The Smelly Secret of St. John's Streets
Did you know that some streets in St. John's, Newfoundland, have a peculiar absence? The number 19 is conspicuously missing from house addresses, and the reason behind this oddity is a fascinating blend of local tradition and linguistic evolution. It's a story that reveals how language can shape our surroundings and vice versa.
A Number's Unsavory Reputation
In the past, the number 19 held a rather unsavory meaning in Newfoundland. It was once slang for an outdoor toilet, a term that originated from the golf course, where the outhouse was humorously referred to as the '19th hole'. This association spread beyond the golf course, and the number 19 became synonymous with something smelly and undesirable. What's intriguing is how this linguistic quirk influenced the physical layout of the city. Residents were so averse to the number that they refused to live in houses bearing that address, leading to the omission of 19 from street numbering in certain areas.
The Power of Language and Culture
This phenomenon highlights the power of language and culture in shaping our environment. It's a testament to how slang, often born from specific social contexts, can leave a lasting mark on a community. The aversion to the number 19 was so strong that it prompted the city to renumber streets, accommodating the residents' superstitions or preferences. This is a unique example of how language and culture can interact with urban planning, creating a tangible impact on the cityscape.
Tracing the Origins
The origins of this slang term are as intriguing as its consequences. Professor Philip Hiscock suggests that the phrase 'number 19' originated from the golf course, where the outhouse was indeed the 19th hole. However, the Newfoundland Golf Club had only nine holes, complicating this theory. It's possible that the term was borrowed from 18-hole courses elsewhere and adapted to the local context. This adaptation and evolution of language are common, especially in slang, where words and phrases can quickly spread and transform.
A Linguistic Legacy
What makes this story particularly fascinating is how a simple slang term influenced the city's geography. The number 19, once a playful euphemism, led to the physical alteration of street addresses. As indoor plumbing became more prevalent, the term fell out of use, but its impact on the city's layout remains. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of language and how it can leave an indelible mark on our surroundings.
In conclusion, the absence of the number 19 in St. John's streets is more than just a curious anomaly; it's a reflection of the intricate relationship between language, culture, and the physical world. It invites us to consider the hidden meanings and histories that shape our everyday environments, often in ways we might never suspect.
