Cuttin’ ice

To Real Texans, the term cutting ice has a couple of different meanings.

In weather like we currently have, which is ‘real code’, cuttin’ ice means we physically go out to the water trough and break the ice over the top of the trough so animals can get a drink.  They have to have water and if the top stays frozen over for more than a day, it’s just another outdoor chore that comes with the seasons.

I know folks who have items as simple as a hammer and as complicated as a heating device they use to cut the ice in the water.  I’ve used both kids of devices and have also had to haul warmed water to the trough so thirsty animals could get a drink.  That water hauling usually took place after a cold spell that completely freezes solid a concrete or galvanized trough, or the water lines that feed the trough.

Today, I’m reduced to only having chickens and a pet bobcat to cut ice for and it’s not all that much trouble.  It would be a different story if I had to drive out through the pasture to the different tanks out in the pasture or water troughs.

The other term used for ‘cuttin’ ice’ is different altogether.

As in, “That feller’s opinion don’t cut no ice with me.”

Or…that particular action, “don’t cut no ice.”

In short, the opinion exerts no influence over another.  Or something said fails to convince another party to your way of thinking….as in “I don’t care who he is, that don’t cut no ice with me!”  It means the opinion did not make much of an impression on someone else.

I’m coming across lots of funny and different terms like this in my research on a little essay on How To Tawk Texan.  Actually, it’s a little more than an essay, it is an ebook, or it could be a series of lessons.  I haven’t decided yet.

I’ll let you know when it’s about ready.

I’m David out in Real Texas cuttin’ ice

….the “real code” kind

Tagged as: austin texas, david werst, Texas Lifestyle