CCJC Companion Lexicon/Glossary to Haunted By Hand: A NOLA Ghost Story - Episode 00048, Season 2, Episode 00049, Season 2
Here at Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation we realized long ago that some of our story handouts needed something more for those who aren’t able to come to Louisiana in person, or those visitors who “want to know more.” With that we also recognized that to know us and our many cultures or history — We needed to provide some old fashioned “insider” helps to just being able to pronounce the words or phrases you might encounter if you love all things “Louisiana.”
Unraveling the complexities of Louisiana cultural languages requires more than just savoring a delicious meal or swaying to a jazz tune. It demands a plunge into the historical linguistic blends that bind our many diverse cultures into a one-of-a-kind word dish that forms our very essence. From the hazy whispers of prohibition “agents du fisc” in clandestine speakeasies to the coded language of “card telegraphy” you’ll walk the hallowed halls of ghostly card games.
Each word, phrase, or term acts as a portal to a bygone era. This lexicon/glossary is swimming in Cajun, Creole, African, Caribbean, and native Louisiana historical references. They serve as a vital tool for understanding how Mississippi River language shapes and reflects the unusual spirit of Louisiana.
By deciphering these historical linguistic nuances, from the meaning of “coffin varnish” to the significance of where a “Desire Line” street car ran, we peek into the social dynamics, hidden histories, and enduring cultural identity of the Pelican State into the true heart of its locals.
Where Agents du Fisc Fear The Voodoo Vibe Lexicon/Glossary
Agents du fis- Pronounced: (AH-zhahn dŭ feesk). Meaning: French for “tax agents” or “revenue officers.” Refers to government officials enforcing tax laws, particularly during Prohibition.
Bayou Bluff Codes - Pronounced: (BY-oo bluff kohdz). Meaning: Secret signals or codes used by the card cheaters, implying a local, bayou speak or mannerisms related originally to their cheating methods.
Blind Tiger - Pronounced: (Blynd TY-guhr). Meaning: A historical term for an illegal establishment that sold alcohol during prohibition. A private hidden drinking club.
Card Telegraphy - Pronounced: (kard teh-LEH-gruh-fee. Meaning: A method of cheating at cards by using subtle signals, such as glances, gestures, or facial expressions to communicate information about the cards.
Coffin Varnish - Pronounced: (KAW-fin VAR-nish). Meaning: A slang term for cheap, low-quality, often boot-leg still whiskey).
Conferate - Pronounced: (CON-feh-rate). Meaning: An old fashioned word for confederate, meaning an accomplice.
Crawfish - Pronounced (KRAW-fish). Meaning a freshwater crustacean (aka Mudpuppy) similar to a small lobster, common in Louisiana.
Deciphering - Pronounced (dee-SY-fer-ing). Meaning: To succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying something.
Desire Line - Pronounced (deh-ZY–er lyn). Meaning: In New Orleans, a reference to the Desire Streetcar line that runs from the French Quarter and ends in the Upper Ninth Ward.
Discarnate - Pronounced: (dis-KAR-nate). Meaning: Separated from the physical body, disembodied.
Ectoplasmic - Pronounced: (ek-toh-PLAZ-mik). Meaning: Relating to or denoting a ghostly substance, believed to emanate from psychic mediums.
Fantôme - Pronounced: (fahn-TOHM). Meaning: French/Cajun French for “phantom” or “ghost.”
Gumbo - Pronounced: (GUHM-boh). Meaning: A savory stew originating in Louisiana, typically with seafood or meat, vegetables, and a roux. Can have multiple local ethnic influences.
Knave - Pronounced: (nayv). Meaning: An old-fashioned term for the “Jack” in a deck of cards.
Krewe - Pronounced: (kroo). Meaning: A group of people who organize, build, and participate in a Mardi Gras parade.
Luzianne Chicory Coffee - Pronounced (loo-zee-AN chik-uh-ree KAW-fee). Meaning: A popular brand of strong coffee that includes chicory, which adds a slightly bitter, woody flavor.
Muffuletta - Pronounced (muhf-uh-LET-uh). Meaning: Originally a large sandwich on a Sicilian sesame loaf now evolved into other loaves, containing layers of marinated olive salad, salami, him, Mortadella sausage, olives, and provolone.
NOLA - Pronounced: (NOH-luh). Meaning: An abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana.
Orb - Pronounced (orb). Meaning: A spherical, usually ghostly apparition representing a deceased person, that often travels about in this context.
Paddle Boat - Pronunciation: (PAD-uhl-boht). Meaning: A Mississippi River steamboat propelled by large paddle wheels.
Piquet - Pronounced: (pee-KAY). Meaning: An old fashioned card game for two players, using a 32-card deck, a game of strategy and quick wit.
Revenuers - Pronounced (REV-uh-noors). Meaning: Government agents who enforce revenue laws, particularly in common use during the Prohibition years when alcohol was banned.
Sleight of hand - Pronounced: (slyt uhv hand). Meaning: Exceptionally dexterous manipulation or deceptive card playing skills.
Specter - Pronounced: (SPEK-ter). Meaning: A ghost of a phantom.
Spectral - Pronounced: (SPEK-truhl). Meaning: “Of or like” a ghost.
Speakeasy - Pronounced: (SPEEK-ee-zee). Meaning: An illegal liquor store or nightclub during Prohibition.
Translucent - Pronounced: (trans-LOO-sent). Meaning: Allowing light to pass through, but not entirely clear, see through.
Voodoo Vibe - Pronounced: (VOO-doo-vyb). Meaning: Implies magical or supernatural influences, connecting in this case to cheating Voodoo practices.
Wraith - Pronounced: (rayth). Meaning: Another word for a ghost or specter.
Our tales are inspired by real Louisiana and New Orleans history, but some details may have been spiced up for a good story. While we've respected the truth, a bit of creative license could have been used. Please note that all characters may be based on real people, but their identities in some cases have been Avatar masked for privacy. Others are fictional characters with connections to Louisiana.
A Word of Wisdom:
As you read both the stories and any companion material provided, remember history and real life is a complex mix of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. While we may have (or not) added a bit of fiction, the core message remains: the human spirit's power to endure, adapt, and overcome.
© Jerilee Wei 2025 All Rights Reserved.
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