Learning the lingo of Boonville

I enjoyed “At Boonville Ranch, Nothin’ Much Is Lots of Fun,” by Craig Nakano (Weekend Escape, March 28). Boonville is certainly a destination to be enjoyed. We have visited there often.

Besides the Anderson Valley beers and wines, Boonville has something else to offer that is unique: a local dialect known as “Boontling.”

According to legend, this dialect was used by itinerant laborers who came to town annually to shear the sheep.

Some of the local stores used to sell a guide to understanding Boontling, “A Wee Deek to Harpin’ in Boont” (“A Little Guide to Speaking in Boontling”).

A visitor to Boonville should visit the local coffee shop, the Horn of Zeese. A “horn” is a “cup.” “Zeese” is coffee, named after a local resident known as Z.C., hence “Zeese.” He was famed for drinking lots of coffee. A visit to Boonville can be relaxing and rewarding.

Willard W. Parker

Laguna Niguel