California may be one of the most highly-visited states in the U.S., but there’s a tiny village in California that was once so isolated that it developed a new language altogether. Today, many of the residents of Boonville still proudly speak their own language, known as Boontling. The origin of this language is unknown, yet it began sometime in the 19th century. Here’s more on the secret dialect of Boonville, California:
The tiny town of Boonville is located in the scenic Anderson Valley, a logging region of California.
Google Maps
Art Brom/flickr During the 19th century, a language originated in this part of the state and, due to the fact that the region was so isolated, this new dialect thrived.
The language of Boontling is a composite of English, Scottish Gaelic, Spanish, Irish, and Pomoan.
kel wagner/flickr There are nearly 1,600 words in the Boontling language. Some of the words even incorporate the names of original Boonville residents, making the language a deeply personal one.
Though extensive, the Boontling language never made its way to any other part of the country.
Michael Geminder/flickr The reason why the language may have remained so isolated was the initial reluctance to share it, especially considering the personal ties of the language to the land and history of Boonville.
The language as it stands today is spoken by fewer people, but still embraced by the local community.
Carmen/flickr
Anderson Valley Brewing Company/Facebook A local business, Anderson Valley Beer Joint, frequently posts “Boontling words of the day” and has named some of their brews in Boontling. “Eetah!” is the word for “wow!” (as seen on the beer can in the above photo.)
If you visit this region in California, you may even pick up on a few new words.
Henry Zbyszynski/flickr
Looking for a coffee? You might ask for a “zeece” or a “Z.C.”
jen/flickr The word for coffee is derived from a member of Boonville named Zachariah Clifton, who was known for brewing deliciously strong cups.
If you need a pay phone, you’ll have to ask for a “Buckey Walter.”
Marcy Leigh/flickr In the language of Boontling, a buckey is a nickel and Walter was the first resident in the area to own a phone.
Curious to hear a bit of the language? Watch the brief video below, courtesy of Anderson Valley Brewing Company:
Google Maps
Art Brom/flickr
During the 19th century, a language originated in this part of the state and, due to the fact that the region was so isolated, this new dialect thrived.
kel wagner/flickr
There are nearly 1,600 words in the Boontling language. Some of the words even incorporate the names of original Boonville residents, making the language a deeply personal one.
Michael Geminder/flickr
The reason why the language may have remained so isolated was the initial reluctance to share it, especially considering the personal ties of the language to the land and history of Boonville.
Carmen/flickr
Anderson Valley Brewing Company/Facebook
A local business, Anderson Valley Beer Joint, frequently posts “Boontling words of the day” and has named some of their brews in Boontling. “Eetah!” is the word for “wow!” (as seen on the beer can in the above photo.)
Henry Zbyszynski/flickr
jen/flickr
The word for coffee is derived from a member of Boonville named Zachariah Clifton, who was known for brewing deliciously strong cups.
Marcy Leigh/flickr
In the language of Boontling, a buckey is a nickel and Walter was the first resident in the area to own a phone.
What are your thoughts on this unique language? Have you ever heard anything like this? Be sure to share your experiences with us!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
