Bruce Noname started this cascade on the groaners listserv. It was carried on in PUNY.
A True story:
I used to work for T.I. in Houston. Once a young programmer fellow from the Bedford, England came to do some consulting. He was a nice enough guy, but very stiff and proper.
On his last day before returning to G.B., I took him to lunch at a Luby’s Cafeteria. While waiting in line, I told him that before he left Texas, he simply *must* try some mepyew.
He said, “What?”
I said, “Mepyew. It is very popular. Everyone here eats it with lunch. Sort of a Texas tradition. The woman in the serving line will ask you if you want some.”
I give a sly wink or two to various prospective diners who were overhearing the conversation and looking quizzical.
He agreed to order some mepyew.
We approached the first station where the lady was selling jello deserts and chilled salads.
“Mepyew?” she asked.
“Yes, please,” he responded.
“Mepyew?”
“Yes.”
“Mepyew?” (Now with noticeable agitation.)
“Yes! If you Please!”
“Well, ahm not a mind reader!” I laughed a little.
Finally realizing that he had been had, he proceeded directly to the roast beef and mashed potatoes, as any good Englishman would.
I giggled. The people I had winked at giggled.
My English friend busied himself with macaroni and cake.
Back at the office, Sheila and Mike giggled. The Englishman studied a directory listing.
Someday, I’m going to invent a dish called mepyew. Maybe it will be a jello and roast beef casserole.
I asked Gary Hallock if the average Texan would understand, “mepyew.”
His Answer: Sounds just like any Texas cafeteria to me. I’ve been eating mepyew all my life. Pritneer anyone who borned in Texas could have figgerd that out.
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Oh yes, Mepyew is quite popular all over the south. I grew up on it too. Try it with Honey sometime (Mepyew Hon).
Wachanead-Hon is good too.
Bradley
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Cor, chase me up the apples!
I can get ‘wachanead-hon’ but ‘mepyew’ has me beat.
(Incidentally if the Bedford man had been a London man he might well have said ‘you order it for me’!)
Joseph (our resident member from across the ocean)
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Joseph,
I think it must be a slurred “May I help you?” At least, that makes sense in context.
Cyn
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Cor, chase me down the apples.
Yes, I see it now. I suppose I missed it because no one’s offered to help me for a long time…
Joseph
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It took me a while to even guess any meaning that made sense, and had to write to Gary to make sure that’s what it meant, so don’t feel too bad about not seeing it.
Stan
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Stan, next time you’re in London, order the plump roast chicken and fruit. It’s delicious! Just tell the serving waitress that you don’t half-fancy a cheeky young bird with a nice pear.
Bradley