We went to watch our son, Blake, perform in a Fraternity/Sorority dance competition awhile ago at the university he attends. His group was amazing and, deservedly, took first place. We are so proud of all our children and we make no bones about telling them so … don’t get me started.
While on campus, I went to use the restroom and was amused to listen to some alumni reminisce about their days in these halls. It was the kind of conversation that is privileged for the ladies room, and you can bet your bottom dollar that their children were nowhere around. Their laughter packed memories thickly filled the air but were quickly pushed aside when some giggling students flittered in.
I overheard one of the co-eds tell another that she had gotten totally “shedded” the night before and was still feeling the effects.
The gears in my mind instantly started to turn. Hmmm. Shedded? From the context that she used the word I assumed (and hoped) that it meant drunk, but I would have to do some research.
Back home I consulted some younger friends, and they were not familiar with the term either so I went to the seldom failing Internet. After doing a quick search, I determined that I was right with the drunk guess.
Shedded means intoxicated in “Modern Urban,” which is now considered its own language. Don’t ask me why because I haven’t a clue and who decides these things anyway? Beats me.
Now, shedded is a word that I have heard frequently in the past few years though I really don’t ever remember hearing it before I met my husband, Doug. He speaks a form of “Antique Rural,” which I have decided is also a dialect of its own. I am learning it slowly but still slip back into my City tongue in the blink of an eye. You can take a girl out of the city … you know the rest.
Nevertheless, I have learned that shedded is a term used to describe a piece of farm machinery, usually for sale, to illustrate that it has been kept mostly out of the elements.
In want ads and auction posts the word is used almost as a term of endearment. It means that whatever is for sale was important enough to take up sought-after and limited shed space. And if it was significant enough to shed, it is a good bet that it was maintained well, too. I guess shedded is to farm machinery as garaged is to cars.
I have also been educated that there is no mistaking true “shedded” and an experienced eye can tell a counterfeit. The weather has a way of taking its toll on everything and I have yet to see an SPF 60 sunscreen that works on an antique farm machine or tractors. Of course it will probably be the next thing that comes down the pipes. I can see it now: Shedded In A Bottle; One-Minute-Shedded; Shedded on the Spot. You’ll soon be able to spray on shedded like an instant suntan, and I’m sure my husband’s language will come up with an expressive word for it, and it aint-a-goin-ta be pretty.
I wonder if shedded would be a word I would use to describe myself? Sometimes, like us all, I don’t exactly feel well cared for. I experience the elements bearing down on me, and it makes me feel weathered. At times like this that I pray for a boost, and you know what? It always comes. Sometimes it’s not instant, but it arrives like needed rain when I expect it the least. I share what I gain and my experiences of grace with you, and it raises me up even higher. I thank you for the opportunity.
“Modern Urban” twists an “Antique Rural” word into something less than great.
May you always feel valued and shedded, and I will, in grace, close the gate.
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult – I’m Nancy Kraayenhof.
