In the quaint city of St. John's, Newfoundland, a peculiar tradition has left its mark on the urban landscape. The number 19, once a slang term for an outhouse, has created an intriguing phenomenon where certain streets skip straight from 17 to 21, leaving a noticeable gap. This unique cultural quirk raises questions and offers a fascinating glimpse into the power of language and its impact on our surroundings.
The Smell of Tradition
Imagine a time when an outdoor toilet was a common feature in many households. In Newfoundland, the number 19 became synonymous with this less-than-pleasant necessity. As a result, some residents, like Randy Cooper's grandparents, were appalled at the prospect of their home bearing such an 'unsavoury' number. The city, it seems, had to accommodate these requests, leading to the curious absence of number 19 on several streets.
A Reluctant Number
The impact of this tradition extends beyond mere house numbering. Young Newfoundlanders today eagerly anticipate turning 19, but a century ago, it was a different story. In Head of Bay d'Espoir, a 19th birthday was met with trepidation, and individuals would lie about their age to avoid bullying. This highlights the deep-rooted significance and stigma attached to the number 19.
The Origins of Slang
Unraveling the origins of slang is a challenging task. It often emerges within small, tight-knit communities and evolves through spoken language, making its path difficult to trace. Philip Hiscock, a professor emeritus of folklore, believes the term 'number 19' originated from the game of golf. In the early days of golf courses, an outhouse, or 'the 19th hole', was a common feature. This clever association, where the pit under the outhouse became the literal 19th hole, provides an intriguing explanation for the slang's birth.
A Wild Life of Its Own
However, the theory takes an interesting turn. The Newfoundland Golf Club, with its nine-hole course, couldn't have inspired the slang on its own. Hiscock suggests that the term '19th hole' was likely in use elsewhere, brought to Newfoundland by golfers who had played on 18-hole courses abroad. It was in St. John's that this golfing term took on a life of its own, spreading beyond the golf course and into the everyday language of non-golfers.
A Legacy Rewrites the Map
As indoor plumbing became more widespread, the expression 'number 19' faded from use. Yet, its impact remains etched into the city's streets. This piece of slang, with its intriguing origins and cultural significance, has quite literally rewritten the map of St. John's. It serves as a reminder of the power of language and how our everyday expressions can leave an indelible mark on our surroundings.
Deeper Reflections
The story of number 19 in St. John's raises questions about the interplay between language, culture, and our physical environment. It showcases how a simple slang term can evolve, adapt, and leave a lasting impact. It also highlights the importance of understanding the deeper meanings and histories embedded in our everyday lives. From the streets of St. John's to the golf courses of the world, the number 19 tells a story of tradition, evolution, and the enduring power of language.
