: Toronto Globe and Mail
Date: 3/14/2009

Cuomo's Choice Words (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Harshaw, Tobin
Publication: New York Times
Date: 1/10/2008
Abstract: Mentions DARE definition for the phrase "shuck and jive".
URL: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/choice-words/

Greetings succumb to hey fever (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Lang, Rusty
Publication: Tulsa World
Date: 6/23/2008
URL: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=11&articleID=20080623_218_A13_spancl231108

Say Wha? Finally, a dictionary of American babble (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kyle, Tara
Publication: FLYP
Date: 4/7/2009
URL: http://www.flypmedia.com/content/say-wha

Wicked good Bostonisms come and go (Media Coverage)
Publication: Boston Globe
Date: 5/28/2008

Deciphering English language's diverse flavors (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Bogert, John
Publication: DailyBreeze.com
Date: 3/25/2009

Words that fail the test of time (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Caldwell, Christopher
Publication: Financial Times
Date: 3/27/2009

On to Z! Quirky regional dictionary nears finish (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Foley, Ryan J.
Publication: Chicago Tribune
Date: 3/22/2009

USC Upstate professor takes aim at language-specific prejudice (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Glancy, Gary
Publication: goupstate.com
Date: 4/13/2009
Abstract: A sidebar describes DARE as a "national treasure."

When are garbage producers permitted to pig out? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Haggo, Regina
Publication: The Hamilton Spectator
Date: 3/28/2009

Geographical longings--right down to the grass roots (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Walker, Ruth
Publication: Christian Science Monitor
Date: 11/28/2008
URL: http://www.csmonitor.com

Orwell on the road (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Wallace, Nick
Publication: Indiana Daily Student
Date: 3/24/2009
URL: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=67065&search=nick%20wallace§ion=search

U.S. university's dictionary project on the road to completion (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Burkeman, Oliver
Publication: The Guardian
Date: 3/23/2009
URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/dictionary-american-regional-english-wisconsin

What are your favourite regional phrases? (Media Coverage)
Publication: The Guardian
Date: 3/26/2009
URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/mar/26/regional-dialect-british-english

Notes from the Language Underground (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Barrett, Grant
Publication: Star Online (All Malaysia ed.)
Date: 11/28/2007
Abstract: Cites DARE for having the "granddaddy list" of words meaning "ways of teasing a beginner or inexperienced person".
URL: http://thestar.com.my/english/story.asp?file=/2007/11/28/lifefocus/19564385&sec=lifefocus

Don't Forget about the Dialect (Media Coverage)
Publication: Star Online (All Malaysia ed.)
Date: 9/10/2008
Abstract: The author calls DARE his go-to resource--the place he trusts the most--for answering dialect questions.
URL: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/9/10/lifefocus/1976997&sec=lifefocus

Come by me and talk Milwaukee-ese (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tolan, Tom
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 10/24/2007
Abstract: "Words to the Wise" column
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31843464.html

Aina: It ain't in Webster's (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tolan, Tom
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 11/16/2007
Abstract: "Words to the Wise" column
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31844574.html

Speak Milwaukee-ese once (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tolan, Tom
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 12/27/2007
Abstract: "Words to the Wise" column
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31846364.html

English and Milwaukee-ese: Daboatuvum (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tolan, Tom
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 1/14/2008
Abstract: "Words to the Wise" column
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31846929.html

Milwaukee-ese, meet Lubenese (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tolan, Tom
Publication: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Date: 2/25/2008
Abstract: "Words to the Wise" column
URL: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/31848354.html

Hooch (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Uffelman, Larry K.
Publication: Star-Gazette (Elmira-Corning NY)
Date: 10/1/2007
Abstract: "Word Nerd" column
URL: http://www.star-gazette.com