You Arizonans have the dangdest pronunciations

Today's question:

I need your help. We have just relocated to Scottsdale. But after watching the local news broadcasts, I don't know how to pronounce the name. Should it be pronounced with a long "o" or with an "i" sound, such as the town of Presskit (Prescott). I have a friend named Scott. Should I call him Skitt when he visits Arizona?

I'm not sure I understand your question. On the other hand, it makes more sense than one that recently came in about popcorn kernels. Wait 'til you see that one. It's a doozy.

First of all, when you say "relocated" do you mean you're new to Arizona or that you just moved here from someplace else in the state?

If you already lived here you should already know how to pronounce Scottsdale. If you're here from out of state, don't be afraid.

Next, a long "o"? Maybe I've got them mixed up but a long "o" would make it something like "Scootland,'' wouldn't it? Or like "Scotia." I think you mean a short "o," as in "pot" or "dog."

But like I said, maybe I've got them mixed up. It wouldn't be the first time.

As for Prescott, it is indeed pronounced "Presskit." Don't ask me why. Nobody knows. It's just one of those Arizona things. You'll get used to it.

Where did we get the word "hangover" to mean the effects of having drank too much?

There are a lot of stories about this, but it seems to have first appeared in print sometime around 1904. The idea is that the ailment is hanging over from the previous night's indulgences.